The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
A BLM site is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There are many types of BLM lands, including national forests, national parks, and wilderness areas. Bureau of Land Management camping in Arizona state is allowed in all these different BLM lands. However, there are rules regarding camping at a BLM site. For example, campers must obtain a permit before camping on any BLM land. In addition, campers must be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to prevent wildfires. You can find BLM sites by searching "BLM camping near me."
12.1 million acres of public land in Arizona are under BLM, of which New Water Mountain Wilderness is one of these beautiful places. This wilderness is the home to the New Water Mountains, a small, isolated mountain range. Desert plains surround the mountain; the highest peak is only about 3600 feet above sea level. Some activities to do in New Water Mountain Wilderness are hiking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. This wilderness is surrounded by the gorgeous Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, the Kofa Mountain, and the Plomosa Mountain to the north.
This loop trail starts and ends in the New Water Mountains Wilderness. It takes an average of 33 hours to complete the trail. This trail is considered best for off-driving. It offers beautiful views of the New Water Mountain, Kofa Wilderness, and Plomosa Mountain. The Petroglyphs OHV Trail is excellent for those who want to see the petroglyphs found in the New Water Mountains Wilderness.
Length:78.6 miles
Intensity: Moderately challenging
The Dripping Spring and Apache Chief Mine OHV Trail are located in the New Mountain Wilderness and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
Length: 32.9 miles
Intensity: Moderately Challenging
Located less than 50 miles from the New Water Mountains Wilderness, this trail is best for short hiking. The Palm Canyon Trail offers stunning views of the desert landscape and the surrounding mountains.
Length:1.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
You will require close to three and a half hours to complete this trail found near the New Water Mountain Wilderness. It leads to the Signal peak in the Kofa Wilderness. The best times to visit are between March and October.
Length: 4.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
There are no fishing spots in the New Mountain Wilderness, but the Lake Havasu Shoreline sites are less than 80 miles away. These sites offer excellent fishing and boating opportunities. Some fish to catch in the area are largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish.
This strenuous hike entails a 2,000-foot elevation gain, but it is well worth it for the stunning views at the top. The trail is eight miles long round trip, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike. Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of terrain, from desert to forest. Eagles Eye is not for beginners.
New Water Mountain Wilderness is home to various wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats, and coyotes. Many birds can be seen in the area, such as hawks, eagles, and owls. The Eagles Eye and the Black Mesa are beautiful spots to do good bird watching. The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is also home to many animals.
There are designated spots for picnicking in the New Water Mountain Wilderness. Some of these spots have shelters, tables, and grills.
BLM RV camping is available near New Water Mountain Wilderness. Desert Gold RV Park is located in Salome, Arizona, about 7 miles from the wilderness. This RV park offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. Another option for RV camping is Kofa Mountain RV Park, about 11 miles from the wilderness. This RV park offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and a dump station. The Tumbleweed RV Park is located in Quartzsite, Arizona, about 13 miles from the wilderness. These Bureau of Land Management campgrounds offer exceptional amenities for RV campers.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available near New Water Mountain Wilderness. Dispersed camping is allowed in the wilderness, but no developed campgrounds or facilities exist in the Wilderness. The Dome Rock Campgrounds, Road-Runner 14-day Camping Area, and BLM Camping near me are some of the areas that support dispersed camping around the New Water Mountain Wilderness.
When planning your trip, check the weather forecast and pack appropriate clothing and gear. The summer months are sweltering, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The best time to visit New Water Mountain Wilderness is in the spring or fall when the weather is milder. The availability of grills and tables indicates that the area supports cooking and eating outdoors. Cell service is not available in the wilderness. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
The Trails are RV and OHV accessible, but staying on the marked roads and trails is essential. Hunting is allowed in the wilderness with a valid hunting license, but you should check with the Arizona Game and Fish Department for more information.
The closest town to New Water Mountain Wilderness is Salome, Arizona. There are a few restaurants and gas stations in Salome but no grocery stores. The nearest grocery store is about 30 miles away in Quartzsite, Arizona. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting New Water Mountain Wilderness. Pack out all trash, including food scraps. Dispose of human waste in a cat hole dug six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources or campsites. To minimize the impact on vegetation, use existing trails and camps in areas already free of vegetation.
ADDRESS: Yuma Field Office
7341 E. 30th St., Suite A
Yuma, AZ 85365
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 33.577523, -113.964072
Directions: The New Water Mountains Wilderness is located in southwestern Arizona, about 60 miles northwest of Yuma and 30 miles southeast of Lake Havasu City. From Phoenix, take I-17 north to US 60 east. From Tucson, take I-19 north to AZ 86 west to AZ 84 west to Sells. In Sells, take AZ 86 west to Why. In Why, take AZ 85 southwest for about 60 miles to the wilderness.
Ready to visit New Water Mountains 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 of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying 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.
