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BLM Camping

Coon Hollow Campground

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

Situated in the southeast corner of California, the Coon Hollow Campground is a unique destination with plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. The site, which is under the administration of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), lies only fifteen miles west of the Colorado River, which separates California from Arizona. The campground is also only about forty miles southeast of the famed Joshua Tree National Park.

Like many of the natural areas protected by the BLM, the Coon Hollow Campground is a scenic, peaceful site that serves as an ideal spot for anyone in the area looking for "BLM camping near me." In addition to the well-maintained camping area, visitors will also find convenient access to several recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and rock collecting.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Mecca Hill Slot Canyons

The Mecca Hill Slot Canyons trail is a relatively difficult out-and-back route located near Blythe, CA. This trail is a great option if you're looking for a serene hike in a quiet, peaceful setting. The hike offers impressive views of the area's beautiful slot canyons.

Length: 3.0 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Arch Rock Trail

Arch Rock Trail is a scenic out-and-back trail and one of many beautiful hiking routes found within Joshua Tree National Park. The trail takes hikers through sandy, rocky terrain and features the well-known Arch Rock granite formation. The area is surrounded by gorgeous views and lots of cholla cacti. There's very little shade around the trail, so be sure to bring any needed sun protection and plenty of drinking water.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Lost Palms Oasis Trail

Another fantastic hike located at Joshua Tree National Park is the Lost Palms Oasis Trail. The long out-and-back trail is a very popular hiking spot, so you'll probably see a few other visitors while you're there. The route is named for the spectacular palm tree grove that lies nearby, and you'll get an up-close look at the impressive trees while you're hiking. The trail is well-maintained and features gentle elevation gains, and the best time to visit is between October and April, when it isn't too hot.

Length: 7.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

If you want to do some fishing near the Coon Hollow Campground, you may want to travel west to the Salton Sea. The sizable body of water is home to many Mozambique tilapia and desert pupfish. Alternatively, you can head east and do your angling at the Colorado River, where you may reel in some rainbow and brown trout. The Colorado River is also your best bet for boating in the relatively arid region, as its waters are popular for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking.

Climbing

Any climbing enthusiasts visiting the area will probably find the best opportunities at nearby Joshua Tree National Park. The park is a popular destination for sports climbing, bouldering, and highlining, boasting more than 8,000 climbing routes in total. The area offers challenges for climbers of all ability levels and attracts hundreds of climbers on any given busy weekend.

Wildlife Viewing

One fantastic option near the Coon Hollow Campground for wildlife observation is the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. Located less than an hour southeast of the BLM site, the 18,444-acre refuge is home to a wide variety of birds and mammals. If you take the time to explore the area, you may see mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, Gambel's quails, golden eagles, Canada geese, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and many other species.

Picnicking

The Coon Hollow Campground serves as a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic lunch or snack. The campground features a picnic area, tables, fire rings, trash receptacles, and vault toilets, so picnickers should have access to everything they need.

Rockhounding

One of the most popular activities near the Coon Hollow Campground is rock collecting, also known as rockhounding. The campground is considered part of the "Wiley's Well Rockhound District" because it's located near several popular rockhounding sites. The Hauser Geode Beds, Potato Patch, and Opal Hill Fire Agate Mine are all found within a short distance of the BLM site, as are many other popular rock-collecting sites. Before you start removing any interesting rocks or minerals from nature, make sure that you're in an area where it's permitted.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is permitted at the Coon Hollow Campground, although the campground doesn't feature any accommodations specifically for RVs. The Wiley's Well Campground is another nearby RV camping option that's also an official BLM campground. Aside from those two, there aren't any other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area, but there are plenty of RV parks located around the nearby towns. If you want to have access to hookups and more significant amenities, you could do your RV camping at the Rancho Ventana RV Resort or The Cove RV Resort, which are both found near Blythe.

Free Camping

To camp at the Coon Hollow Campground, you'll have to pay a small fee. However, if you prefer Bureau of Land Management free camping, you can stake out a campsite somewhere else in the surrounding area. As long as you find a spot outside of the area's established campgrounds, there shouldn't be any significant restrictions on where you can do your dispersed camping. Wherever you do decide to camp out, make sure your campsite is set up on durable land.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Coon Hollow Campground BLM trip

If you're planning a trip to the Coon Hollow Campground, remember to consider the season and weather. During the summer months, the temperature in this region of California can exceed triple digits. If you're visiting any time between May and September, make sure you're fully prepared for extreme heat. There's no drinking water available at the site, so you'll need to supply it yourself, and it is wise to bring plenty of extra with you. If you plan on accessing any of the rock-hounding sites near the campground, you'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach them unless you intend to hike the distance. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

While you're visiting the Coon Hollow Campground BLM site, please be respectful of the land and try to leave it just as you found it. There are designated places to dispose of your trash at the site, so be sure to use them. Only remove anything from nature if you're in a designated rock-hounding area, and observe the local wildlife from a safe distance. Treat your fellow visitors the way you'd like to be treated, and be sure to keep your campfires limited to the provided fire pits.

Coon Hollow Campground Location

To reach the Coon Hollow Campground from Blythe, take Interstate Highway 10 westbound for about 16 miles, then turn south at the Wiley's Well Road exit. If you follow Wiley's Well Road for 12.1 miles, you should see the sign for the Coon Hollow Campground. Turn right at the sign and continue west for about half a mile, and you'll reach the campsites.

Ready to visit Coon Hollow Campground? 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.

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