U.S. Federal Public Lands

Maps and Additional Information on Public Lands

Explore federal lands, their designations, and recreation opportunities using:

Interactive Maps and Public Land Info – Public Lands Foundation

Outdoor Recreation on Federal Lands

(Hunting, Fishing, Off-Road Driving, Recreational Shooting, Fire Bans, and More)

Fishing and Hunting Licenses are Required

Fire Bans May Restrict Firearm Related Activities- Check with local Fire Department or Ranger for Questions about Fire Bans and local closures.

Find local ranges

wheretoshoot.org

Stay the Trail – Responsible OHV Recreation

Promotes low-impact, legal off-road vehicle use on public lands.

StayTheTrail.org

Core Principles:

  1. Ride on designated routes only (MVUMs, BLM Maps)
  2. Avoid sensitive areas (wetlands, tundra, cultural sites)
  3. Minimize erosion and trail widening
  4. Respect closures
  5. Leave No Trace
  6. Yield to non-motorized users

U.S. Forest Service (USFS) – National Forests & Grasslands

Hunting:

Permitted in most areas under state regulations (seasons, licenses, bag limits). Some sensitive zones may have local closures. Check with local ranger and local national forest website for more information on closures.

USFS Hunting Info National Forest Map- National Forest Websites National Forest List- National Forest Websites

Fishing:

Allowed in most lakes, rivers, and streams, following state rules.

USFS Fishing Info

Off-Road Driving:

  • Travel is permitted only on designated roads, trails, and areas shown on Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs).
  • Cross-country travel is prohibited unless explicitly allowed.
  • Seasonal closures occur for wildlife protection or erosion control.
  • USFS OHV Info

Recreational Shooting:

Firearm Possession & Carry:

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Hunting & Fishing:

Allowed under state law on most lands, including for big game and upland birds.

Unless specifically prohibited, public lands managed by the BLM are open to hunting. Always check with your local BLM office in the region you plan to visit to inquire about closures, restrictions and safety tips before you plan your trip.

BLM-managed lands are open for fishing unless specifically closed for specific resource protection purposes

BLM Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting BLM Hunting & Fishing Brochure

Off-Road Driving:

  • Travel is allowed on designated routes only, based on Open, Limited, or Closed area classification
  • BLM OHV Recreation Info

Recreational Shooting:

  • Allowed on most BLM lands unless specifically closed. Key rules include:
    • Never shoot from or over any road or highway
    • Always use a safe backdrop
    • Glass and exploding targets are prohibited in some states.
    • Do not use plastic pellets, tracer rounds, exploding rounds, or steel core rounds.
    • Do not attach targets to plants or place targets against rocks, plants, or solid objects. It is illegal to deface or destroy trees, signs, outbuildings, or other objects on federal lands.
    • Carry in your targets and carry out all litter, brass and shell casings. All targets, shell casings, debris and trash must be removed.
    • Cross-country travel is not permitted outside of OHV Open Area boundaries, so please stay on designated routes.
  • Practice safe shooting: be aware of your target, clean up casings and targets
  • Always shoot into a backstop (hill), where you can see where the bullet will impact. Make sure you have a clear line of sight to the impact zone, and that you are not shooting in the potential direction of a hiking trail.
  • Check with the ranger or your local fire department about potential fire ban restrictions before heading out. You can also check the BLM Fire Restrictions page. Some fire bans prohibit recreational shooting on federal lands.
  • BLM Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting
  • BLM Safety Reminders
  • BLM Fire Restrictions

Firearm Possession & Carry:

  • Open Carry and Concealed Carry are allowed under state law, if carry is legal in the State, it is legal on BLM land.
  • Firearms are prohibited in federal buildings and some special areas
  • Firearms prohibited in the San Pedro Riparian Zone in Arizona, the Wallace Conservation Forest in Idaho and Red Rock National Conservation Area in Nevada
  • USCCA Carry Restrictions
  • CCW Public Lands Carry
  • Battlebox California Open Carry

National Park Service (NPS)

Hunting:

Permitted only in designated parks such as some National Preserves and units in Alaska, check NPS Hunting Info link to see hunting opportunities on a park by park basis.

NPS Hunting Info NPS Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing

Fishing:

Allowed in most parks, following state laws and conservation policies, check NPS Fishing in Parks link to see fishing opportunities on a park by park basis.

NPS Fishing in Park NPS Responsible Fishing NPS Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing

Off-Road Driving:

  • Limited to paved or designated unpaved roads
  • OHVs and cross-country travel are prohibited

Recreational Shooting:

  • Not prohibited except during authorized hunting
  • Closures during fire restrictions are common.

Firearm Possession & Carry:

  • Open/concealed carry allowed under state law, check CCW Public Lands Carry link to see restrictions by State and National Park
  • Firearms prohibited in federal facilities (government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities) and discharge only allowed during lawful hunting in authorized zones
  • If carry is legal in the state and under local laws, it is legal in the national park. Check for regulations regarding specific national parks.
  • CCW Public Lands Carry
  • NPS Firearms Policy

U.S. Federal Public Lands – Quick Reference

Agency / Land Type Hunting & Fishing Off-Road Driving (OHV) Recreational Shooting Firearm Possession & Carry Fire Bans / Restrictions
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Permitted under state regulations (seasons, licenses, bag limits). Some sensitive zones may have closures. Allowed only on designated roads, trails, and areas per Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs). Cross-country prohibited. Seasonal closures for wildlife/erosion. Allowed unless restricted. Rules: no shooting within 150 yards of buildings/areas, no tracers/incendiary, no explosive targets, no shooting into caves/cultural sites. Cleanup required.. Open carry allowed under state law. Concealed carry permitted with valid state-recognized permit. Prohibited in federal buildings regardless of permit. Fire bans may restrict shooting/firearm use. Check with Ranger or local Fire Department.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Allowed under state law on most lands, including big game/upland birds. Fishing generally open unless closed for resource protection. Travel allowed only on designated routes. Lands classified as Open, Limited, or Closed. Allowed unless specifically closed. Must follow safety: know target, avoid hazards, clean up casings/targets. Open and concealed carry allowed under state law. Restrictions: prohibited in federal buildings + some special areas (San Pedro Riparian, Wallace Conservation, Red Rock NCA). Fire bans may restrict firearm use, campfires, or other activities. Confirm with local BLM office.
National Park Service (NPS) Hunting only in designated parks (e.g., some Preserves & Alaska units). Park-specific rules apply. Fishing allowed in most parks under state law & NPS conservation policy. Park-specific rules apply. Generally prohibited except during lawful hunting in authorized areas. Open/concealed carry allowed under state law. Prohibited in federal facilities (visitor centers, ranger stations, fee booths, etc.). Firearm discharge only during lawful hunting in authorized zones. Fire bans apply; may restrict campfires, smoking, and firearm use. Always check park alerts.
General Rules (All Federal Lands) Fishing & hunting licenses required. Must comply with state seasons, bag limits, and closures. Follow “Stay the Trail” principles:
1. Ride on designated routes only (MVUMs/BLM maps).
2. Avoid wetlands/tundra/cultural sites.
3. Minimize erosion & trail widening.
4. Respect closures.
5. Leave No Trace.
6. Yield to non-motorized users.		 Shooting generally allowed where not prohibited, except in National Parks. Always check with the ranger before going on an outing. There are local restrictions to be considered. Must follow safe practices, distances, and cleanup. Carry generally follows state law. Exception: All federal buildings = no firearms regardless of permits. Fire bans may restrict all firearm-related activities(including recreational shooting). Always check locally before visiting.

Disclaimer

Thrive Defense LLC is not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided in this document. Regulations on public lands may change at any time. Users are responsible for confirming current rules and restrictions with the managing agency before participating in any activities such as hunting, fishing, shooting, or off-roading.

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