The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM sites are generally large, quiet, out-of-the-way stretches of unincorporated public lands. These spaces are intended to offer visitors a unique glimpse into the area’s wild side while providing options for recreational activities and Bureau of Land Management camping. Each site offers something a bit different. To find these sites, search for “BLM camping near me.”
The Cherum Peak Trailhead is located near Kingman, Arizona, and it’s also situated near the Mojave National Preserve and the Prescott National Forest. The trails themselves cross the Cerbat Mountains, offering incredible views of the landscape. The area around the trailhead is a mix of pine woodland and chaparral bushes, and these two environments offer excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
This trail offers scenic views and gives visitors a chance to spot many local wildlife species. The trail is best for hiking, as biking or horseback riding can be treacherous near the highest point.
Length: 4.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located in the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area, this gentle hike offers beautiful views of the nearby mountains.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
This quiet trail covers an area that wagons once used to bring ore down from the nearby mines, and wagon tracks can still be seen in some places.
Length: 2.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail offers a bit of a climb, but rewards hikers with beautiful views.
Length: 3.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Another trail located in the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area, this meandering trail offers beautiful views and is an excellent way to spot wildlife.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located right outside of Kingman, near several hiking trails including the Camp Beale Loop, is the Camp Beale Wall, one of the most popular climbing destinations in the area. The wall is 40 feet tall, and there are several bolted sport routes to choose from. The Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area also offers many options when it comes to bouldering.
The Cherum Peak Trailhead is itself an excellent area to view local wildlife, as are many locations in the nearby Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area. Native species include mule deer, javelinas, rabbits, coyotes, ground squirrels, and occasionally bobcats. Visitors to the area can also spot many types of birds, including hawks and quails, and several species of lizards and snakes.
Hualapai Mountain Park, which is located in Kingman and not too far from the Cherum Peak Trailhead, is a great location for a picnic. The area offers picnic tables and barbecue grills. Kingman is also home to the Lewis Kingman Park, which offers grills, a dog park, and shaded picnic areas. Both parks provide beautiful scenic views.
There are many campground options near Cherum Peak Trailhead, including both BLM RV camping and other RV camping choices. The Zuni Village RV Park in Kingman offers 30/50-amp hookups, and each site at this quiet park has a picnic table. There’s also a swimming pool and a pet area. The Kingman KOA Journey also has a pool. Each site has full hookups.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the nearby Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area and the Wild Cow Campground, both of which are BLM sites. Both camping areas are relatively primitive, and there are no amenities, but the area is peaceful and offers spectacular views and easy access to a number of recreational activities. Four-wheel drive may be needed to get to the Wild Cow Campground.
The Cherum Peak Trailhead is a great way to explore the beautiful wilderness of northern Arizona. Most visitors prefer to make their trip to the area during the fall, spring, and winter months because the weather during the summer can be incredibly hot. Daytime temperatures are milder during the other three seasons, but because the trail reaches such a high elevation, temperatures can drop during the winter, and visitors might even see some snow. Nighttime temperatures are also quite cool and can drop quickly, even if the day was warm, so dress in layers and if you plan to camp in the area, remember to bring supplies for cold nights. The region is also very arid all year, so always pack enough water, especially if you’re camping in an area with few amenities.
The area around the trailhead is an excellent place to spot wildlife, but remember that it is also home to several venomous snake species. Observe snakes from a distance, and never disturb any reptiles that you encounter.
Most BLM sites allow for a camp stay of up to 14 days within a 28- or 30-day period, and two tents or up to eight people are typically allowed to stay at a single site. You can call ahead to verify the exact policy. This is also a good way to ensure that there’s space, as many BLM campgrounds do not take reservations. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Whenever you’re visiting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or any wild area, it’s important to both respect and protect that space. Utilizing Leave No Trace policies can make that easy. Remember to disturb the local flora and fauna as little as possible and leave the area as you found it. Pack out all of your trash or dispose of it in a bin. Only make fires when the fire danger is low, and only make them in designated rings or pits.
From Kingman, drive 20 miles north on Highway 93. Take Big Wash Road northeast at milepost 51. High clearance vehicles are recommended for Big Wash Road. You’ll drive another 13 miles, passing two recreation sites, before you see the trailhead on your left. You can park along the roadside.
Ready to visit Cherum Peak 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.
