digital$30–50/yearused in 1 side quest

Land navigation app subscription (premium)

GPS apps that overlay public/private land boundaries and agency jurisdictions on satellite maps. Shows exactly where you can legally forage or explore.

What to look for

  1. 1Color-coded land ownership layers (BLM, Forest Service, state land, private)
  2. 2Offline map downloads for areas without cell service
  3. 3Annual subscription (not month-to-month)—better value for regular use
  4. 4Property boundary accuracy within 10 feet using GPS

Skip

  • Apps without offline mode—you'll lose maps mid-hike

Used for: identifying legal foraging zones · avoiding private property while exploring · checking which agency rules apply · planning routes through public land

Side quests that use it

Pick the adventure first; the gear follows.

Know Before You Pick: Foraging Laws in Your State
Nature & Outdoors

Know Before You Pick: Foraging Laws in Your State

That patch of ramps looks perfect, but picking them could land you a $500 fine—here's how to stay legal.