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, or BLM, is a government agency in charge of managing federal lands around the United States. These various natural sites have a lot to offer visitors in the way of peaceful camping areas and outdoor recreation activities. As a result, BLM camping has turned into a very popular activity for all who enjoy connecting with nature and adventuring outdoors. The Coso Range Wilderness is one of numerous BLM-protected sites in the state of California. It's also an excellent destination to search for "BLM camping near me."
The Coso Range Wilderness is located in eastern California and features the impressive Vermillion Canyon, the scenic Joshua Flat, and large stands of Joshua trees mixed with other unique desert vegetation. The wilderness area is located within a short drive of other popular destinations, including Death Valley National Park, Sequoia National Park, Sequoia National Forest, and Kings Canyon National Park.
The Needles Lookout Trail is a picturesque out-and-back trail found within Sequoia National Forest. The trail is relatively challenging and includes a fair amount of elevation gain, but the stunning views of the region make the effort more than worthwhile. You're welcome to bring your dogs with you, but they'll need to stay leashed.
Length: 4.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Another beautiful trail in Sequoia National Forest is the Camp Nelson Trail. The serene out-and-back trail takes visitors through a lovely forested area with lush scenery. In addition to hiking, the route is an excellent destination for horseback riding, mountain biking, and bird watching. The trail is lovely year-round, but it's at its best between February and October.
Length: 8.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Mosaic Canyon Trail is a unique out-and-back route located in Death Valley National Park. The trail features narrows, scrambling, and dry falls, as well as a variety of fascinating geological formations. The route is pretty easy to follow, but you'll want to make sure you bring proper footwear for scrambling. Also, keep in mind that the national park requires a fee to enter. Due to the potential for extreme temperatures in the park, you should bring along plenty of extra drinking water and sun protection.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you're looking to enjoy some water-based recreation during your visit to the Coso Range Wilderness, your best option may be to head to Sequoia National Forest. The lush forest contains various mountain rivers and streams where you can try your luck at angling. On the more sizable waterways, you can also partake in paddling or floating. Another option is to visit either Lake Isabella or Hume Lake. The former features several marinas and boat launches, and both reservoirs are excellent destinations for both boating and fishing.
There are various climbing areas and routes in both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, offering opportunities for both beginner and experienced climbers. One of the premier areas is Moro Rock, which is located just off the Generals Highway. The west face of the rock features 1,000 vertical feet of cracks and knobs. Another option is the Angel Wings wall, which is accessible by hiking the High Sierra Trail and stands 2,000 feet tall.
You'll be able to observe a variety of unique wildlife species by exploring any of the nearby national forests or parks. For example, the nearby Sequoia National Forest is inhabited by coyotes, black bears, badgers, wolverines, beavers, opossums, deer, sheep, and many other interesting mammals. There are also a variety of birds that regularly soar overhead or perch high in the trees, including numerous songbirds and several types of eagles and hawks.
If you want to have a picnic at the Coso Range Wilderness BLM site, you'll need to bring your own supplies and surface. There are many areas of high elevation at the site where you can put down your picnic blanket and enjoy incredible panoramic views of the surrounding forests and desert land. Make sure to clean up any garbage or unused food before you leave!
If you intend to partake in RV camping, you'll need to do so outside the boundaries of the Coso Range Wilderness. No motorized vehicles or equipment are permitted within the wilderness area, and that includes recreational vehicles. Although you won't find any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the site, there are several reputable RV parks around the nearby town of Olancha. One quality option is the Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground, which offers RV campsites with electricity hookups for only $35 per night.
Any BLM camping you do within the Coso Range Wilderness will need to be of the dispersed variety. As long as you don't bring any motorized equipment into the wilderness, you're welcome to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping anywhere in the area. If you're okay with roughing it and providing all of your own supplies and equipment, you can enjoy a peaceful camping experience with plenty of solitude and beautiful surroundings.
If you're planning a trip to the Coso Range Wilderness, remember that the regulations surrounding wilderness areas aren't limited to vehicles. Other prohibited items include bicycles, motorboats, wagons, carts, and anything else that's motorized or used for mechanical transport. If you're visiting during summer, you should also plan for the extreme climate of the area. At times, this region of California can see temperatures well above 100 degrees, and visiting without sufficient water or sun protection can be perilous. You should also be prepared to go without cellular reception; it tends to be very spotty in the remote wilderness area. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
During your visit to the Coso Range Wilderness, please treat the land as if it were your own home. If you set up a primitive campsite in the area, please only do so on durable land surfaces. That way, you can enjoy your camping trip without having a significant impact on the natural area.
To reach the Coso Range Wilderness from Olancha, CA, take State Highway 190 eastbound until you reach the four-wheel-drive routes SE9, SE10, or Centennial Canyon. These routes all provide access to the wilderness area BLM site.
Ready to visit Coso Range 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 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.
