Rawhide Mountains Wilderness

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Rawhide Mountains Wilderness

Across the United States, there are several undeveloped communal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. These sites are primarily left in their wild state and feature an array of ecosystems, landmarks, and recreational options. Visitors can hike, camp, fish, swim, or enjoy the stunning sites. To find an assortment of areas with Bureau of Land Management camping, query “BLM camping near me.”

Rawhide Mountains Wilderness is a 60-square-mile BLM site that sits about 50 miles southeast of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Its large size, varied terrain, and plenty of recreational activities make it a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts. This wilderness has been left in its natural, rugged state, making it a perfect spot for hiking, wildlife viewing, and wildlife photography. At the nearby Alamo Lake State Park, swimming and fishing are popular activities among vacationers.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

The Bill Williams River Trail

The Bill Williams River Trail is a favorite among visitors and locals. This trail offers stunning views of the wilderness landscapes and is usually tranquil.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The nearby 5.5-square-mile Alamo Lake is the perfect location for fishing. Its waters are home to substantial populations of crappie, largemouth bass, sunfish, and bluegill. Anglers aged 10 and above need a valid Arizona fishing license to fish in the lake. The lake also offers swimming opportunities for visitors who wish to take a dip in its waters.

Bill Williams River, which runs through the Rawhide Mountains Wilderness, offers an expanse of white water for river runners and other water-related recreation enthusiasts to enjoy floating, rafting, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.

Wildlife Viewing

Rawhide Mountains Wilderness offers nature lovers an opportunity to see a variety of amazing creatures among the unique vegetation native to the area. The upper parts of this BLM site are home to different animals, including jackrabbits, coyotes, lizards, beavers, toads, frogs, and rattlesnakes. Bald eagles also soar overhead in the wilderness. Above the canyon rim of this wilderness, you’ll see unique vegetation featuring flora like paloverde, saguaro, ocotillo, cholla, and yucca.

OHV Riding

If you fancy driving off-highway vehicles along scenic routes, you’ll find hundreds of miles of off-highway vehicle trails near Alamo Lake State Park. OVH riding is limited to designated roads and paths, but you’ll have ample space to maneuver freely.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

While there are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site, the nearby Alamo Lake Campground offers opportunities for BLM RV camping for visitors at and around Rawhide Mountains Wilderness. This campground features camping sites that can accommodate RVs and tents and remain open year-round. The campground provides campers with water, sewer, and electric hookup options for trailers and RVs. Amenities such as fire grills, picnic tables, chemical and vault toilets, potable water, showers, and dump stations are also provided. The campground accommodates motorhomes and RVs of up to 100 feet.

Free Camping

Vacationers are welcome to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping in Rawhide Mountains Wilderness. However, you have to leave your motorized vehicle outside and proceed on foot or on your horse to find a perfect spot for your campsite. Alternatively, you can find a pleasant spot outside the wilderness boundaries and erect your tent there.

RV Rentals Near Rawhide Mountains Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Rawhide Mountains Wilderness BLM trip

When planning your BLM trip to the Rawhide Mountains Wilderness, remember that besides vehicles, other equipment used for mechanical transport, including bicycles, motorboats, carts, wagons, hang gliders, and portage wheels, are prohibited. While exploring the wilderness, you should remember that some of the lands are privately owned, so respect the owner’s property rights and don’t use or cross these areas without their permission.

You should also bring all the supplies you anticipate needing during the trip, including a first aid kit, seasonal clothing, sturdy shoes, a sleeping bag, camping utensils, and a lighter. In addition, if you’re planning to visit the area during summer, don’t forget to prepare for the scorching Arizona heat. Carry plenty of water and sunscreen and any other relevant protection. Also, ensure a family member or a friend knows where you’ll be going. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When visiting the Rawhide Mountains Wilderness or any other Bureau of Land Management camping site, do your part to keep the site clean and protected. Dispose of all your food and waste safely and collect any trash you find. Keep a safe distance from any animals you see and don’t feed them. Don’t touch or pick any plants. Make a fire in a controlled area and ensure its adequately extinguished before leaving for the next destination. Camp and travel on durable surfaces and respect other vacationers.

Rawhide Mountains Wilderness Location

You can access the Rawhide Mountains Wilderness from several locations. Alamo Road is a perfect option for accessing the portion of the wilderness situated north of the Bill Williams River. You can access Alamo Road from Yucca, Arizona, about 22 miles south of Kingman on I-40 or from Wikieup, Arizona, on Highway 93 via Chicken Springs Road.

Address: Lake Havasu Field Office 2610 Sweetwater Avenue, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406

Ready to visit Rawhide 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 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.