In the United States, state trust lands are public lands but they are generally not freely usable by the public. They are typically areas that have been deeded by the federal government to the states to be used for various revenue-generation purposes. These lands may require permits to use.
In Utah, camping is allowed on most trust lands throughout the state for up to 15 consecutive days. Any use longer than 15 days requires that you obtain a right of entry permit.[1]
In Arizona, "an Individual/Family REC Permit is needed for casual recreation, and travel on existing roads for trails"[2]. "Recreational camping is limited to no more than 14 days per year. A campsite must be at least ¼ mile from any livestock or wildlife water catchments, tanks, drinkers, etc. Abandoned campsites are to be left clean."[3]
In Colorado, lands enrolled in the Public Access Program are open to a variety of wildlife-related uses, including hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. The listings on the following pages provide information regarding allowable uses, site-specific rules and timeframes for use. Most lands are not accessible by vehicle, ATVs, or snowmobiles, and there may be additional restrictions on camping, parking and off-road driving.[4] Sites are typically open "Sept. 1 through the end of February".
In Montana, state land requires a permit; fees and conditions apply. Recreational overnight use of state lands is limited to 16 days in a 30-day period in a designated campground and on unleased or unlicensed lands outside a designated campground unless otherwise allowed by the department.[5]
In New Mexico, there is an annual recreation permit, but overnight camping is forbidden.[6]
In Oregon, recreation on state-owned land is open for recreational uses, with a few exceptions. This includes upland properties as well as submerged and submersible lands. For additional information relating to use of state-owned waterways, please see Use of State-Owned Waterways. Recreational uses are considered limited-duration activities of 30 days or less and include: Hunting, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Dispersed camping, Sightseeing/photography[7]
In Washington, the state issues Discover passes for vehicles which are displayed when one leaves the vehicle to recreate.