This Land is Your Land

From sea to shining sea, the United States offers countless budget-friendly recreational opportunities, especially on public lands. These lands, if you know where to look, encompass millions of protected acres set aside for activities such as fishing, hiking, kayaking, backpacking, biking, and off-roading.

From coast to coast and border to border, the federal government has preserved and conserved millions of acres. The importance of this preservation has been recognized since the 1800s, as evidenced by the Yellowstone Park Protection Act of 1872. In the 1900s, conservationists like Teddy Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and John Muir rallied public support for preserving wilderness. Even cultural icons like novelist Jack Kerouac lamented the loss of wide-open spaces. More recently, President Obama designated 29 new national monuments and expanded five others, from Utah’s Bears Ears National Monument to the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.

Public lands are a part of the American dream, funded by your tax dollars. They offer a wealth of outdoor activities, from endless dirt roads for ATVs to stocked trout streams and everything in between. Some public lands, such as iconic national parks, see tens of millions of visitors each year. Others, like Alaska’s remote Noatak National Preserve, attract fewer than 2,000 visitors annually. Addi Jenkins, communications director for the Wyoming Wilderness Association, explains, “Public lands are a shared resource, offering everyone the opportunity to connect with nature, find solitude, and engage in outdoor adventures. We all play a role in their stewardship.”

What options do you have, and how can you take advantage of these national treasures? Whether you’re the next Muir or Kerouac, here’s a quick rundown of what our country has to offer.

National Forests and Grasslands provide a wealth of inexpensive recreational opportunities. They encompass vast expanses of natural beauty with no entry fees and affordable camping options. The United States boasts 154 national forests, ranging from the compact Tuskegee National Forest in Alabama to the expansive Tongass National Forest in Alaska.

Additionally, there are 20 National Grasslands and one Tall Grass Prairie, offering ample space for outdoor activities. Compared to National Parks, these areas typically have fewer regulations, allowing visitors to forage for mushrooms, berries, and nuts, cut Christmas trees, and even pan for gold, often requiring only minimal permits.

These natural areas provide over 9,000 miles of scenic byways for leisurely drives, more than 5,000 campgrounds for overnight stays, and an extensive network of over 150,000 miles of trails for hiking and exploration. Adventurers can also enjoy approximately 4,400 miles of wild and scenic rivers for floating, along with over 328 natural swimming holes where visitors can take a refreshing dip at no cost. To locate a National Forest near you, visit the US Forest Service's website or use the National Forest Foundation's easy-to-use locator map. 

There are 568  national wildlife refuges in the US, offering the chance to see birds, animals, and plenty of fish. With proper permits, You can also hunt and fish. Wildlife Refuges are generally uncrowded, as the landscape is not as sexy as, say, Yosemite or the Grand Canyon. But if you appreciate being one with nature, and vibing to the sounds of birds rather than earbuds, wildlife refuges are some of the most peaceful spots on the planet.

Nearly one-eighth of all the land in the US is managed by the BLM, encompassing a whopping 245 million acres. This includes 45,000 miles of paved roads and more than 400,000 miles of dirt/gravel trails you can drive on. While there are still rules, these vast landscapes are some of the least regulated federal lands. You can hunt, fish, camp, rock climb, rockhound and 4-wheel drive. Even more extreme sports, like base jumping, highlining, and even wingsuit flying are generally allowed. 

Consider this wild country. The  Wilderness Preservation System  protects untamed places across the country. What started out as about 9 million acres of protected land has grown to over one 110 million acres. You need a permit to enter some of them, and, from cars to drones, motorized or mechanical recreation isn’t allowed. Access may be more complicated than in national forests, BLM lands, or even national recreational areas, but you’ll encounter fewer people and little signs of civilization. These are places where you can find true solitude whether you are on foot, horseback, or kayak. 

The US is home to more than 400 national parks. When you are planning your visit, don’t forget about National Seashores and Lake Shores, National Recreation Areas, and National Monuments and Battlefields. National Battlefields provide an opportunity to hike through history on trails that are often less traveled. For example, Manassas National Battlefield Park spans more than 5,000 acres and includes more than 40 miles of trails.

You can go to the National Park Service  website to find out everything you’ve ever wanted to know about our national parks including where to go, what to do, and what the best seasons to visit each park.
 

• Best Parks for Summer Visits  
• Best Parks for Fall Visits
• Best Parks for Winter Visits 
• Best Parks for Spring Visits 

Public lands preserve culture, local history, geology, and wildlife. Without them, there would be far fewer wide-open spaces, unfettered views, and inexpensive public access. They also support local communities. When you think of recreation or simply getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, think of public lands.