If you're an RV enthusiast looking to explore public lands and hidden gems, plotting your destinations effectively can make all the difference. One of the best ways to organize your trips is by using Google Maps to map out Bureau of Land Management (BLM) points along your route, creating a customized and flexible travel agenda.
Why Use Google Maps for RV Trip Planning?
Google Maps offers a versatile platform that allows RV travelers to visualize routes, mark points of interest, and adjust plans on the go. It’s especially useful when dealing with dispersed camping sites, such as those found on BLM land, where official campgrounds might not always be available or well-marked. Because we all know how difficult it is when you miss your destination turn, you might drive many miles before finding a good spot to turn around.
With Google Maps, you can:
- Pin multiple BLM camping spots and other camping locations and save them.
- Calculate distances and travel times between stops
- Create layers for different types of locations (e.g., water refill stations, dump stations, scenic viewpoints)
- Share your itinerary with travel companions.
- Saves hours of planning time and gives you an easy to use map.
Finding and Plotting BLM Points
The Bureau of Land Management oversees millions of acres of public land across the U.S., providing numerous opportunities for dispersed camping. To find these spots, you can use official BLM resources such as the our BLM camp spot finder which lists areas where camping is allowed. Additionally, interactive maps from trusted RV travel sites like The Dyrt can help you locate popular and lesser-known BLM sites.
Once you have your desired BLM points, import them into Google Maps by manually adding pins or using KML files if available. This helps create a visual itinerary so you can see how each destination fits into your overall route.
Creating a Flexible RV Travel Agenda
Flexibility is key when traveling by RV, especially when camping on public land where availability and conditions can change. Using Google Maps to plot your destinations allows you to:
- Adjust your route based on real-time information such as weather or road closures
- Find alternative camping spots nearby if your first choice is full or unavailable
- Plan stops for essential services, like grocery stores and fuel stations
For more tips on RV travel planning, consider reading guides that cover route optimization and camping essentials available on our RV planning tips page and free camping locations guide.
I just want to add one more thought. I know that sometimes it feels like it's extra trouble to find a free BLM spot and the easiest thing to do is just camp at a regular campground, but once you camp at a BLM location you'll understand the freedom you get from these locations. Camping without neighbors is a nice break from the normal.
Additional Tools and Resources
Besides Google Maps, apps like AllStays and The Dyrt can help you find RV parks, dump stations, and public land camping spots. Combining these resources can enhance your trip planning and help you discover hidden spots off the beaten path.
Final Thoughts
Plotting your RV destinations using Google Maps and BLM points brings structure to your travels while maintaining the freedom to explore. By doing a bit of research and mapping ahead, you can create a travel agenda that balances adventure with practicality, ensuring you make the most of your RV experience.
For more insights on RV travel and camping, explore our other articles on RV camping basics.