In California, there are eight great places to camp on BLM land.
Mountain Shasta Dispersed Camping
From Sand Flat Dispersed Camping, you can see Mount Shasta clearly. These northern parts of the state offer a number of wilderness hikes. The rough road makes accessing the campsites impossible without a high clearance vehicle. The best way to find out if you can get through a BLM camping site is to visit it on foot or by bicycle before driving back.
Lone Pine’s Alabama Hills Recreation Area
Several breathtaking views can be enjoyed while camping on BLM land in California. There is no exception to this rule at Alabama Hills Recreation Area. There are mountains surrounding this town, as well as Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park nearby. There is a view of Mt. Whitney from this spot. In spite of the west side of the recreation area being only for day use, there are plenty of opportunities for overnight boondocking. Make sure you find a campsite here during daylight hours so you can see the road clearly.
Bishop’s Volcanic Tablelands
The Volcanic Tablelands are just north of Death Valley National Park. All sizes of rigs are welcome. Due to the bumpy road, if you have a low clearance RV, you’ll need to scout the area first.
Camping along Owens River Road in Mammoth Lakes
From Owens River Road Dispersed Camping, you can easily access Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes. During the summer, trees shade the area, making it a great place to get some shade. Many hiking trails can be accessed from the camping area.
Camping at Sawtooth Canyon in Lucerne Valley
There is a campground called Sawtooth Canyon Campground in Central California. There is a popular rock climbing spot in Lucerne Valley for rock climbers. As a result of the well-maintained road, it can take a little longer to reach the campsites. It is a free BLM camping area that is patrolled by a ranger on a regular basis. The area does not allow off-road vehicles.
Chiriaco Summit Dispersed Camping in Joshua Tree South
When people think of BLM camping in California, they think of campgrounds like this one. This dispersed campground is located between Joshua Tree National Park’s south entrance and Interstate 10. Despite being visible from the interstate, BLM camping is actually visible from the highway. Joshua Tree National Park is just 30 minutes away from Coachella Valley, making it an ideal location to visit.
Julian Dispersed Camping in Blair Valley
This dispersed camping area is located approximately 75 miles south of Los Angeles, about east of San Diego. Due to its location in the desert, it is likely to be extremely hot in the summer. Some washouts can be rough, so it is advisable to bring leveling blocks. There is little level ground along the road and some of the washouts may be uneven.
Winterhaven’s historic Tumco Townsite
The Tumco Historic Townsite in Winterhaven has plenty of desert space. Camping in dispersed areas provides easy access. Although this historic town offers little to see, it is a great place to explore nearby sand dunes and to visit Arizona and Mexico.
