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BLM Camping

Tres Alamos 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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Tres Alamos Wilderness

The Tres Alamos Wilderness is located just outside of Wickenburg, Arizona and is part of Lake Alamo State Park. The wilderness, which spans 8,300 acres, is a haven for wildlife that lives among the many desert plant and cactus species there. The Black Mountains, plus several canyons, washes, and meadow areas, are excellent locations for photography, hiking, and horseback riding. This area is also a great place to launch a trip to the spectacular Grand Canyon National Park, which is about 190 miles north of Wickenburg.

Like the Tres Alamos Wilderness, BLM areas are sections of public lands that have been set aside and protected in order to give people a chance to explore nature while also preserving precious ecosystems. To find BLM sites where you can set up camp, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds Mine Trail

This trail is relatively secluded, so it's a fantastic place to spot wildlife. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Length: 7.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Hassayampa River Trail

This surprisingly lush trail is located in the nearby Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Sophie's Flat Trail

This secluded trail offers gorgeous views of the area and meanders through a mesmerizing desert landscape.

Length: 6.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Belmont Mountain Trail

An excellent trail for viewing birds, this path also leads past an abandoned mine.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Buckhorn Creek Trail

This lengthy trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, or horseback riding.

Length: 17.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Alamo Lake State Park, which encompasses the Tres Alamos Wilderness, is one of the best fishing locations in Arizona. The park is well-known for its excellent bass fishing, but crappie, red-eared sunfish, catfish, bluegill, and tilapia are also commonly caught there. Visitors can also boat or swim in the lake.

Wildlife Viewing

The Tres Alamos Wilderness is a fantastic place to view or photograph animals in their native habitat. Animals common to the area include kit foxes, Cooper's hawks, prairie falcons, Gila monsters, mule deer, and wild burros. You might also see golden eagles, rabbits, snakes, lizards, coyotes, and bobcats.

Picnicking

One of the most popular places for a picnic near the Tres Alamos Wilderness is Boetto Park in Wickenburg. This scenic park features benches, picnic tables, restrooms, and shade trees. Maguire Park is another fantastic choice. This peaceful park has benches and picnic tables.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is popular in the Tres Alamos Wilderness and throughout the region. Riders can use OHV trails or washes, and some hiking trails, such as the Wickenburg Rodeo Grounds Mine Trail, are also ideal for equestrians.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Many people looking for BLM RV camping near the Tres Alamos Wilderness stop at Constellation Park. The park offers a secluded camping experience and easy access to nearby hiking or OHV trails. The Desert Cypress Mobile Home & RV Park is another great RV camping option. The park offers full hookups, a laundry area, showers, and restrooms. There is also a heated swimming pool. The Loose Horse RV Park also offers clean restrooms and a laundry area. Visitors can also rent a horse stall if they are traveling with equine friends.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in the Tres Alamos Wilderness. Visitors can set up a dispersed site anywhere they like, but remember that no amenities or hookups are available. The nearby Great BLM Staging Area and Campground also offers free dispersed camping.

RV Rentals Near Tres Alamos Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Tres Alamos Wilderness BLM trip

The Tres Alamos Wilderness is remote, and the roads can be rough. An all-terrain or four-wheel-drive vehicle is often the best option for entering the wilderness. Inside the boundaries of this BLM site, most motorized vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited. There are no formal hiking trails inside the wilderness area, but hikers often utilize washes and burro trails.

During the summer, late spring, and early fall months, temperatures in and around the Tres Alamos Wilderness can be scorching, and the weather is dry throughout most of the year. Always carry plenty of water with you. Hydrate frequently, especially on hot or sunny days. Heat stroke is common and can strike without much warning.

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

Leave No Trace

Whenever you're visiting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or wilderness areas, protecting the landscape and animal and plant species is essential. Desert ecosystems are particularly fragile. Wherever possible, minimize your impact on the land. Only set up a dispersed camping site in areas with little vegetation, and always camp on stable ground. Obey all fire bans and fire-danger ratings. Always keep campfires contained, and ensure they are completely out and cold before leaving the area. Pack out all trash with you when you leave, including food waste. If you see any trash as you explore the area, pick it up and pack it out with you.

Tres Alamos Wilderness Location

From Wickenburg, take Highway 60 west to Wenden. At the paved road, turn north and follow the signs for Alamo Lake State Park. Your next turn will be at milepost 28, where you'll take a right. Continue for 3 miles before turning right onto Alamo Lake Road. Continue for 0.5 miles, then take a left onto Palmerita Road. Keep going for another 5.3 miles. Turn right and go on for 13 miles more until you reach the Tres Alamos Wilderness.

Ready to visit Tres Alamos 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.