The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management manages, preserves, and permits camping within wild landscapes. With the Bureau of Land Management free camping, there is no need for a reservation. Instead, you find your preferred space and set up camp. Camping is permitted for 14 consecutive days in a single spot out of 29 calendar days. The Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area spans more than 39,000 acres in San Bernardino County. This area sits at the edge of the Mojave Desert and is bordered on its eastern side by the Bullion Mountains. In the heart of the wilderness area, the dry beds of Cleghorn Lakes cover a large area. After spring rains, numerous wildflower species bloom in these lake beds. Native species include bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, barrel cacti, smoke trees, and more. With the area's mostly warm and sunny climate and the remoteness of this rugged terrain, the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area is popular among those who want to experience nature in solitude. This protected area is 20 miles north of Joshua Tree National Park.
The Cleghorn Mountain Trail covers 10.3 miles out and back, and it takes you to the top of the mountain summit. The elevation change is 1,807 feet. Open year-round, the trail is accessible to off-road vehicles as well. Length: 10.3 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Cleghorn Ridge Trail runs near Silverwood Lake, so you can extend your trip if you take a scenic detour. Length: 13.9 miles Intensity: Easy, with some challenging spots
The Indian Cove Trail is an easy hike in Joshua Tree National Park. Beautiful boulders line the path, and it is a popular area for viewing bighorn sheep, tortoises, and yucca trees. Length: 0.6 miles Intensity: Easy
This rock and dirt trail takes you between stunning rock formations and offers expansive views. Several interpretive signs along the path provide information about the environment. Length: 1.0 miles Intensity: Moderate
Echo Cove is in Joshua Tree National Park. It offers more than 8,000 climbs suitable for everyone, from new to advanced climbers. It also has 400 unique formations and provides magnificent views.
While enjoying the Bureau of Land Management camping at the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area, you could spot several wildlife species. The landscape is initially desolate but is the home of tortoises, bighorn sheep, coyotes, mule deer, kangaroo rats, jackrabbits, shrews, and others. There are also many reptiles in the area, such as iguanas, geckos, boas, racer snakes, gopher snakes, sidewinders, rattlesnakes, and others. Many of the species are lighter in color to blend into the environment. However, if you keep your eyes open, you can spot ample wildlife while hiking and camping.
While there are no dedicated picnicking spots at the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area, the Hidden Valley picnic area in Joshua Tree National Park is a beautiful place to enjoy a meal. It is close to the trailhead for the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. The picnic tables and grills are well-spaced among Joshua trees and boulders. Several other picnic spots are located throughout the national park, including the Cottonwood picnic area with covered tables and the Live Oak, Indian Cove, Quail Springs, and Split Rock areas.
If you would rather ditch the tent camping for more sophisticated amenities, search for "BLM camping near me" to find a suitable RV campground. Prairie Dog RV and Camping offers essentials like a porta potty, a pump sink, a hammock, a propane fire pit, and others. RV sites are offered without hookups. Several other RV campgrounds are nearby as well, including Twentynine Palms RV Resort and Cottages, which offers hookups, a swimming pool, and other amenities. Joshua Tree RV Park and Campground is another BLM RV camping site located a short drive away, and it has full and partial hookups as well as a laundry facility.
The Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in California allow for dispersed and RV camping. When tent camping at the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area, be aware that BLM requests campfires be made in existing sites to preserve the vegetation. In addition, restroom facilities and water are not provided.
For those who seek solitude in a stunning, unspoiled landscape, the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area leaves no room for disappointment. BLM camping is permitted throughout the area except in areas specifically designated otherwise. No dedicated campsites have amenities like picnic tables, tent sites, and more. You must bring everything with you, including water, food, suntan lotion, bug spray, sleeping accommodation, and a tent. The weather in this area is often warm and sunny, but nights can get chilly. Always check the forecast when planning your trip. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Bureau of Land Management supports the protection and maintenance of wilderness areas, and it requires all visitors to abide by its "Leave No Trace" policy. Specifically, you must bury human waste and remove all trash and other debris. Use only downed wood or dead limbs for firewood, as cutting vegetation is not authorized. In addition, disturbing wildlife is forbidden.
The Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area is located just north of Highway 62, near the Sheephole Valley Wilderness Area. The closest city is Twentynine Palms. From I-10 in Palm Springs, turn north of Highway 62. After passing through Twentynine Palms, you will see a marker for the wilderness area. Address: West of Twentynine Palms on Highway 62 Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 34.2490° N, 115.8285° W Ready to visit the Cleghorn Lakes Wilderness Area? 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.
