The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Afton Canyon and the surrounding Mojave Trails National Monument are administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The agency requires all visitors to the seven-mile canyon to adhere to a strict set of regulations. These are designed to protect the fragile area where the Mojave River emerges from its underground course to run beneath the light of day briefly. Bureau of Land Management camping in Afton Canyon is restricted to a small area at the western end of the canyon.
Afton Canyon lies close to the California/Arizona border, 15 miles west of Camp Cady, an old U.S. Army patrol base used during the pioneering era, and 37 miles northeast of Barstow. Its location puts the canyon close to two national parks: Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park. The canyon was a stopping point for wagon trains running toward the California coast during the Great Migration. Much of the area saw exploitation as a mineral resource until the mines played out around the 1930s. The railroad built a line through the canyon's center to expedite the transfer of goods to and from the big cities of California. Today, the BLM protects the site, designating the valley as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
The Afton Canyon Trail begins at the small campground at the western end of the canyon. It follows the old mining road for about a mile and then sets off to the right, bringing hikers to the banks of the Mojave River and following it eastward. Hikers may need to step into the stream from time to time to avoid dense plant growth. The trail reaches two caves that are worthy of exploration.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
There are several locations inside Afton Canyon that require some degree of rock climbing to reach. The second of two caves reached via the Afton Canyon Trail demands a scramble up a steep slope to visit. The climb is not recommended for those inexperienced in rock climbing. To see the Arbuckle Mine, 400 feet above the canyon floor, you need excellent rock-climbing skills. Some of the cliffs are vertical while others are sloped at an average 40-degree angle.
With the Mojave River rising from the depths for a short run on the surface before diving underground again, its clear waters draw wildlife and birds from miles around. The canyon is designated as a “Watchable Wildlife Area,” which may inspire awe for visitors to the area. Bighorn Sheep thrive amongst the mountains of Afton Canyon and are sometimes observed visiting the Mojave River for a drink. Various kinds of raptors feed on the small mammals that live alongside the river and nest on the cliffs. If you picnic along the way, you are sharing your crumbs with kangaroo rats and roadrunners.
While most picnickers in Afton Canyon take their sustenance at the picnic tables in the campground area, some also carry food into the canyon to munch on during their hike. Families are often seen sitting amongst the brush along the Mojave River, sharing some food before moving on. As long as humans remove any food from the depths of the canyon, it is permitted to picnic anywhere within its confines.
Those staying overnight in Afton Canyon are amazed at the night sky. The canyon is so far from any urban area that the sky is unaffected by city lights. What visitors see in the sky at night while visiting this place are the same skies that mystified humans for eons, beckoning them to create tales, myths, and legends about gods, men, and the stars themselves.
There are two Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for RV camping near Afton Canyon. The closest is Afton Canyon Campground, which offers 12 primitive sites for RV travelers on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground sits at the western entrance to the canyon and only costs $6 per night. Located 23 miles south of Afton Canyon, Owl Canyon Campground offers 22 primitive RV spaces capable of accommodating big rigs for only $6 per night. The campground provides vault toilets and a central water spigot.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in several sites near Barstow, CA, within 40 miles of Afton Canyon. Most of these free campsites are Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) areas managed by the BLM. The nearest is the Johnson Valley OHV Area, which is about 15 miles west of Afton Valley. RVs of any size can pull to the side of the road here for an overnight stay.
While planning their trip, RV campers seeking to visit Afton Canyon only need to do an online search for “BLM camping near me” to find local BLM RV camping areas. Before embarking, travelers should search for dump stations local to their intended vacation spot, especially in remote areas like Afton Canyon. RV travelers should pack canned goods, extra clothing, and sleeping bags for emergencies. You should also map out routes and let others know your traveling destination and intentions.
BLM camping facilities bring travelers close to nature. Most RV campsites are primitive and in areas where local wildlife feels free to roam, so visitors should ensure that their food containers are wildlife-proof. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Those engaging in BLM RV camping are subject to several regulations, one of which is “leave no trace behind.” This regulation requires the removal of all garbage, waste, and campfire residue. When picnicking, make sure to clean up the area to prevent wildlife feeding.
To reach Afton Canyon from Barstow, take Interstate 15 (I-15) east for 35 miles to the Afton exit. Head south for three miles on a dirt road to reach the Afton Canyon Campground.
Address: 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311
Ready to visit Afton Canyon? 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 RV Share.
