Explore Camping on Federal and State Lands- from deep valleys, to grand waterfalls, to sandy beaches & all that America has to offer
We created “Where We Tow Now” to 1) share our adventures of camping on federal and state public land, 2) to provide individuals or families that love to camp, whether in a tent or RV, at campgrounds or land managed by the United States Federal government a useful resource to plan their trips and share their camping experiences, and 3) to provide a resource for finding quality clothing, gear, and accessories for your next outdoor adventure.
In addition to sharing information about camping on federal or state land, Where We Tow Now we will share information or recommendations about any campground found on Recreation.gov.
If you join our Facebook group, you may also share your own experiences about camping on Federal lands. On Where We Tow Now and Facebook, we will share information about these Federal and state agencies and the land they preserve so we can enjoy our natural resources and camping on federal land: Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Federal Highway Administration, National Archives & Records Administration, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, Tennessee Valley Authority, Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers and US Forest Service.
US Fish and Wildlife Service
For boundless opportunities to discover nature in all its splendor, national wildlife refuges are unsurpassed. From all parts of the globe, more than 47 million visitors flock to these natural treasure troves each year. The National Wildlife Refuge System’s extensive trails, auto tour routes, boardwalks, observation decks, hunting and photography blinds, fishing piers and boat launches offer great opportunities to learn and have fun.
Bureau of Land Management
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The public lands they manage offer more camping and recreational opportunities than the lands managed by any other federal agency, with more than 99 percent available for no fee. The BLM works closely with partners so visitors of all ages can enjoy countless types of outdoor activities as widely varied as camping and hiking to hunting, fishing, whitewater rafting and off – highway vehicle driving. With more than 55 million people living within 25 miles of these lands, BLM managed lands are recognized as America’s Great Outdoors, a “Backyard to Backcountry” treasure.
Bureau of Reclamation
Bureau of Reclamation water projects are among the Nation’s most popular for water-based outdoor recreation and include approximately 6.5 million acres of land and water that is, for the most part, available for public outdoor recreation. In addition to offering water-based outdoor recreation opportunities, these recreation areas often include important natural and cultural resources and provide unique educational and interpretive opportunities. Twelve Reclamation water projects have been designated as National Recreation Areas that are managed by the National Park Service or the US Forest Service.
National Park Service Campgrounds
The National Park System covers more than 84 million acres and is comprised of 417 sites with at least 19 different designations. These include 129 historical parks or sites, 87 national monuments, 59 national parks, 25 battlefields or military parks, 19 preserves, 18 recreation areas, 10 seashores, four parkways, four lakeshores, and two reserves. The NPS also helps administer dozens of affiliated sites, the National Register of Historic Places, National Heritage Areas, National Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Historic Landmarks, and National Trails.
US Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the nation’s leading federal providers of outdoor recreation with more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states. Often the federal lands managed by the corps are located closely to state lands, so visitors of all ages can enjoy traditional activities like hiking, boating, fishing, camping and hunting, and for those slightly more adventurous there is snorkeling, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and geocaching. With 90 percent of our recreation areas located within 50 miles of a major metropolitan center, there is a Corps site near you.
US Forest Service Campgrounds
The U.S. Forest Service manages forests and grasslands across the country that offer vast, scenic beauty waiting for you to discover. Visitors who choose to recreate on these public lands can find more than 158,000 miles of trails, 10,000 developed recreation sites, 57,000 miles of streams, 122 alpine ski areas, 338,000 heritage sites, and specially designated sites that include 9,100 miles of byways, 22 recreation areas, 11 scenic areas, 439 wilderness areas, 122 wild and scenic rivers, nine monuments, and one preserve. And remember, “It’s All Yours.”
Tennessee Valley Authority
TVA was created by Congress in 1933 and charged with a unique mission—to improve the quality of life in the Valley through the integrated management of the region’s resources. For more than eight decades, we have worked tirelessly to carry out that mission, and we are working just as hard to make life better for the nine million people who live, work and play in the Valley today. We serve the people of the Tennessee Valley by focusing on three key areas: energy, environment and economic development.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
We enrich life through science. People rely on us for weather forecasts and warnings. Our scientists look at the world up close and far away. We also protect sanctuaries and research reserves for people to enjoy today and in the future. This includes a network of underwater parks – 13 national marine sanctuaries that provide beautiful settings for recreational activities. From wreck diving to whale watching, you can find an adventure! NOAA also partners with coastal states to manage 29 national estuarine research reserves that serve as living laboratories as well as protected areas for kayaking and bird watching. We hope you join us in our blue parks to celebrate the rich diversity of environments along our coasts and Great Lakes!
Federal Highway Administration
America’s Byways & reg; is the umbrella term we use for the collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. America’s Byways include the National Scenic Byways and All – American Roads. America’s Byways are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the same. Through The National Scenic Byways Program, the Federal Highway Administration invites you to come closer to America’s heart and soul.
National Archives & Records Administration
The National Archives and Records Administration serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, ensuring that the people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. We ensure continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. We support democracy, promote civic education, and facilitate a historical understanding of our national experience.
Smithsonian Institution
Visitors of Smithsonian can enjoy 19 world-class museums, galleries, gardens, and a zoo. The Smithsonian offers eleven museums and galleries on the National Mall and six other museums and the National Zoo in the greater National Capital Area. In New York City, we invite you to tour two museums in historic settings.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
The mission of the BEP is to design and manufacture high-quality security documents that deter counterfeiting and meet customer requirements for quality, quantity and performance. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing designs, prints, and furnishes a large variety of security documents, including Federal Reserve Notes, identification cards, naturalization certificates, and other special security documents.
