List Your RV

BLM Camping

Castle Rock Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

BLM sites are areas of unincorporated public land. Because they’re often remote or have few facilities, these areas tend to be quiet, peaceful places where visitors can get back to nature and explore the surrounding landscape. These areas often offer free or low-cost Bureau of Land Management camping options, and there can be many recreation options within the area. To find BLM sites and their amenities, search for “BLM camping near me.”

The Castle Rock Trail is located near Kingman, Arizona. This trail, which is part of the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area, is connected to several other trails. Each trail, including the Castle Rock Trail, offers stunning views of the landscape, including fascinating rock formations. Visitors can also spot local wildlife.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Castle Rock Trail

Because it can be so steep, this trail is considered to be best for more experienced hikers.

Length: 5.65 miles

Intensity: Hard

Badger Trail

Badger Trail connects to the Castle Rock Trail, extending the hike and offering more views of the beautiful scenery.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Hard

Camp Beale Loop

This trail, which connects to the Castle Rock Trail, offers beautiful views with opportunities to view wildflowers during the spring months.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Hard

Monolith Garden Trail

This trail offers a long, leisurely hike through gorgeous rock formations.

Length: 6.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

White Cliffs Wagon Trail

The White Cliffs Wagon Trail is an excellent area from which to view wildflowers or native birds.

Length: 2.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Climbing

Rock climbers can take on the Beale Street Wall, located near the Castle Rock Trail. The wall, which is 40 feet tall, offers 22 bolted sport routes. The Cerbat Mountains also offer several bouldering options while the nearby Black Mountains offer over 40 sport routes of varying difficulty.

Wildlife Viewing

The Castle Rock Trail and other nearby trails are themselves excellent areas to view wildlife. Visitors can spot mule deer, ground squirrels, cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, and, occasionally, javelina and coyotes. There is also an abundance of bird species, including hawks, ravens, cactus wrens, and quails. During the summer, lizards and snakes can be seen.

Picnicking

Hualapai Mountain Park, located not far from Kingman, offers beautiful views and the chance to view elk while enjoying a picnic. The area offers both picnic tables and BBQ spots. Metcalf Park in Kingman offers shady picnic tables as well as restrooms. Lewis Kingman Park also offers shaded picnic areas as well as BBQ amenities and a dog park.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are several RV camping options near the Castle Rock Trail, although the trail itself doesn’t offer a camping area. The Fort Beale RV Park offers full hookups, private bathrooms, a swimming pool, a laundry service, and a dog run. The Kingman KOA Journey also offers full hookups as well as a pool, a hot tub, and a place to play mini-golf.

Free Camping

The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area offers free BLM camping, but call ahead to ensure that the campground is still open. Wild Cow Campground is also a BLM site with free, primitive camping. The road in can be a bit rough, so it’s best to drive an all-terrain or four-wheel-drive vehicle. The campground itself offers large, secluded spaces.

RV Rentals Near Castle Rock Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Castle Rock Trail BLM trip

Arizona and the area around the Castle Rock Trail are beautiful and offer a chance to explore landscapes and view flora and fauna that are found almost nowhere else in the country. However, it’s important to remember that you’re hiking and camping in a desert environment. Temperatures in the summer can quickly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and because the weather is so dry, exposure and dehydration are risks. The Castle Rock Trail area and the nearby trails don’t offer any places to refill drinking water, so it’s crucial that you bring plenty with you.

Although the days during the summer can be very warm, the evening and nighttime temperatures, even during the warmer months, can quickly plummet. During the spring, winter, and fall, which are the most popular times for hiking in this area, temperatures at night can drop below freezing. Dress in layers and, if you’re planning to camp, make sure you pack warmly and prepare for cold weather.

During the warmer spring, summer, and fall months, native reptiles, including snakes, can often be spotted. Stay alert for the sound of rattlesnakes, and remember to never disturb any snakes that you see.

Most Bureau of Land Management campgrounds allow for stays of up to two weeks within a month’s time, but it’s always a good idea to check before you head out on your adventure. You can also call ahead to ensure that campgrounds are open and that there’s enough space. Some areas take reservations, but most BLM RV camping areas do not. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Whenever you’re utilizing Bureau of Land Management free camping or enjoying an outdoor space, it’s important to protect the natural area and leave as little trace as possible. Always pack out all of your trash and dispose of it in the proper bins. Try not to disturb the landscape, and don’t take anything, such as rocks, flowers, or animals home. In Arizona, because it’s so dry, it’s extremely important to obey all fire precautions. Only ever build a fire in a designated area when the fire danger is low. Always ensure that the fire is completely cold before you leave.

Castle Rock Trail Location

From Kingman, take I-40W to Exit 48 north. You’ll then drive 4.2 miles on US-93 before turning right into the Badger Trailhead parking lot. This area connects to the Castle Rock Trail. You can also take Exit 48 off I-40W and, instead of continuing on US-93, turn right onto Fort Beale Drive. Keep driving for 1.3 miles before turning left, taking a steep but paved hill into the parking lot for the Camp Beale Loop, which connects to the Castle Rock Trail.

Ready to visit Castle Rock 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.