So, basically, where can I go?

[LRC_Admin]

Private Land- requires permission from the land owner. If possible, ALWAYS get it in writing.

Public Land-
BLM:
For the most part, this is wide open to collecting but there can be situations where it is not aloud at all, or is temporarily banned. This would include ANY AND ALL PALEONTOLOGICAL AND OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG SITES no matter what land they may be on.

STATE LAND
Typically, very little state lands allow for rock hounding unless they are designated as such. The term "Recreational Site" does not mean anything. Speak with whoever is in charge for more information.

USFS LAND
Generally speaking, a national forest is pretty open, but a national park or wilderness is not. Nor is any type of wild life study area or preserve. Study areas are almost always under special control of a college or university for both research and educational purposes so anyone not affiliated with that institution would require special permission to go.
A rule of thumb is that if the land is controlled by the National Park Service, then you may not collect rocks there. So national monuments and such are out.