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BLM Camping

Swansea Historic Ghost Town

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

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Swansea Historic Ghost Town

Now a ghost town, Swansea became a hotspot for mining in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and the town's population swelled with the construction of the Arizona & California Railroad. However, the town's nearby mines were shut down in 1937 during the Great Depression. Visitors to the area can take in the remains of Swansea's buildings and mines and view the area's beautiful landscape, which is now taking over the abandoned town. Swansea is about 25 miles from the towns of Parker and Bouse, and it's also only about an hour and 45 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.

The Bureau of Land Management protects sections of public lands for visitors to enjoy. These sites might have important ecological, geographical, or historical value or may simply be beautiful places to explore. To find BLM sites that offer camping options or amenities, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Desert Bar Trail

This secluded trail near Parker is ideal for hiking, off-roading, or horseback riding.

Length: 9.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rovey's Needle

This loop trail offers gorgeous scenery and is the perfect way to view native desert plants and large rock formations.

Length: 4.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Cupcake Mountain Trail

This trail climbs sharply in elevation, making it a fantastic, strenuous hike for experienced adventurers. The trail also provides beautiful views.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Buckskin Trail East

This lovely trail in Buckskin Mountain State Park is excellent for hiking or biking.

Length: 6.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Bill Williams Peninsula Trail

Located in the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, this gentle trail is a great way to spot animals, particularly birds.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The nearby Parker Strip Recreation Area is ideal for fishing, swimming, and boating. Anglers can often catch catfish, bluegill, bass, and crappie. Swimming is particularly popular at the recreation area's Bullfrog Day Use Area.

Climbing

The Parker Strip Recreation Area is a great choice for rock climbing, as the area provides several bouldering problems. Crab Claw Rock is another nearby location that offers some of the only traditional and top rope routes in the area.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can often spot wildlife right in Swansea, but heading to the nearby Parker Strip Recreation Area, the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, or Buckskin Mountain State Park helps to ensure fantastic wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Animals native to the area include mule deer, burros, bighorn sheep, rabbits, bobcats, and several bird, snake, and lizard species.

Picnicking

Many people head to the Bullfrog Day Use Area for picnicking. The area provides beautiful scenery and offers several picnic tables. Restrooms are also available, and visitors can swim, fish, boat, hike, or spot wildlife.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping can be found at the Plomosa Road BLM Camping Area. The area is popular with campers and offers great options for socializing or taking in the beautiful scenery, but amenities are limited. Another good option for local RV camping is the Bouse RV Park. This park offers full hookups, a laundry area, showers, a clubhouse, and free Wi-Fi.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is abundant around the Swansea Historic Ghost Town. Visitors can head to the Saddle Mountain BLM Dispersed Camping Area to set up a primitive site. The Craggy Wash BLM Camping Area is another fantastic option. Both camping areas have very few, if any, amenities, but the campgrounds are quiet and spacious and provide visitors with beautiful views.

RV Rentals Near Swansea Historic Ghost Town Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Swansea Historic Ghost Town BLM trip

Although the drive to Swansea doesn't require a four-wheel drive or all-terrain vehicle, the roads can often be somewhat rough. This is particularly true after heavy rain, and a high-clearance vehicle may be necessary. Always check the road conditions before you leave for your adventure. Never head out if rain or a thunderstorm is in the near forecast.

During the summer months, Swansea and the surrounding area are incredibly dry and hot. Heat stroke can strike quickly and without much warning. Swansea is relatively remote, so bring plenty of water and always carry an emergency kit, just in case. The area also features several open holes and mine shafts. Although these are mostly blocked off, watch your footing as you explore.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Whether you're visiting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, hiking trails, or a historic ghost town, all natural and historic sites can benefit from the Leave No Trace practices. As you explore, remember to pack out all trash with you, and if you see any litter on the trail, pick it up and throw it away. Share the space with other visitors, and always keep noise, such as music or barking dogs, to a minimum. If you see any wildlife, observe it from a safe distance. Try to disturb the local flora and fauna as little as possible. Never start a fire if the fire danger rating is high, and always keep fires contained and under control.

Swansea Historic Ghost Town Location

You can reach Swansea from either Parker or Bouse. From Parker, head south and cross the railroad tracks. After another quarter of a mile, turn left onto Shea Road. Continue for 13 miles before turning south onto a dirt road. Continue straight at the four-way stop and keep following signs for Swansea until you reach the town. From Bouse, take the main road through town. It will turn to gravel. Continue left at the first major Y, which is about 3 miles outside of town. You'll cross a canal and come to another Y. Stay left and continue for another 10 miles until you see a four-way stop. Turn right and continue to Swansea.

Ready to visit Swansea Historic Ghost Town? 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.