BLM Camping

Chambless Rock Collecting Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Chambless Rock Collecting Area

BLM areas are tracts of unincorporated public lands that visitors can enjoy. Many of these areas serve a specific function, and they may offer rock collecting, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, or even BLM RV camping or Bureau of Land Management free camping. To find which sites offer camping amenities, search for “BLM camping near me.”

The Chambless Rock Collecting Area offers a great outdoor experience and beautiful views of the area. It’s also, as the name suggests, an excellent place for rock collecting. In the eastern part of the area, collectors can find small fossils in a limestone ridge. The entire area is also rich in magnetite, hematite, and green epidote, which is common in the dry river washes in the area. Small garnets can be found in some of the nearby canyons, and there is an abandoned quarry where collectors can find limestone and marble.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Kelso Dunes Trail

This popular trail offers beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Lava Tube Trail

This trail in the nearby Mojave National Preserve offers visitors a glimpse of the area’s volcanic past.

Length: 0.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Teutonia Peak Trail

Although there are some steep areas, hikers will be rewarded with beautiful views along this entire trail.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rock Spring Loop

A gentle hike with beautiful views, this trail is remote enough that it’s usually quite private.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Barber Peak Loop Trail

This trail offers spectacular views of the nearby rock formations.

Length: 5.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Climbing

There are several excellent climbing locations in the Mojave National Preserve, which is right near the Chambless Rock Collecting Area. Climbers can take on the Castle Peaks spires or one of five traditional climbs at the Granite Mountains rock formations.

Wildlife Viewing

The Chambless Rock Collecting Area is quiet enough that there are many wildlife viewing opportunities. Wildlife can also be spotted at the nearby Mojave National Preserve. Native species include coyotes, bighorn sheep, jackrabbits, burrowing owls, roadrunners, desert deer, quail, hawks, and several species of reptiles, including desert tortoises. Occasionally, visitors might even spot a mountain lion.

Picnicking

The Providence Mountains State Recreation Area is an excellent spot for a picnic, and there are picnic tables available. Visitors can also enjoy the recreational activities in the area or tour the nearby Mitchell Caverns.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Visitors to the area can enjoy some BLM RV camping at the Mojave Trails National Monument. There are 22 developed sites, and dispersed camping is allowed. Free RV camping is also available at nearby Amboy Crater, which is the remnants of an extinct cinder cone volcano. The area offers few amenities, but the views of the landscape are spectacular.

Free Camping

There are several Bureau of Land Management campgrounds located near the Chambless Rock Collecting Area. Visitors can camp in any free, undeveloped campsite in the Mojave National Preserve, but new campsites can’t be created. Free campsites include areas at the Kelso Dunes, Granite Pass, and Sunrise Rock. A free undeveloped site near Billy Boy Mine is a great choice for RVs. Free dispersed camping is also allowed at the Mojave Trails National Monument.

RV Rentals Near Chambless Rock Collecting Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Chambless Rock Collecting Area BLM trip

Chambless Rock Collecting Area and the nearby preserves and national monuments are beautiful and generally relatively secluded and peaceful, making them excellent ways to explore some of the local landscape. Most visitors prefer to explore the area from fall through spring because summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The area is very dry, so clear days are almost assured. Winter nights can become very cold with temperatures dropping below freezing, so remember to pack warmly if you’re staying overnight.

The Chambless Rock Collecting Area and most locations nearby are relatively remote, so always pack everything you need, including plenty of water. Amenities are few, but you can drive to nearby Needles, CA to stock up on anything you might need. The area is also home to mountain lions, coyotes, and several species of venomous snakes. Observe these animals safely from a distance, and try not to disturb them if you spot them.

In general, BLM sites allow for stays of 14 days over the course of a month, but you may want to call ahead to make sure of the rules and to double-check what group sizes are allowed. It’s also a good idea to check ahead for any closures. Most sites don’t take reservations, so this is a good opportunity to make sure there’s space. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Any time you’re enjoying a BLM site or doing some Bureau of Land Management camping, it’s important to keep protecting and preserving that site first and foremost in your mind. If you’re exploring or camping in a remote area without facilities, always take all of your trash with you when you leave. Try not to disturb the local plants and animals. Only camp in designated areas, and try not to make new campsites if you don’t have to. Only build fires in fire pits or rings, and never build a fire if the fire danger is anything over low.