The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM sites are undeveloped public lands that offer inexpensive and remote camping options for people to visit and explore. These sites usually offer unique insights into an area's history, weather, landscape, or wildlife. Most visitors enjoy camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, or rock climbing. Most of the BLM camping sites are free or budget-friendly. If you want a more natural RV experience, search for "BLM camping near me."
Located on the west of Nome Creek Valley, Ophir Creek Campground boasts 19 campsites and one group site all tucked in tall white spruce trees. While here, you can go hiking at Beaver Creek or enjoy fishing in Nome Creek. Table Top Mountain, which offers breathtaking views of White Mountains’ higher peaks, is only three miles away. In addition, Ophir Creek Campground allows paddlers to access Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. The campground has trash cans, hand pump wells, and outhouse-style toilets. This campground is a fee site on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations aren't accepted.
Situated near Fairbanks, Chena Dome Trail features some steep hills and circles the Angel Creek drainage system. The first three miles on either end lead to the timberline. You start in lush green spruce forests in the valley and quickly get to the extensive alpine tundra. All trailheads offer steep but spectacular day hikes that backpackers can complete in two to four days.
Length: 29 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This trail travels along ridges and offers a scenic view of the White Mountains and open landscapes. Although the trail doesn't lead to the summit, you can easily get to the top.
Length: 7 miles
Intensity: Easy
This loop trail offers a glimpse at some of Alaska's magnificent sceneries, including Mt. Ryan and Granite Tors.
Length: 2.88 miles
Intensity: Easy
If you like fishing, Nome Creek offers unique fishing opportunities for Arctic grayling and a multitude of waters ideal for the road-bound angler. You can easily catch these fish using flies or lures. However, fishing in Nome Creek valley is catch-and-release only.
It's rare to find rocks worth climbing in the campground. However, you'll find unique rock formations near the White Mountains. If you've never tried climbing before, you'll find the ideal climb for you. If you're a seasoned climber, you'll find an opportunity to try a challenging climb and hone your skills.
White Mountains National Recreation Area is an ideal spot for wildlife viewing. Dall sheep move in bands near the White Mountains and Mt. Prindle while black bears roam in blueberry thickets during summer. Caribou move along high ridges and across the tundra. Moose, wolves, wolverines, and brown bears also inhabit this expanse. Merlins, hawks, owls, and kestrels are also commonly found in this area.
The ideal spot to picnic is at the Ophir Creek Campground. Each campsite features parking lots, fire rings, and picnic tables. The area's striking landscape makes the trail an excellent spot to enjoy breathtaking views while enjoying lunch.
Ophir Creek offers BLM RV camping options. The campground itself features many pull-through sites. There's a dump station in Fairbanks.
There are no Bureau of Land Management free camping sites at Ophir Creek Campground. However, tent camping is allowed, and the nearby Five-Mile Campground is an ideal place to spend a few nights.
Ophir Creek Campground is open during summer. Although temperatures are quite comfortable during this season, you should be prepared for extremes, so pack clothing suitable for hot and cold weather. Also, ensure that you have sturdy hiking shoes, navigation tools, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Additionally, bring along a first aid kit and enough water and snacks.
When choosing your route, check things like the trail intensity, elevation gain, distance, and pet-friendliness. Factor in your fitness level and how much time you have when planning your route. Lengthy and more difficult trails will need more planning. It's also crucial to share your plan with a friend or relative, especially if you're considering hiking alone. Tell them where you're headed and when you'll be returning so they can know when to expect to hear from you.
Rules and regulations vary from one BLM site to another, including the length of stay and pets. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Whenever you visit Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or any other wild, beautiful place, you should practice Leave No Trace policies to help future generations enjoy the natural beauty of these sites. Always travel and camp on hard surfaces, dispose of any waste properly, and leave what you find. Reduce campfire impacts and be sure that you only light a fire in a controlled zone using native firewood. Always respect wildlife.
From Lake Isabel, head north on State Highway 165. Travel for about six miles and then take a left turn at FSR 360. Travel for about 100 feet and then take a left turn at FSR 361. Move past a private campsite and travel for about 0.5 miles to Ophir Creek Campground.
Ready to visit Ophir Creek Campground? 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.
