The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages public lands and national minerals. As long as visitors respect the land, Bureau of Land Management camping is encouraged. This is a type of primitive camping that usually doesn't involve any RV hookups or amenities, and sometimes, drinking water isn't available. Search "BLM camping near me" to find public land in the US that permits dispersed camping.
Located just a short drive northeast of Anchorage, Alaska, One Mile Trail is a good option for people who are looking for a remote place to hunt and hike. The two closest towns have populations under 200 each. One Mile Trail starts at Highway 1 and ends 7.25 miles away at the Gakona River, leading you through both BLM and Alaskan territory. Nearby attractions include the Dry Creek State Recreation Site, Gakona Historical Lodge, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Liberty Falls State Recreation Site, and the voluminous Copper River. There are two other national parks located in this southeastern area of Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park and Glacier Bay National Park.
The Trail Creek to Lost Creek Loop is one of the many, many trails located in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. This one gives you a view of stunning valleys, beautiful glaciers, and refreshing creek crossings. Be prepared to get your feet wet because you will have to navigate across the creeks and follow drainage back. Watch out for steep canyons.
Length: 23.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Liberty Falls Trail is near Chitina, Alaska. It's an out-and-back hiking trail that takes just over an hour to complete. You likely won't see another soul on this remote trail. Make the trek between June and October for optimal enjoyment.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This challenging route near McCarthy, Alaska takes two hours and 28 minutes to complete. It's another popular trail for hiking and birding. You'll want to hike Root Glacier Trail between June and September.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Hard
A fantastic place to view various wildlife species is Portage Glacier & Portage Valley on the Kenai Peninsula. In various places throughout this region, you may spot moose, waterfowl, Dall sheep, bears, salmon, forest birds, sea otters, and whales.
At the end of your seven-plus minute hike, you can enjoy a picnic at a tree-shaded picnic table that overlooks the Gakona River. Be sure to clean up after yourself. You can also go to the Alaganik Slough in the Chugach National Forest as there are four free picnic areas.
One Mile Trail becomes quite popular during the hunting season, which is September 1 through September 20 every year. Expect to see 30 to 50 vehicles parked at the trailhead. Many species roam Alaska, but you'll most likely find moose, deer, caribou, and Dall sheep in September.
Individuals using the One Mile Trail can choose to go RV camping instead of staying at one of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds either at Odiak Camper Park in Cordova or Bear Creek Cabins & RV Park in Valdez. Odiak Camper Park provides electric hookups, a dump station, potable water, and toilets. At Bear Creek Cabins & RV Park, there are back-in sites with 30-amp electricity and pull-through spaces with 30/50-amp electricity. Cable TV and Wi-Fi are available for a fee.
Dispersed BLM RV camping is allowed in a lot of the Alaskan BLM areas, but some regions are hard to get to in an RV or with one in tow. Some trails, such as the One Mile Trail, don't provide a camping area. You'll likely want to stay at Boswell Bay State Marine Park, which is situated on the eastern tip of Hinchinbrook Island. Since this is an undeveloped area, be advised that there is no fresh water. You could also stay at the Childs Glacier Recreation Area and Campground along the Copper River Highway. Although there are no hookups, vault toilets and potable water are available.
Like most of Alaska, the Gakona area is beautiful. Bureau of Land Management free camping in the Gakona area can be highly enjoyable depending on where you camp and how well you've prepared ahead of time. You'll need to make reservations, if needed, and do so well in advance. Don't forget to stop at the ranger station and ask questions about cooking options, RV-accessible camping areas, and other issues that may arise. Know where the nearest ranger station, police station, or BLM field office is located.
Even in the warmer months, Alaska's weather can be harsh, so be prepared with extra blankets, clothing that you can layer, and warmer sleeping bags than you think you need. Check out our blog before you head out on your trip for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Land managed by the BLM left completely natural, so visitors need to make as small a footprint on the land as possible. Visitors are required to not leave refuse, hazardous materials, or human waste on the land. Additionally, the BLM wants individuals to camp only in areas that have been used before even when roughing it.
You'll find One Mile Trail just off Highway 1 near the city of Gulkana, which is several miles northeast of Anchorage. The trail starts at the highway and ends at the Gulkana River.
Ready to visit One Mile Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
