The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Packsaddle Recreation Site is a scenic area located in western Arizona within the beautiful Cerbat Mountains, a 23-mile mountain range in Mohave County. Packsaddle Recreation Site offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, hunting, and OHV riding. Packsaddle Recreation Site is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is a publicly funded organization that works to preserve public land throughout the United States. BLM campgrounds provide a fantastic way to spend time deep in nature, and many can be camped on for free. To find campgrounds, search for “BLM camping near me.” Packsaddle Recreation Site has a campground on site.
Packsaddle Recreation Site is in the heart of great nearby sites, including national monuments, parks and preserves. The nearest national park to Packsaddle Recreation Site is Grand Canyon National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the United States.
This trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers. Travelers will have sights of the Cerbat Mountains and the nearby volcanic rock formations along the crest of the trail.
Length: 8.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Foothills Rim Trail is a great spot for horseback riding and hiking. This loop is part of the Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area.
Length: 10.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This route takes visitors through valleys and rocky trails. There is limited shade in this area, making it hot in the summer months.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This trail is quite popular for hiking and mountain biking. Dogs are welcome at this site both on-leash and off-leash.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Willow Beach Marina is located northwest of Packsaddle Recreation Site and offers a good spot for fishing and boating. At Willow Beach, visitors can use their own boats or use on-site rentals. Both conventional and fly fishing are common at Willow Beach Marina. Visitors in this area may often see fly anglers fishing from non-motorized boats, including kayaks and paddleboards.
Packsaddle Reaction Site is a great spot for off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding. OHVs and dirt bikes can explore miles of dirt trails throughout the loop trail systems at the recreation site. OHV vehicles are only allowed on designated roads and routes. OHV rentals are available at Laughlin Off-Road Rentals, located just southwest of Packsaddle Recreation Site.
Packsaddle Reaction Site and the surrounding areas are full of an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat. Apart from numerous species of birds, visitors may see black bears, deer, and coyotes. Small mammals, including jackrabbit and cottontail, are also dispersed throughout this area of western Arizona. Wild animals in this area are often coveted by sportsmen and hunters during hunting seasons.
Packsaddle Reaction Site has official campsites and picnic sites at the area. Picnic sites are equipped with grills, fire rings, and picnic tables. Outside of official picnic areas, the land of Packsaddle Reaction Site is managed by the BLM, meaning that common areas can be used for rustic picnicking. Visitors can bring picnic blankets to have a private picnic lunch in flat areas.
BLM RV camping is possible at Chloride Western RV Park. This park is unique for its rancher-style atmosphere. Chloride Western RV Park offers affordable rates, full hookups and showers. Dolan Springs RV Park is also near Packsaddle Reaction Site. This RV park, while small, offers full hookups, a laundromat, and Wi-Fi.
Packsaddle Reaction Site has official campsites at the site. These campsites are located on the top of the Cerbat Mountains, offering breathtaking views at a high elevation. The camping area has a bathroom and remains relatively clean throughout the year. The Bureau of Land Management free camping options require visitors to clean up their areas after their stay.
When planning your trip to Packsaddle Reaction Site, you may want to ensure that your vehicle will make it up to the site. Small, low-clearance vehicles may have a harder time making it up the steep mountain. For those in smaller vehicles, pull-off areas are located along the way up the mountain for visitors to camp.
Keep in mind that Packsaddle Reaction Site has little to no cell reception. With this in mind, visitors may need to plan accordingly regarding directions and safety. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Bureau of Land Management requests that any visitors to Packsaddle Reaction Site follow Leave No Trace protocols. This set of guidelines helps to protect the natural areas spread across the United States and keep wildlife and landscapes preserved. Leave No Trace etiquette includes leaving what you find, disposing of waste properly, and respecting wildlife. It is also important to have controlled fires to avoid the risk of wildfire.
Packsaddle Recreation Site is best accessed from Kingman, Arizona. From Kingman, take Highway 93 north for approximately 18 miles. After 18 miles, turn onto BLM Big Wash Road. This road is unpaved. After approximately nine miles on Big Wash Road, visitors will have access to the Packsaddle Recreation Site entrance.
Ready to visit Packsaddle Reaction Site? 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.
