The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Unincorporated areas of public land, BLM sites offer visitors a unique chance to explore an area and see native wildlife in a private way. These locations often offer excellent opportunities for photography, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Some of these locations also offer BLM RV camping or Bureau of Land Management free camping. To find out which sites offer free or low-cost camping, search for “BLM camping near me.”
The Castle Creek Trailhead is located within the Hells Canyon Wilderness, and it offers access to two trails called the Hermit Trail and the Spring Valley Trail. The Hermit Trail provides views of historic rock walls before ending at a waterfall and pond. The Spring Valley Trail passes through a saguaro forest before ending at another trail called the Garfias Wash Trail. Both the Hermit and Spring Valley Trails offer beautiful views of the surrounding area as well as the chance to spot local wildlife such as burros, ground squirrels, and hawks.
This gorgeous trail is one of the two trails connected to the Castle Creek Trailhead, and it offers gorgeous views.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This gorgeous trail features overlooks that provide views of nearby Lake Pleasant.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail, for which the trailhead is named, is relatively secluded and is rarely used, which makes it the perfect trail for viewing wildlife.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This gentle trail offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife.
Length: 6.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail is relatively secluded, and it is dog-friendly as long as the dogs are leashed.
Length: 10.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Rock climbing enthusiasts can enjoy a few single and multi-pitch climbing routes along the Jacuzzi Spires, which are not too far from Black Canyon City and the Castle Creek Trailhead. The North Shore is another nearby rock formation made of volcanic rock that offers several sport routes.
The Hells Canyon Wilderness area, in which the Castle Creek Trailhead is located, is itself an excellent spot for viewing wildlife. Local animals include wild burro, coyotes, javelina, ground squirrels, cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, and many bird species, including hawks. Black Canyon Heritage Park and the High Desert Park are also within 50 miles of the trailhead, and each offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Black Canyon Heritage Park offers picnic areas on the water and is an excellent place to stop for lunch and view the local landscape. The volunteers at the visitor center are also happy to offer information about the area.
Although there are is no Bureau of Land Management camping available at the Castle Creek Trailhead itself, the area still offers plenty of RV camping opportunities. Black Canyon Campground offers electric, water, and sewer hookups as well as a laundry room, convenience store, dump station, dog park, playground, and pool. Black Canyon Ranch RV Resort also offers full hookups and has many entertainment options, including a nearby hiking trail, a game room, a book exchange, a dog run, and a heated swimming pool.
The Childs Dispersed Camping Area in Coconino National Forest, located about 40 miles from the Castle Creek Trailhead, offers free primitive camping. The road to the camping area is rugged, and there are no amenities, so pack accordingly. The campsite is open all year. The Great BLM Staging Area is one of a few nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, and camping there is completely free. The area is rugged, and there are few amenities, but this wilderness area makes an excellent spot for not only camping but also wildlife viewing and photography.
The Castle Creek Trailhead doesn’t offer any facilities, so it’s a good idea to prepare well before you head out on your adventure. The trailhead is located in the Sonoran Desert, and the area is best explored during the cooler fall, winter, and spring months. Summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making dehydration and exposure true risks. During the cooler months, the days are a milder temperature, but temperatures can drop drastically at night, so pack for cold weather if you plan to camp in the area. Even during the summer, temperatures can plummet at night, so dressing in layers is a great idea. The area is also home to a range of wildlife, including rattlesnakes, so stay alert as you hike.
Most BLM sites allow for a 14-day stay within a 28-day period, but some may only allow for shorter stays. You may want to call ahead to double-check what stay length is permitted and to ensure that there’s space available. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Whenever you’re camping in or exploring a Bureau of Land Management site or any other natural area, it’s important to do your part to protect and preserve that area. Always be prepared to carry out all of your trash, particularly at locations that have no facilities. Only make fires in designated areas when the fire danger is low. Disturb the area as little as possible, and never take home any rocks, plants, or animals.
From Prescott, take AZ 69 S/E for about 32 miles to South Spring Lane in Spring Valley. Turn right onto East Duffers Drive and continue onto East Spring Valley Access Road before turning left onto Antelope Creek Road. Continue onto the Crown King Cut Off before turning right onto Bumble Bee Road/Forest 259 Road. This becomes South Senator Highway before turning into Horse Thief Road. The trailhead is about five miles along Horse Thief Road.
Ready to visit Castle Creek Trailhead? 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.
