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BLM Camping

Clear Creek


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

If you're a camping enthusiast or someone who loves the outdoors, you should consider giving BLM camping a try. BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management, a government agency responsible for administering hundreds of the country's most inviting natural destinations. When you visit any of these BLM-maintained sites, you're likely to find well-kept and affordable opportunities for exploration. Travelers from all over the country journey to these locations to get closer to nature, sleep under the stars, and enjoy a variety of recreational activities.

Located in western California, the Clear Creek Management Area is one of the coast's many beautiful BLM sites. The scenic area comprises 75,000 acres of forests, canyons, and rugged terrain. In addition to the excellent opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, the site is known as a premier spot for gem and mineral collecting. It's also located about 20 miles southeast of the unique and beautiful Pinnacles National Park.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Old Pinnacles Trail Loop

The Old Pinnacles Trail Loop is located in Pinnacles National Park and offers visitors a variety of activities, including birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing. The loop trail features several stretches that are relatively steep and taxing. The hike is a bit of a challenge, but the breathtaking scenery makes it entirely worth the effort.

Length: 9.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Balconies Cave Trail

The Balconies Cave Trail is also found within the gorgeous nearby national park. The out-and-back trail lies near the town of Soledad, CA, and takes only around an hour to traverse on average. The trail's most unique feature is its fascinating cave, which hikers can explore while visiting. Keep in mind, that this trail is subject to seasonal closures during periods of storms or extreme weather. The route tends to be very popular, so you should expect to see quite a few other people.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

Fishing enthusiasts will have a few options when it comes to angling near the Clear Creek BLM site. Both the Clear Creek itself and the San Benito River flow right through the area, and visitors may be able to reel in a few fish from either one. However, the best nearby option may be the Hernandez Reservoir, which is inhabited by striped bass, catfish, smallmouth bass, walleye, and crappie.

ClimbingClimbing

If you're an adventurous rock climber, you'll definitely want to head to Pinnacles National Park and experience some of its popular climbing destinations. The park contains a variety of sport and trad climbing routes, with many options for both beginner and experienced climbers. You'll find bolt-protected face climbs, as well as many more traditional climbs.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Pinnacles National Park is also the best nearby area for wildlife viewing near Clear Creek. As you hike, climb, or pursue the many amazing pinnacles that the park is named for, you may glimpse a variety of creatures. Bobcats, gray foxes, black-tailed deer, jackrabbits, and mountain lions have all been commonly spotted in the park. Several species of bats and numerous types of birds also call the area home, ranging from majestic condors to beautiful hummingbirds.

Picnicking

If you're hoping to enjoy a pleasant picnic lunch at the Clear Creek site, your easiest option will be to visit one of the two established on-site campgrounds. Both campgrounds make for perfect picnic destinations as each of them comes equipped with tables, shade structures, fire rings, and toilets.

Gem and Mineral Collecting

The Clear Creek area is one of the most mineralized areas in the state, and hobbyists come from all over, hoping for unique finds. There are more than 150 different semi-precious minerals and gemstones that can be found around the site, including serpentine, jadeite, topazite, tremolite, and neptunite. If you're lucky, you may even find California's rare state gem, benitoite.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

Visitors should feel free to enjoy BLM RV camping at the Clear Creek site, but they won't have any access to RV hookups or modern amenities. There are two Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site: the Oak Flat and Jade Mill Campgrounds. Other than the aforementioned picnic tables, fire rings, shade structures, and toilets, visitors won't find any conveniences or services. If you're in search of a campground with hookups and extra amenities, you should consider heading southeast to the town of Coalinga. A couple of quality options in that area are the Fairview Mobile Home Park and the Almond Tree Oasis RV Park. To find the option that best suits your trip, search for "BLM camping near me" prior to arriving at the destination.

Free Camping Campground Icon

The two on-site BLM campgrounds feature campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, and they require no more than a small fee. Alternatively, if you prefer genuine Bureau of Land Management free camping, you could stay at the beautiful nearby Sweetwater Campground. This spot offers peaceful campsites, covered benches, restrooms, and fire pits, and it's all entirely free.

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Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Clear Creek BLM trip

If you're traveling to the Clear Creek BLM site, you should be aware that the area features many stretches of private land mixed in with the public spaces. If you aren't paying close attention, it's easy to accidentally wander onto someone's private property. There are also certain areas of the site that require special permits or small fees to access, so all visitors should keep their eyes open for any posted signs. You'll also want to check the weather before you make your way to the site. During periods of heavy rainfall, the area may be closed to motorized vehicles. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

The BLM needs the help of you and all other visitors to preserve and protect the Clear Creek Management Area. During your stay, please try to make as little impact on the land as possible. The site is a pack-in, pack-out area, so you'll need to remove all of your garbage when you depart. If you run into any wildlife, remember that you're the guest in their natural habitat and only watch the creatures from a healthy distance. Don't move or remove anything you find in nature, and treat any other humans you encounter with courtesy and respect. You can also help keep the land pristine by minimizing your campfires and keeping them contained in designated fire rings or pits.

Leave No Trace
Location

Clear Creek Location

To reach the Clear Creek BLM site from Coalinga, CA, head north on S Derrick Ave for 4 miles, then turn left onto Los Gatos Creek Rd/W Tornado Ave. Follow the winding road for 21.5 miles, then continue onto Coalinga Rd for 8.6 more miles. When you see Clear Creek Rd, turn right, then turn right again to stay on Clear Creek Rd. After 0.8 miles, your destination will be on the left.

Ready to visit Clear Creek? 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 of 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.