Private land is exactly what it sounds like — owned by a person, company, ranch, or trust — and it is not open for public camping. We treat it as a first-class grey base layer (private parcels painted back over the public-land base) for one reason: ownership data, especially in the West, often paints a private inholding as if it were the surrounding BLM or national forest. Without the grey carve, a private ranch threaded through gold BLM ground would read as free dispersed camping when it isn't. The caveat works both ways, though: ownership data can miss parcels, so the absence of grey is NOT a guarantee a spot is public. On the ground, posted boundaries, fences, and 'No Trespassing' signs win over any map — there is no right-to-roam in the U.S. or Canada.

Common questions

Can you camp on private land?

No — private property is not open for public camping. You may camp on private land only with the owner's permission. Respect posted boundaries, fences, and signs, which always override what any map shows.

Why is some land grey on the map?

Grey is private land. We paint it back over the public-land base because ownership data often paints a private inholding as if it were the surrounding BLM or national forest. The grey keeps a private ranch from reading as free dispersed camping.

If a spot isn't grey, is it definitely public?

Not guaranteed. Ownership data can miss parcels, so the absence of grey is not proof a spot is public. Verify on the ground — posted boundaries and fences always win — and confirm with the managing agency or a current parcel record before you camp.

Sources — verify before you camp

• Private-parcel boundaries: per-state cadastres and BLM Surface Management Agency (SMA) inventories carved over PAD-US — ownership data can miss parcels; verify locally. As accessed 2026-06.

This page aggregates public data; the linked official pages are authoritative — verify before you camp. The color on our map is the disclaimer, never a permit.