Using BLM and DNR Land for Plein-Air Painting in Washington State
Key Differences Between BLM and DNR Land in Washington
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land is federally managed public land found mostly in the Western United States. It was established to support multiple uses, including recreation, grazing, mining, and conservation. Dispersed camping is typically free and allowed for up to 14 days in a single area, though specific rules can vary by district.
DNR (Department of Natural Resources) land is managed at the state level, and each state sets its own regulations. In Washington, for example, DNR land often requires a Discover Pass and may limit camping to designated areas or specific seasonal windows.
Generally, BLM land offers more open, desert, or grassland terrain, while DNR land in the Pacific Northwest tends to feature more forested and mountainous environments.
Finding and Using BLM and DNR Land
Because BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land isn't widely advertised, it can be tricky to find. Locating these spots involves navigating government websites for resources, though those can be limited. I have found most of my spots by searching Google and using the onX Offroad app, which highlights public land boundaries.
Navigating the App
When using the app, you can specify that you are looking for beginner-level trails, which then appear as highlighted sections on the map.
Zooming in reveals the trail name or code. Many of these routes have established names, making it easy to find additional information or reviews from other travelers. By clicking on a specific road, you can bring up more details. For example, a description might mention that an area is DNR (Department of Natural Resources) land; this is often a strong initial indicator that free camping is available.
Identifying a Campsite
Unless you see posted signs prohibiting camping or noting other restrictions, you are generally in the clear. A good indicator is a sign detailing allowed cooking methods (such as fire restrictions), which further suggests that camping is permitted. In Washington, a Discover Pass is typically the only requirement for DNR land.
It may sound strange, but often all you are looking for is a pre-existing rock fire pit and a semi-flat area that shows signs of previous use. Some spots are hidden, but you will almost always find a fire pit. Seeing others camping along the trail is the best verification you can get; if you are still unsure, just ask someone!
Established vs. Dispersed
There are exceptions like the Lyre River Campground on the Olympic Peninsula. That site has an on-site custodian to help visitors, as well as basic toilets and garbage bins. While these amenities make the experience more comfortable, these spots are much more popular and harder to find than true dispersed sites.
The Overlanding Lifestyle
BLM land is first-come, first-served. Because most spots have to be "discovered," that extra bit of effort means far fewer people consider it an option. As large vans and RVs become more popular, finding uncrowded spots makes the BLM/DNR overlanding lifestyle a much better choice.
I always double or triple-check online to verify that dispersed camping is allowed. Usually, it is just a simple pull-off on a trail with a fire pit. I have occasionally driven two hours to a spot I thought was free only to find out it was a paid site. Doing extra research can save you hours—though sometimes the uncertainty of the search lends itself to the creative process once you finally land on a location.