| Vehicle Use Categories | |
According to the Bureau of Land Management, following are the different vehicle use categories that are used to identify public land use:
- Open Areas: Open areas are available for all forms of cross-country travel. Vehicles may be operated anywhere within the posted boundaries of open areas.
- Limited Use Areas: The majority of public lands are designated limited use. In these areas, vehicle travel is limited to approved routes of travel. No cross-country vehicle travel is allowed. A route of travel is defined as any road or trail which is at least two feet wide and shows significant evidence of prior vehicle use.
- Closed Areas: Most closed areas are closed to motor vehicle use by the general public. Hiking, bicycle riding, equestrian use, and other forms of non-motorized recreation may be permitted. A few closed areas are closed to all use. These areas are closed for safety reasons. These may include military bombing ranges. Contact a BLM Field Office for more information.
- Wilderness: No motorized or mechanized vehicles are allowed in wilderness. This includes mountain bikes. Travel on foot or horseback is welcome.
- Camping: Usually, The BLM allows dispersed camping up to 14 days at any one site. After 14 days, you must relocate to another site at least 25 miles away. When possible, use a BLM-established Dispersed Campsite. These can be found at the end of a spur road or a pullout, and are clear of vegetation and have a hard compacted surface. There may be a rock fire ring. Camps must be at least 600 feet away from any developed water source, so the water is available to wildlife and livestock. Camps should be at least 200 feet away from streams and springs. Park motorized vehicles within 300 feet of an established roadway, except in the open use areas. .
