Know before you go: Off-road travel on Public Lands

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

Media Contact:

(MILES CITY, Mont.) – The BLM Miles City Field Office would like to remind Off-Highway Vehicle operators to respect landowners, wildlife and the landscape and be mindful of travel restrictions on BLM-administered lands.

With few exceptions, cross-country OHV use is prohibited. This is to minimize user conflicts, protect fragile soils, vegetation and wildlife.

Motorcycle and ATV drivers are highly encouraged to obey signs, carry a map and check with the Miles City Field Office to obtain current travel information on established routes and trails.

Remember:

  • Driving off-road on BLM lands is a violation. Existing roads and trails are authorized for travel unless otherwise indicated. Remember: It’s not okay to follow a bad example if somebody else breaks the rules.
  • Motorized access to public lands must be accomplished by an established county road or highway. Permission must be obtained when crossing private land to get to BLM-administered lands.
  • OHV users may only drive cross-country to campsites within 300 feet of an existing road or trail after locating their campsite in a non-motorized fashion. Please don’t drive all over the countryside to select a camping spot.

Off-road violations and public access issues can be clarified by calling the BLM Miles City Field Office at: 233-2800. Violations may also be reported by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) and online at: https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/tipmont.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.