The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for 19 million acres of public land. The BLM manages a wide variety of resources, including minerals, rangelands, forests and recreation areas. It also works to conserve the cultural and historical resources on these lands. Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in many prime locations throughout the region. These areas may be open to the public for both camping and recreational activities such as off-highway vehicle riding. There are no fees associated with some of the more remote Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, and they may not offer amenities such as hookups or restrooms.
One of the prettiest Bureau of Land Management camping areas is T.K. Jones Campground at Squaw Lake. It’s located around 150 miles from both Joshua Tree National Park and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The Colorado River runs through the campground, and there is a boat launch. The campground also has a variety of hiking trails and is a great place to stargaze. Visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking in the nearby lakes and river.
Located along Red Cloud Mine Road in southern Arizona, the Painted Desert Trail is a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast. The landscape of the desert is one of its most attractive features, with views ranging from wide expanses of sand to towering formations of rock. The terrain is mostly flat, and it's smooth enough for biking or running. The trail also offers an array of wildlife, from lizards to small birds and reptiles.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
The terrain here runs the gamut from flat stretches through grassy landscapes to more challenging hills and inclines, making it easy to customize your experience. As you wander among the colorful wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and cacti, be prepared to spot jackrabbits and quail darting across the path. With incredible views of distant mountains in one direction and lush wetlands in the other, the trail at East Wetlands Park is as scenic as it gets.
Length: 2.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
T.K. Jones Campground is a popular destination for fishing and boating in southern Arizona. The campground offers a boat launch on Squaw Lake, which is connected to the Colorado River. Rafting and kayaking are popular, and in the nearby town of Yuma, campers can rent Jet Skis for a reasonable price. Anglers can find a variety of fish in the lake, including largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish.
Castle Dome Peak is a popular rock-climbing destination near T.K. Jones Campground. The peak is part of the Picacho State Recreation Area, and visitors can hike 5.5 miles to the summit for views of the surrounding desert landscape from an elevation of around 2,100 feet. You can climb classic sport routes, tackle boulders, ascend multi-pitches and enjoy expansive views from the summit of the peak. Climbing at Castle Dome Peak also allows climbers to experience the unique desert scenery as they make their way around the face.
The Squaw Lake area is home to a variety of aquatic birds, including herons and egrets. The T.K. Jones Campground is an excellent place to spot sunfish, catfish and bass. In addition to the aquatic wildlife, visitors to the campground may also see squirrels, lizards and snakes. Coyotes and javelinas are sometimes seen in the area, but they are more likely to avoid human contact.
Riverside Park and Meers Point Trail are both popular picnic areas near T.K. Jones Campground. Riverside Park is situated on the banks of the Colorado River, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding desert landscape. The Meers Point Trail winds through a desert wetland, providing a more challenging hiking experience for picnickers looking to work up an appetite.
When it comes to BLM RV camping, T.K. Jones Campground is a great choice. It offers electric and water hookups and an easy self-registration process. Whether you want to take a leisurely hike through the nearby desert or explore the remains of ancient civilizations, T.K. Jones Campground is a great choice.
Looking for “BLM camping near me?” There are several free sites within a few miles of T.K. Jones Campground. Lake Mittry is about 10 miles away, and Oxbow Recreation Area is about 20 miles away. Both of these sites offer opportunities for hiking, fishing and picnicking. Lake Mittry also has a boat launch ramp, and there are usually plenty of open campsites available. The Oxbow Recreation Area is a little more crowded, but it has some great views of the nearby mountains.
T.K. Jones Campground is located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, so it can get extremely hot during the summer. Be sure to pack sun protection and bring plenty of water on day hikes.
Although the Sonoran Desert is North America’s hottest desert, it can still get cold in the winter. Temperature swings in the desert can exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit at times, so it’s a good idea to pack layers of clothing and extra blankets.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
It’s important to practice Leave No Trace guidelines when camping in pristine ecosystems such as T.K. Jones Campground. This means packing out everything you bring in, including trash, food scraps and used cooking gear. When camping in more remote areas, it means burying human waste at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet from any water source. It’s very important to park your RV on durable surfaces such as gravel or sand to prevent damage to vegetation.
To reach T.K. Jones Campground from Yuma, Arizona, take Interstate 8 east for about 30 miles until you reach Imperial County Road S-24. Turn left onto S-24 and continue for about 4 miles until you reach the campground entrance. Camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a convenient fee pipe for registration payments.
Ready to visit T.K. Jones Campground? 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.
