The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located near Bouse and Parker in Arizona, the Swansea Wilderness was once a large mining area that was later abandoned. The wilderness, which is less than two hours from Joshua Tree National Park, is home to a ghost town, and visitors can view the town’s ruins or hike through the area’s beautiful landscape. The wilderness is also a popular location for horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Like all Bureau of Land Management areas, the Swansea Wilderness is a protected section of public lands. These lands create a safe habitat for native species while offering people a way to get closer to nature and away from urban life. To find BLM sites that offer various camping amenities and options, search for “BLM camping near me.”
Ideal for wildlife viewing and birdwatching, this trail in the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is also a great way to view the area’s scenery.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Located in Quartzsite, Arizona, this lengthy trail is a good option for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, or OHVs.
Length: 18.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Popular with both hikers and mountain bikers, this gentle trail is perfect for the whole family, and it’s located in scenic Buckskin Mountain State Park.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
A great option for hikers and anyone looking for some rock climbing options, this trail is located in the nearby Kofa Wilderness.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Nestled in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, this trail is generally secluded, making it a great option for spotting more reclusive wildlife.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Although the Swansea Wilderness is a desert environment, the nearby Colorado River makes for some excellent fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The Parker Strip Recreation Area borders the river, and its two day-use locations, called the Bullfrog and Cable Car Day Use Areas, are fantastic options for catching bass, catfish, and bluegill.
Bouldering enthusiasts can head to the Parker Strip Recreation Area or the Kofa Wilderness to try different problems. There are also several traditional and top rope routes available at Crab Claw Rock, a nearby rock formation.
The Swansea Wilderness is perfect for viewing wildlife, and visitors often spot mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, snakes, lizards, hawks, eagles, javelina, rabbits, and bobcats. For more viewing and photography opportunities, visitors can explore the nearby Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, the Kofa Wilderness, or the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge.
The Bullfrog and Cable Car Day Use Areas are both excellent for picnicking. The areas offer tables and beautiful views. Visitors can also often spot wild burros at the Bullfrog Day Use Area.
Fantastic BLM RV camping options can be found at the Hi Jolly BLM Campsite. The area provides plenty of space for RV parking, and the ground is flat with hard-packed dirt. The Desert Pueblo RV Resort is another excellent RV camping option. The resort offers full hookups, showers, restrooms, a laundry area, an option for RV storage, and access to many nearby hiking trails.
One of the most popular spots for Bureau of Land Management free camping is the Craggy Wash BLM Camping Area. The camping area does not offer any amenities, but the views are spectacular, and visitors can explore the area’s rock formations. The Saddle Mountain BLM Dispersed Camping Area also provides secluded camping options.
Some areas surrounding the Swansea wilderness are private property. As you explore the area, keep a map or GPS with you, and ensure that you stay on BLM lands. Always respect private property, and always obey all posted signs.
Federal wilderness areas prohibit the use of motorized vehicles except in specific, designated locations. This means that, once you enter the wilderness, you’ll need to hike or horseback ride through it to explore. Even mountain bikes are generally prohibited. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace and tread lightly practices help to protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. There are seven major Leave No Trace policies, and they include planning ahead to increase safety and minimize your impact on the land and camping only on durable surfaces.
From Bouse, take the main road until it bends north, and then stay left at the first Y intersection, located about three miles outside of town. Keep driving across the canal, and after about five miles, you’ll come to another Y. Stay left and continue for another 10 miles. At the four-way stop, take a right to Swansea.
You can also access Swansea and the wilderness from Parker by heading south out of town. Turn left on Shea Road, and continue for about 13 miles. Turn south onto a dirt road, and follow the signs for Swansea. At the four-way stop, go straight, and continue until you reach Swansea.
Ready to visit Swansea 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.
