Many regulations are the same in national parks, national forests and in other parts of the Public Domain, but many are not. Some of these are highlighted in the following section. For a complete set of regulations pertaining to a specific public land area, visitors should contact the Public Lands Information Center or the appropriate agency.
Fires
Unless drought conditions exist, fires are generally permitted in campgrounds where fire rings or fireplaces are provided. Firewood may not be available at many campgrounds; it is best to bring your own. When traveling in the back country, use dead and down wood only and make sure that the fire is completely out before leaving camp. In the backcountry areas of national parks, fires are usually prohibited.
Pets
In campgrounds, developed recreation sites, and in state and national parks, pets must be kept on leash or be otherwise confined. No pets are allowed on trails in national parks. Pets are not allowed in National Wildlife Refuges except for hunting dogs where hunting and the use of dogs is permitted. When hiking with pets on other public lands, please remember that harassing wildlife is unlawful.
Firearms and fireworks
Firearms are prohibited in national parks and in all campgrounds, and generally in all state parks and national wildlife refuges except during hunting season at the latter. On other public lands, discharging firearms within 150 yards of a building, campsite or developed recreation area is prohibited. As with any activity that may be potentially dangerous to others, extreme caution is advised. Fireworks are generally prohibited on public lands.
Flora-Fauna
All plants and animals are protected in national and state parks and national wildlife refuges. On all other public lands, state wildlife laws apply to the taking of wildlife. On Forest Service and BLM lands permits may be obtained for cutting firewood or collecting plants and for personal use.
Collecting
With the exception of lands administered by the National Park Service, invertebrate fossils, rocks and mineral specimens, plants, fruits and berries may be collected for personal use only on most public lands. For specific rules, consult the appropriate agency.
Camping
Generally, camping in many public land campgrounds is on a “first come, first served” basis. National reservation systems exist for certain national park, national forest, and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. Day use and overnight fees are charged in most public campgrounds and fees may vary from year to year. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for campgrounds at many national parks and other popular recreation sites. Most campgrounds have established limits on length of stay, usually 7 to 14 days. In national forests and on BLM lands, camping is allowed away from established campgrounds with a 14-day limit on staying in any one place. Leave no trace of your stay, don't block roads, camp at least 1/4 mile from water sources, and if you have a fire, make sure it is dead out before leaving. Call your nearest Public Lands Information Center for more details.
Entrance and User Fees
The upkeep and administration of public lands and facilities runs in the hundreds of millions of dollars. To help alleviate a chronic shortage of funds, entrance fees are charged at many national parks and monuments, while user fees may be assessed on certain BLM and Forest Service lands and wildlife refuges and national parks and monuments. An annual Golden Eagle passport may be purchased which provides entry to all national parks and monuments but can’t be used for other fees. Lifetime Golden Access passports are issued to people with disabilities for free admission to national parks and monuments and entitle the bearer to a 50% discount on federal user fees. Golden Age passports, for those over 62, also entitle the bearer to free admission to national parks and monuments and a 50% discount on federal user fees.
Back Country Use
Hundreds of miles of trails and back country roads criss-cross the nation's public lands. Travel in many places can be an adventure, but adventure can quickly turn into disaster if a breakdown or a sudden change in weather catches you unprepared. Visitors may find themselves miles from help in case of an emergency. Some hints for safer back country travel:
- Plan your trip carefully. Tell friends where you are going and for how long. Stick to your plan and let them know when you return.
- Don't travel alone.
- Dress properly. Even in summer, temperatures can change drastically from daytime to nighttime. In winter, sub-zero temperatures are common at night in many parts of the public land states. Always inquire locally about weather conditions.
- Carry plenty of water, whether you are hiking or driving. Don't ration your water--it will do you good only if you drink it.
- Make sure your equipment is in good shape. That includes you.
- Test the ground before driving through washes and watch out for flash floods.
- Remember, parked and unattended vehicles may be subject to vandalism.
- Don't camp in washes or drainages.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and fishing on public lands are governed by state law. Seasons and bag limits are set by the State Game Commission. For specific details, inquiries should be addressed to the appropriate Departments of Game and Fish or to the nearest Public Lands Information Center.
Paleontological Sites
Many fossils of both large and small vertebrates exist on public lands. Removal of vertebrate fossils (bones) is not allowed without special permits. Invertebrate fossils may be collected for personal use, except that collecting is prohibited but in national parks and developed recreation areas.
Archaeological Sites
Long before the arrival of Europeans, people lived over much of North America. Signs of these ancient cultures are found on public lands in fteh orm of ruins, petroglyphs, stone tools and broken pottery fragments. To the Native peoples these sites have significance, often religious. Admire the ruins if you come across them, marvel at those long-gone people who lived in often inhospitable environments, ponder our common humanity--but leave everything where it is. To do otherwise is not only disrespectful but also against the law.
PAYING FOR PLAYING
Federal Permits
Golden Eagle
Golden Access
Golden Age
Duck Stamps
Entrance fees
Campground fees
User fees (fee demonstration, back country use, river permits, etc.)
Special Use Permits (commercial permits for doing business on public lands, such as guide services, concessionaire businesses, filming, etc.)
State Permits
Hunting (resident, non-resident, under 12 - over 65)
Fishing (resident, non-resident, under 12 - over 65)
State Park passes
State Trust Land passes
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