BLM rules for hot springs
Checked October 2026 · Sources
BLM manages 8 of the hot springs we list; its general rules below apply wherever a spring has no rule of its own posted.
Dogs
At BLM developed recreation sites, an animal must be on a leash of 6 feet or less, or otherwise physically restricted, and may not be brought to a swimming area (a Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dog is excepted for the swimming area rule). Elsewhere on BLM land these sections set no leash rule; state and local laws about pets apply. These sections do not define 'swimming area', so whether a given pool counts is not settled by the rule.
On developed recreation sites and areas, no person shall, unless otherwise authorized:
"Bring an animal into such an area unless the animal is on a leash not longer than 6 feet and secured to a fixed object or under control of a person, or is otherwise physically restricted at all times."
43 CFR 8365.2-1(c). eCFR, checked Oct 13, 2026
On developed recreation sites and areas, unless otherwise authorized, no person shall:
"Bring an animal, except a Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dog, to a swimming area."
43 CFR 8365.2-5(b). eCFR, checked Oct 13, 2026
"Except as otherwise provided by Federal law or regulation, State and local laws and ordinances shall apply and be enforced by the appropriate State and local authorities. This includes, but is not limited to, State and local laws and ordinances governing: ... (i) Pets;"
43 CFR 8365.1-7(i). eCFR (list shortened with an ellipsis; only item (i) shown), checked Oct 13, 2026
Clothing
The BLM rules of conduct in 43 CFR 8365 contain no sentence about clothing or nudity (checked 2026-10-13 by reading the full text of subpart 8365). State and local laws apply on BLM land, and a State Director can add supplementary rules that are posted at the site. A rule posted for one spring always wins over this general statement.
"Except as otherwise provided by Federal law or regulation, State and local laws and ordinances shall apply and be enforced by the appropriate State and local authorities."
43 CFR 8365.1-7. eCFR, checked Oct 13, 2026
"The State Director may establish such supplementary rules as he/she deems necessary."
43 CFR 8365.1-6. eCFR, checked Oct 13, 2026
Fees
At a BLM fee area, a fee is due if the area is posted to say so. BLM defines fee areas as sites where it provides or administers specialized facilities, equipment, or services related to outdoor recreation. These sections do not say that an undeveloped site is free, and they do not name hot springs. For some 'special areas' BLM can require a Special Recreation Permit and posts that requirement at major access points. The rule for one spring (a posted fee or a posted 'no fee') always wins.
"You must pay a fee for individual or group recreational use if the area is posted to that effect. You may also find fee information at BLM field offices or BLM Internet websites."
43 CFR 2933.21. eCFR, checked Oct 13, 2026
"You must obtain a Recreation Use Permit for individual or group use of fee areas. These are sites where we provide or administer specialized facilities, equipment, or services related to outdoor recreation."
43 CFR 2933.11 (first two sentences). eCFR, checked Oct 13, 2026
"You may obtain a permit at self-service pay stations, from personnel at the site, or at other specified locations."
43 CFR 2933.12 (first sentence). eCFR, checked Oct 13, 2026
"If BLM determines that it is necessary, based on planning decisions, resource concerns, potential user conflicts, or public health and safety, we may require you to obtain a Special Recreation Permit for, (1) Recreational use of special areas;" (punctuation adjusted)
43 CFR 2932.11(b)(1). eCFR, checked Oct 13, 2026
"We will post permit requirements at major access points for the special area and provide information at the local BLM office."
43 CFR 2932.13 (second sentence). eCFR, checked Oct 13, 2026
Regulations read
- 43 CFR 8365 (rules of conduct, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/part-8360)
- 43 CFR part 2930 (recreation permits and fees, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-B/part-2930)
8 hot springs where a BLM general rule shows
A rule posted for one spring always wins over these general rules. Bureau of Land Management