The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area in Northern California is made up of the South Cow Mountain area and North Cow Mountain area; the south area is designated for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use while the north area is designated for non-vehicular use. In total, the Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area is made up of over 52,000 acres of land with some marked trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and OHV exploring.
The whole area is owned and managed by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which oversees public lands across the United States for recreational use. There are a couple of BLM-owned primitive campgrounds within the area that offer Bureau of Land Management free camping options to all visitors. The recreation area is also approximately three and a half hours from Redwood National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
The Glen Eden Trail is an uphill trail that is difficult for all levels of hikers but has amazing views at the end.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This trail extends off of Mill Creek Park along the northern edge of the Cow Mountain Recreation Area.
Length: 2.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The end of the lengthy Great Redwood Trail, a railroad turned hiking trail, is located right next to the Cow Mountain Recreation Area.
Length: 320 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Anglers who hold a valid state-issued California fishing license can fish in any of the cold water streams and reservoirs in the Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area. Rainbow trout are popular catches while some sunfish are stocked in the reservoirs.
Hunters love the Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area because it is home to an abundance of black-tailed deer, especially in the north region. Black bears can also be hunted in accordance with California hunting regulations, and smaller animals available to hunt include feral pigs, quails, doves, squirrels, and rabbits. Hunters who come to the Cow Mountain area should obtain a map of the area from the BLM website or field office and be knowledgeable of the privately owned properties that intermingle with the BLM recreation area; hunting on private property is prohibited without the property owner's permission. Hunters also cannot shoot within 150 yards of developed sites, including campgrounds and day-use areas.
Only the south recreational area at Cow Mountain is open to OHV and ATV riders, but there are many marked dirt trails for riders to use there. There are over 25 numbered OHV trails with some warm-up riding loops that are open for riding year-round except for during the area's annual motorcycle rally for one day. All riders are asked to plan for their excursions and follow safety guidelines, which include never riding alone, staying on marked trails only, and packing emergency supplies.
There are a couple of picnic areas available for you to use spread throughout the Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area, though the most accessible ones are located in the northern half of the south recreation area. Picnic tables are set up in the Westside Staging Area and Oakwood Springs Staging Area alongside vault bathrooms and parking lots. Some campgrounds in the area may include sites with picnic tables, too, like at the Red Mountain Campground. No matter where you choose to have a picnic, be sure to bring your own trash bags to pick up after yourself since there may not be trash bins or dumpsters available for you to use when you visit.
The Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area is located in an area of California that is known for spectacular views of the Milky Way at night. Especially around Cow Mountain, a seven-mile-long ridge in the Mayacamas Mountain Range, the sky at night is usually dark and clear of interference from any city lights. When you'd like to see the night sky in this recreational area, be sure to check the weather forecast and come on nights that are cloudless for the best views.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are great options for free camping, but they are usually primitive only, meaning they provide no hookups for campers. For developed RV camping, you can stay at another privately owned campground nearby Cow Mountain. One option is Willow Point Campground, which has shower facilities and water hookups. You can also consider Aurora RV Park, which is on Clear Lake and has full hookups and free Wi-Fi.
If you are looking for BLM camping near me, check out some of the BLM-owned organized campgrounds in the Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area. These campgrounds include Red Mountain Campground, Buckhorn Campground, Mayacamas Campground, and Goat Rock. Mayacamas Campground is easily accessible for RVs via Mendo Rock Road and has vault toilets and ten campsites stocked with picnic tables and fire pits. Goat Rock is only accessible via hiking trails but is a popular place for horse owners since it has two campsites with a shared horse trough.
All visitors to the Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area, especially OHV riders, should plan their trips ahead and obtain maps and information about the area from the BLM. To avoid major riding injuries, always stay on the marked trails and take note of area exits in case of emergencies.
If you're planning to go BLM RV camping at one of the campgrounds at Cow Mountain, be sure to pack your own water for drinking and washing as there are no water outlets in these primitive campgrounds. You may also like to have battery-operated supplies on hand, like fans and heaters. You are allowed to pack your own firewood and fire starters but plan on never leaving your campfire unattended. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All visitors to Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area are asked to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace guidelines. These guidelines include things like avoiding contact with the wildlife, packing up everything you bring into the area back out, and keeping noise minimal. By following these rules, you can help keep the natural environment safe, clean, and preserved.
To reach the south portion of the Cow Mountain Recreation Management Area from Mendocino County, take Exit 548A from Highway 101 to Talmage Road. Travel 1.5 miles, and then turn right onto Old River Road. From there, turn left immediately onto Mill Creek Road, and then travel six miles. The entrance to the Westside Staging Area will be on the left.
Ready to visit Cow Mountain Recreation Management 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.
