The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Near the transition between the Sierra Mountains and the Mojave Desert is Chimney Peak Wilderness. The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages Chimney Peak Wilderness and helps to maintain its natural state. It's part of the largest network of wilderness areas and campgrounds that fall under the 105,000-acre Chimney Peak Recreation Area. Dispersed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds can be found along the Chimney Peak Backcountry Byway and other roads surrounding the wilderness area for those who wish to stay overnight. Many visitors trek through the 13,140-acre wilderness to see its natural habitat and beautiful scattered springs and streams.
Located 102 miles southwest of Death Valley National Park and 197 miles southeast of Sequoia National Park, the wilderness encompasses rocky, mountainous terrain dominated by pinyon pine trees and sagebrush. Other national parks near Chimney Peak Wilderness include Joshua Tree National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
An eight-mile portion of the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the wilderness area between two main roads. Chimney Peak rises above the northeast corner of the wilderness to an elevation of 7,951 feet. Chimney Creek briskly flows across the eastern boundary. You can trek the eight-mile section of the trail or take it even farther.
Length: 8 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Chimney Peak Byway is a popular trail for off-road driving, but you can still enjoy the solitude during quieter times of the day. The trail reaches a peak elevation of 1,561 feet with spectacular views of the landscape, vegetation, and wildlife.
Length: 11.5
Intensity: Easy
Fishing and boating are permitted at Chimney Peak Wilderness. Anglers may enjoy catching trout in Chimney Creek and various streams that run through the area. Boats are limited to canoes, kayaks, and specialized rafts in the wilderness area. The nearby Kern River area is an excellent place to go whitewater rafting thanks to its exhilarating class 2-4 rapids. Ensure you have the proper permits when fishing and boating on BLM land.
Many diverse types of wildlife call the mountainous terrain of Chimney Peak Wilderness home. Mountain lions, mule deer, black bears, and bobcats are frequently seen throughout the wilderness area. Chimney Creek has a variety of trout swimming up and down the clear creek water; anglers can always try their luck at catching these sly fish. Bird-watchers will have a blast finding the many bird species found in these parts, which include warblers.
There are no picnic tables set up around the Chimney Peak Wilderness land. However, the Chimney Creek Campground at the Chimney Peak Recreational Area does have them on each campsite, making it the ideal place to have a picnic lunch.
Be sure to remember your camera so you can take lots of pictures on your trip to Chimney Peak Wilderness. You'll be surrounded by the mountainous peaks of the Nevada and Sierra Mountains and lots of forest pines and sagebrush. Whether you're walking on the part of the Pacific Crest Trail that goes through the wilderness or Chimney Peak Byway, the photos will capture the area's natural beauty and create a lasting memory to look back on.
If you would rather camp outside of the BLM public land, there are several RV camping sites within 50 miles of Chimney Peak Wilderness. Lake Isabella/Kern River KOA offers pull-through and back-in RV campsites with water and 30-amp electric hookups. Many of the sites also have a sewer connection for your convenience, or you could empty your rig's tank at the accessible dump station. The campground provides a coffee bar, laundry facilities, picnic tables, a swimming pool, and a splash pad play area. A few other campgrounds nearby are Lake Isabella RV Resort and Haven RV Park.
In California BLM areas, dispersed camping is permitted. For the most part, dispersed camping in California is limited to tent camping. However, you'll find one Bureau of Land Management free camping spot within the nearby Chimney Peak Recreation Area that offers RV campsites. The Chimney Creek Campground has 36 sites equipped for RVs up to 28 feet long. It's nestled among beautiful pinyon pines, gray pines, and oaks along Chimney Creek at 5,700 feet.
It's always beneficial to plan when taking a BLM RV camping trip in the wilderness of California. The best option would be to park your RV in a nearby organized campground that provides ample amenities to fit your needs. This way, you'll have no problem finding an RV campground within 50 miles of Chimney Peak Wilderness. Make sure to pack bug repellent, sunscreen, hiking boots, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
BLM camping is generally less expensive than other facilities for an overnight stay, which helps with maintenance costs. The sites are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so always have a backup plan when visiting the area. Simply look up "BLM camping near me" on your phone, and you'll find a list of alternative places to spend the night. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace is a concept where you do nothing to disturb the land or habitat in which wildlife live. Clean up after yourself by taking your trash with you, and by all means, leave everything behind that you find. Don't approach the wildlife as the wilderness is their home; instead, observe them from a distance and take photographs to view them later. By following these guidelines, you'll be helping to maintain the pristine natural beauty of the wilderness.
To reach Chimney Peak Wilderness from Inyokern, California, get on US-395 North and travel about 10 miles. Turn left onto Nine Mile Canyon Road. Follow for approximately 10 miles and continue onto Kennedy Meadow Road and Sherman Pass Road. Turn right onto Chimney Basin Road and follow for 11.5 miles. You'll go past where it becomes Chimney Peak Road and again Chimney Basin Road. Turn right to follow the dirt roads into the wilderness boundaries. These are unmaintained dirt roads with no name.
Ready to visit Chimney Peak 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.
