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 a federal agency that is responsible for managing public lands. This includes both developed and undeveloped lands totaling more than 247 million acres. These acres of land are unspoiled by human development, and they provide important habitats for wildlife. The Bureau of Land Management offers free camping opportunities in many of its designated lands. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are often in some of the most scenic areas in the country.
Table Top Trail is a wilderness area located in Maricopa County, Arizona. The area is adjacent to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and within a few hours’ drive of Joshua Tree National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. Table Top Trail is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. In addition to its natural beauty, Table Top Trail is also rich in history. The area was once home to the Hohokam people, and there are numerous archaeological sites throughout the wilderness area.
Table Top Trail offers stunning views and a challenging hike. Hikers will pass by several intriguing rock formations as well as a variety of cacti and other desert plants. The trail culminates at the summit of Table Top Mountain, where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Vekol Valley.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Lava Flow Trail is a popular hiking trail that leads to the summit of Black Mountain. The trail is named for the lava flows that can be seen along the way, an example of Black Mountain's volcanic past. The trail is steep in places and can be slippery when wet.
Length: 7.25 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Gila River is the nearest fishing destination to Table Top Wilderness. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and trout. There are several public access points along the river, making it easy to find a spot to fish.
Table Top Mountain and Black Mountain offer some of the best rock climbing in Table Top Wilderness. Table Top Mountain is a popular destination for climbers of all abilities with routes ranging from easy to expert. At an elevation of 4,413 feet, the summit offers great views, and the climb can be completed in a day. Black Mountain is a more challenging climb, but the rewards are worth it. Although the elevation is only 4,048 feet, the views from the top are even more impressive than those from Table Top Mountain.
Table Top Wilderness is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert and offers visitors the opportunity to see many different species of animals. The area is home to desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, javelinas, bobcats, and dozens of species of bats, rodents, and rabbits. There are also numerous species of reptiles and birds that live throughout the Table Top Wilderness.
There are no designated picnic areas located near Table Top Trail, but visitors can have a picnic in any of the public gathering areas or campgrounds. BLM rangers ask visitors to remember that Table Top Wilderness is a fragile ecosystem and that all food, trash, and supplies should be packed out. Fires are prohibited in Table Top Wilderness, and many areas of the wilderness have no cell phone signal.
BLM RV camping is permitted in three designated campsites near Table Top Trail. Each BLM campsite has a picnic table and fire pit, and a vault toilet is available on-site. For an RV camping facility with more amenities, you'll want to visit nearby Casa Grande, AZ, where you find Casa Grande RV Resort, Fiesta Grande Resort, Casita Verde RV Resort, and other options.
If you're looking for Bureau of Land Management free camping, you'll find several options near the Table Top Trail. Free camping near the trail offers an amazing experience with stargazing opportunities in a remote location far from city lights. Many other nearby free campsites are available on BLM land as well. There are BLM boondocking areas throughout Maricopa County and to the northwest in Buckeye, Arizona. To find these areas, search online for "BLM camping near me."
Table Top Trail is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, which is the hottest desert in North America. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection on your trip.
While summer temperatures can reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit for months at a time, temperature swings can be extreme with nighttime lows dipping below freezing in the winter. That’s why it’s important to pack layers and bring plenty of blankets for sleeping.
Table Top Wilderness is home to a diverse collection of plants and animals, so bring a camera to capture photos of the majestic beauty while you’re there. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Table Top Wilderness is a pristine wildlife preserve that is home to a delicate ecosystem. When camping in Table Top Wilderness, it’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out all trash and waste, cleaning up after meals, and camping only in places where people have camped before. It also means respecting wildlife by not feeding them or approaching them too closely.
To reach the Table Top Wilderness from Phoenix, take I-10 east for about 45 miles. Then take Vekol Road north for about 25 miles. Table Top Trail will be on your left. Vekol Road is a dirt road and can be impassable when wet, so it's best to avoid this route after a rainstorm. A four-wheel drive vehicle is required to access Table Top Trail and Lava Flow Trail.
Ready to visit Table Top Trail? 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.
