Is BLM camping safe? Yes! Just look out for these signs and take these precautions

By Dave Helgeson
Is BLM camping safe? This was the core of a question posted on the BLM Camping Facebook group hosted by RVtravel.com. Unfortunately, the post was deleted before I could review the hundreds of comments. It drew such a response that RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury reached out to me and asked that I write an article on the subject. Upon further research, I determined the original question had a bit more to it, as it asked, “How to determine if a BLM camping area is safe or not for a lonely camper.”

As someone who has enjoyed camping on BLM land for years, I would have responded to the original question that BLM camping is as safe or even safer than camping in an RV park, regardless of whether you are a single camper, a couple, or traveling with other RVers. I would also have responded that while there are natural dangers (animal and weather) of camping on BLM land, which are quickly understood and can be minimized, most people are thinking of the two-legged variety of danger, which is mankind. Sadly, staying safe from others is what this article will focus on.

This article will tackle the question of whether BLM camping is safe in four parts. First, I will discuss what is the BLM and what types of camping opportunities exist on BLM land. Second, I will outline why my wife and I don’t fear BLM camping. Third, I will share deterrents to help you feel safer. And fourth, I will share clues to help you determine if a BLM camping area is “safe” or not.

What is BLM land and what are the BLM camping opportunities?

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) is an agency of the federal government that manages 245 million acres of public land, offering some of the best free and low-cost camping in the West. Options range from primitive campgrounds with little to no services, developed campgrounds with hookups, and long-term visitor areas (LTVA), to literally tens of thousands of places to disperse camp (boondock) for free. Learn more here.

“Hands down, the BLM is the go-to land agency for free and low-cost camping options.” Per The ABCs of free and low-cost camping on federal land.

Why my wife and I don’t fear camping on BLM land

Statistically speaking, you are much more likely to be a victim in your own home than in your RV for the following reasons:

• An RV is much less appealing to a thief than a permanent residence, as it is less likely to have the same amount of easily pawned appliances, jewelry, or valuables that can easily be converted to cash.
• Camping down a back country road on public land, regardless of whether it is a lonely primitive campground or boondocking, makes you no more of a target for a crook than anyone who lives in a home on a remote country road.

• Criminals are opportunists, i.e., they apply their trade where there is maximum opportunity such as in urban areas, large campgrounds, and other places where people congregate. Think about it: Why would a criminal drive miles out of the city with the hopes of finding someone camped on sparsely occupied BLM land to victimize?

“I’ve found that most creeps lurk in urban areas, where opportunities are more plentiful and someone is less likely to come around.” Facebook comment.

Fram H. commented on the Facebook post: “There’s just not enough targets to make it worthwhile for the average criminal.”

However, being humans, statistics and logic don’t always alleviate our fear and safety concerns. Sadly, we have been conditioned by TV and movies to fear others.

“I remember movies where RVers would be out in the middle of the desert, and out of nowhere, an outlaw motorcycle gang would show up and start wreaking havoc on everyone, and doing whatever they wanted. It was basically B-run movies you’d see at the drive-in, or on late-night TV. People (some people) would watch that trash, believe it was probably based on real-life experiences, and the word spread. It was all nonsense, of course, but those stories spread and folks believed it.” Per Rick D. via the BLM Camping Facebook group.

Note: If you ever meet my wife or me in person, be sure to ask us about the leather-clad Harley Davidson rider investigating the area around where we were dispersed camping on BLM land, leaving and then hearing his motorcycle return and shutdown at 2 a.m. one night. Yep, the Hollywood stereotype got the best of us!

Steps you can take to further deter your odds of being victimized while BLM camping that will make you feel safer

A. Place a sticker on your RV to indicate that an alarm system or guard dog is contained in your rig. Better yet, install a 12-volt burglar alarm system or take Fido RVing with you. A dog makes a great alarm system, and no criminal wants to be bitten by one.

B. Talk to other RVers who go BLM camping on a regular basis. They will happily share their experiences and recommendations for camping on BLM land—you will quickly learn there is nothing to fear.

C. When camping in a remote area by yourself, put two chairs, an extra pair of large men’s shoes, and a large dog dish outside your RV door. This will make any would-be criminal think twice about approaching your RV.

D. Park where there is cell phone service when possible.

E. If you are a motorhome owner and feel unsafe where you are BLM camping, keep the jacks up, awning in and your RV ready to roll. If you are threatened, you can just jump in the cockpit and drive away.

F. Know your exact location before you need help. Be ready to provide a good description of where you are camped including the name of the road, milepost, and your position relative to both. Better yet, capture the coordinates of your campsite via your GPS receiver when you arrive at camp and keep them handy to give to first responders if needed. Note: While smartphones are equipped with GPS, the accuracy can be off several hundred yards from your actual location.

G. Park out of view or in view depending on the circumstances and surroundings.

H. If your RV is equipped with a wireless remote key fob, keep it nearby when BLM camping. The panic button would scare away almost any criminal. The honking horn and flashing lights can be seen/heard for miles.

I. Carry a Spot X Messenger or Garmin inReach. Regardless of cell phone coverage, both devices allow you to check in with family, let them know where you are camped and summon 911 services via satellite from almost anywhere.

J. Many RVers feel safer by carrying a firearm while BLM camping. If so, consider the following:

• If you choose to carry one, are you prepared to use it? If not, you may be providing a weapon to be used against you.
• If you choose to carry one, make sure you know the law in each of the states you will be visiting as the laws vary widely from state to state. Click here to learn more.
• As an alternative to a firearm, some RVers carry less lethal protection such as mace, bear spray, pepper spray or wasp spray. Again, there are legal ramifications, so know the laws and act responsibly.

Peter S.’s response to the question “Is BLM camping safe?”: “It’s as safe as anything else, it might be safer than camping in a traditional park. Most thieves don’t like putting in a lot of effort and usually are not that bright. There is the idea out there that someone boondocking has a gun.”

Fram H. says, “I think as others have said there’s a good chance people are carrying when camping unlike the average city residents, so it’s another deterrent for criminals.” 

How to tell if BLM camping area is safe or not?

This is highly subjective because if trouble is going to find you, it can find you anywhere. But let’s take a look at some tips and statements from other RVers on what to look for.

Hank S.: “I look for garbage, liquor bottles, discarded household furniture, etc. If a place is lawless, there’ll be lots of trash left by the swine. After avoiding trash, I try to avoid people. They’re definitely a telltale sign of trouble.”

Steve H.: “On BLM grounds, I’ve always felt safe. It’s when I’m staying in local parks for a night. If I see lots of traffic just cruising thru, evidence of reckless behavior (donut-type tire marks on the pavement), or overflowing trash cans, I keep moving along. Those simple things tell me that no one is paying attention to this area and is prone to sketchy situations.”

Tracy C.: “Only recently started staying at BLM campgrounds. Have never felt scared or threatened. I do lock up and carry protection.”

Dominica T.: “Trust your gut. To be honest, I feel safer boondocking than I do being in public.”

Josh U.: “As a general rule, the further I get from civilization, the safer I feel. Bad guys don’t tend to cruise BLM land looking for victims.”

Dave T.: “I’ve been preaching this exact point for years. The further you get from dense populations, the safer it is. I’ve been full-time boondocking for 16 months straight and found the more remote, the safer it is.”

Lindsay R.: “We camped on BLM land in AZ for five days and never felt unsafe. Went and stayed on the Las Vegas strip to recharge for a night and, got robbed at a slot machine. The danger was civilization and society… the BLM land in the desert was actually the safe spot.”

Laurie B.: “Lots of propane bottles along with old broken-down RVs with lots of junk around them… that’d be Tweakerville…”

Author’s opinion: Like others have mentioned, I try to avoid trashy dispersed camping areas or those with derelict vehicles. However, when there is not an easy or nearby alternate, my wife and I have stayed in trashy areas and once near a homeless person living under a tarp attached to an old, likely inoperable, station wagon. Two of the trashy areas were locations that locals used for target practice, shooting up old TVs, bottles, cans, etc., failing to take the remains of the items when they left (shame on them).

We once boondocked literally at the eastern city limits of Pahrump, Nevada, on BLM land. We found a convenient spot not far from the end of a paved city street to camp. About 100 yards from us was an old station wagon with a tarp serving as an awning. There were no signs of an occupant when we set up camp, but after returning to camp after exploring some old charcoal kilns via our off-road toys, we did spot an occupant. In all three instances, no problems occurred while we were camping.

Areas strewn with beer cans/bottles along with rock fire rings filled with half-burnt trash typically indicate a party spot. These areas will typically be located 20-30 minutes outside of a populated town and indicate an area where the older youth come out to get drunk on the weekends. Boomers will remember them as keggers, where stupid but mostly harmless activities take place with loud music and voices. Unless you want to relive your youth and be kept awake until the wee hours of the morning, avoid camping in these spots on Friday or Saturday nights.

My wife and I have camped at such locations on weeknights and never encountered a problem. I encourage those who camp in such locations to clean up the area and haul the trash out when they leave. By doing so they will keep the BLM from closing these areas, keeping them open for other appreciative campers to enjoy.

Conclusion—Is BLM camping safe? We say YES!

It’s worth noting that the one incident where my wife and I were briefly frightened occurred at a shopping mall in an urbanized area of Eugene, Oregon. We were staying the night in the designated overnight parking area with permission and under the watchful eye of mall security. The next morning, I stepped outside to start our generator, returning to the warmth of our RV without relocking the door, which is my normal routine when boondocking on BLM land. A short time later a woman opened the door of our RV unannounced. My wife’s scream quickly let the woman know she was unwelcome and drove her away. After observing the woman walk away, it was clear she had mental issues and was not a threat to us.

##RVT1147