The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM sites and campgrounds offer unique ways for visitors to camp, sightsee, or enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, and off-roading. These sites, which are undeveloped and public, each offer different amenities and features. To find BLM sites with particular accommodations, search for “BLM camping near me.”
The East Cactus Plain Wilderness is located in La Paz County, Arizona just outside the small town of Bouse. The area is about forty-five minutes from Parker, Arizona, and roughly two hours from Phoenix. This BLM site is also about two hours from Saguaro National Park. The wilderness, which stretches for about 14,630 acres, features a crescent-dune topography and is home to dune-scrub vegetation that only grows in this particular area of the state.
Located in Buckskin Mountain State Park, this trail offers some mild up-and-down climbs, and it’s an excellent place to spot blooming cacti in the spring.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail is located in the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge and serves up lovely views of the local scenery.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
This trail offers gorgeous views but can be a bit rocky in some areas.
Length: 9.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail in nearby Parker offers hikers beautiful views, and it’s a great place to spot local wildlife.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Hikers, OHV enthusiasts, and mountain bikers can choose to explore any or all of this lengthy trail.
Length: 22.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Parker Strip Recreation Area is one of the best locations in the area for swimming, boating, and fishing. Fishing enthusiasts can catch both smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The Bullfrog Day Use Area, which is part of the larger Parker Strip Recreation Area, is also a good place to go for swimming, boating, and fishing.
The East Cactus Plain Wilderness is a great location for spotting native wildlife. The Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is another place to go for wildlife viewing — it's only about one hour and twenty minutes from the BLM site. At both locations, visitors can expect to see bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, bats, hawks, quails, roadrunners, and, occasionally, bobcats or mountain lions. The area is also home to a wide range of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, and tortoises.
The Bullfrog Day Use Area is an excellent spot to stop for a picnic. The area offers picnic tables and restrooms, and there are large grassy areas to enjoy. Bouse Community Park also offers picnic tables, a playground, and restrooms.
BLM RV camping is common around the East Cactus Plain Wilderness. Bouse RV Park offers 70 sites, all with full hookups. Showers and a laundry area are available, and there are regular community potlucks and BBQs. Desert Pueblo RV Park, also located in Bouse, offers full hookups, a laundry room, restrooms, showers, and RV storage. The park is in a quiet and secluded location with stunning views.
The East Cactus Plain Wilderness and the surrounding area offer many Bureau of Land Management free camping options. The Plomosa Road BLM Camping Area in Quartzsite has a friendly camp host, and the views from the campground are beautiful. Other free camping areas in Quartzsite, which is not far from Bouse, include the Road Runner 14-Day Camping Area and the Hi Jolly BLM Campsite.
The weather in the East Cactus Plain Wilderness is mild during the fall, winter, and spring months, but it can be very hot and dry during the summer. Heat and sun exposure is a risk, and dehydration can occur at any time of year, so always pack lots of water and be prepared to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, bandana, light long sleeves, and sunscreen. Even when daytime temperatures are hot, nights can get chilly, so pack additional layers if you plan to go BLM RV camping in the area.
The desert landscape is beautiful, but its plants and animals can also pose danger to humans. Observe any animals from a distance and stay alert for snakes. Don’t touch any cacti. Always have a first-aid kit on hand for emergencies.
Many BLM sites are first-come, first-served, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead to find out if the area you'd like to stay in has enough sites available. Calling ahead can also help you check what stay lengths are allowed or what amenities the BLM site features. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Protecting and helping to maintain an area needs to be at the top of all visitors’ lists when they’re enjoying Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or wilderness areas. Always be respectful of local plants and animals and try not to bother them or disturb their habitat. Anything you bring in with you should be packed out when you leave, including any trash. Stay on designated trails as much as possible. Never take any plants, animals, or rocks home with you.
From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 west to the Vicksburg exit. Continue north to Vicksburg, then take State Route 72 northwest to Bouse. Once you reach Bouse, head north on Swansea Road. You can reach the East Cactus Plain Wilderness via Swansea Road or a maintenance road to the northeast.
Ready to visit East Cactus Plain Wilderness? 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.
