The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Little Pan Staging Area in Arizona is a top destination for OHV (off-highway vehicle) and ATV (all-terrain vehicle) riders as well as vehicular rock climbers. The staging area is made up of two off-road training areas that are composed of packed gravel and clay, and dirt paths are placed throughout the rest of the area. RVs are welcome to Little Pan, too, and overnight camping here is allowed for free for up to 14 days at a time.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a US government organization, owns and manages the Little Pan Staging Area, so it is open for public use year-round. Little Pan is also a part of the larger Table Mesa Recreation Area, an 18-square-mile area that includes a shooting range and trails marked for non-motorized use, such as for hikers and mountain bikers.
Mostly a flat trail best suited for biking, the Emery Henderson Trail winds through the flat lands of the Arizona backcountry.
Length: 11.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Full of scenic mountain top views, the Pyramid Peak loop trail takes a path through fields of desert cacti.
Length: 3.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Climb to the top of Daisy Mountain in this difficult loop trail that includes views of the desert landscape and wildflower patches.
Length: 6.6 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Little Pan Staging Area offers over 55 miles of trails designed just for ATV and OHV riding in the Arizona desert. Included in this trail system are loops marked for beginner to expert-level riding, and a short, easy warm-up loop is one of them. Most of the trails are made of packed dirt, sand, and gravel, but some are also made of rock formations that are fit for vehicular rock climbing. Some single-track trails exist for dirt bike riding as well.
There are no fees to ride at Little Pan Staging Area, but all off-road vehicles are required to have valid Arizona off-highway vehicle decals displayed on their license plates. Both non-residential and residential decals will cost a fee of $25 per vehicle and can be purchased online through the Arizona Game and Fish Department for Arizona non-residents and through Service Arizona for Arizona residents. It should also be noted that helmets are required for all riders under 18 years old.
There may be some picnic tables available for campers to use at the two small campgrounds in the Little Pan Staging Area if you choose to stay in a campsite. Otherwise, picnicking can be done in the training area along the edges of the trails. If you'd like to picnic there, be sure to bring some camping chairs and folding tables to use so that your food does not collect dust from the ATV trails.
The Arizona desert is the perfect stargazing destination since the Milky Way is frequently seen in the night sky here, and the Little Pan Staging Area is far from neighboring city lights, so visitors can see it very clearly. Stargazing in this area is easiest to do when you stay at the on-site Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, so consider bringing any stargazing equipment with you when you camp. If you'd like to sit out under the stars, consider having folding chairs to use so that you do not have to sit on the sandy ground, and jackets and blankets are useful, too, since the desert nights can see temperatures in the 50s or even lower.
If you're looking for camping spots with hookups, consider doing your RV camping at a privately owned campground instead. Near the Little Pan Staging Area, you'll find places like Black Canyon Campground or Roadrunner Campground, both of which have options for water and electric hookups. The Roadrunner Campground is also located on a lakeside and has boat launches available for visitors to use.
You can certainly take advantage of Bureau of Land Management free camping at the Little Pan Staging Area. In this area, there are two organized campgrounds on either side of a vault toilet facility. These campgrounds have spaces large enough for RVs to use, and campfires are permitted at each campsite. Keep in mind, though, that these campgrounds are primitive and that you will not have any hookups for your RV to use.
If you plan to stay at one of the two BLM campgrounds at Little Pan, be sure to bring all the equipment you will need for your stay, including water for drinking and washing. You may also want to pack lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you plan to enjoy the ATV riding areas since the off-road trails have little to no shade and can get quite hot during the daytime.
By choosing to camp in the Little Pan Staging Area, you will be choosing to get closer than ever to the Arizona desert landscape. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All Little Pan Staging Area, visitors are required to adhere to the BLM's Leave No Trace guidelines during their stay. These guidelines are easy to follow and include actions like picking up after yourself, leaving anything you find where it belongs, and respecting the wildlife you encounter. By following these principles, you will help keep Little Pan clean and safe for future visitors to use.
To reach Little Pan Staging Area from Phoenix, head north on I-17, and then take exit 236. From there, turn left on Table Mesa Road, and then turn right after 500 feet, staying on Table Mesa Road. Follow this road for about 2.5 miles before making a slight left and then a slight right, and you will find the entrance to the Table Mesa Recreation Area, which contains the Little Pan Staging Area.
Ready to visit Little Pan Staging Area? 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.
