Leave No Trace 
Please make a genuine effort to minimize your impact on the natural land at the Dave Moore Nature Area. You may encounter wildlife while exploring the site; please keep a safe distance and avoid approaching any animals.
BLM Camping
Dave Moore Nature Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Dave Moore Nature Area is a scenic day-use area located in central California, roughly half an hour outside of Sacramento, CA. The site is under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and although it doesn't offer the opportunity for BLM camping, there's plenty of outdoor fun to be had. The area's main feature is a beautiful nature trail that allows visitors to take in the wonderful views and scenery, observe the local flora and fauna, and glimpse the area's unique natural features.
The Dave Moore Nature Area is also located close to several popular attractions and areas. Primarily, the Eldorado and Tahoe National Forests are only a short distance from the BLM site, and the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is a popular nearby destination as well. These sites offer opportunities for various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and bird-watching.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Dave Moore Nature Trail
The Dave Moore Nature Trail is the most popular attraction at the Dave Moore Nature Area. The serene loop trail passes through several habitat types and offers hikers the chance to check out the Mushroom Rock formation, the California Madrone tree, and the majestic South Fork American River. The trail navigates shady, riparian areas and peaceful oak woodlands and offers great opportunities for bird-watching. Your dogs are more than welcome to join you on the hike, but they must stay leashed.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Lake Natoma American River Trail
The Lake Natoma American River Trail is located at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and offers a wide variety of recreational activities for visitors. On and around the very long loop trail, there are opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, road biking, fishing, bird-watching, and paddle boating. The route is entirely paved and features lovely views of the nearby lake.
Length: 11.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Red Bank to Brown's Ravine Trail
The Red Bank to Brown's Ravine Trail is a lovely out-and-back trail that's also found at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The moderately challenging trail is popular for horseback riding and mountain biking in addition to hiking. The route starts at Mormon Island Cove and ends at Brown's Ravine, which features picnic tables, water, and restrooms. Although the trail sees regular activity, you may still be able to enjoy some solitude in certain areas or at certain times of the day.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing & Boating
Anyone visiting the Dave Moore Nature Area who wants to do some fishing should head west to nearby Folsom Lake. The large reservoir is home to many largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as a significant population of rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. The placid lake is also popular for all sorts of boating and watersports, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, jet skiing, and windsurfing. There are also several boat launches around the lake that you can use for a small fee.
Climbing
If you head east of the Dave Moore Nature Area to Eldorado National Forest, there are a few quality climbing areas worth checking out. One of the most prominent is the Phantom Spires area, which features numerous rock formations and quite a few traditional and sport climbing routes to take on. The difficulty levels at the site range from 5.6 to 5.11c.
Wildlife Viewing
If you hike along the Dave Moore Nature Trail or explore the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, there's a good chance you'll spot some of the local wildlife. Some of the creatures that are known to inhabit the area include black-tailed deer, coyotes, skunks, gray foxes, opossums, raccoons, and a variety of lizard species. In terms of birds, anyone watching the sky or treetops might see egrets, herons, cormorants, Canada geese, blackbirds, and many other unique avian creatures.
Picnicking
You'll find picnic tables around the Dave Moore Nature Area and the nearby loop trail, and the site is a wonderful spot to enjoy a snack or lunch. Many visitors who prefer to eat near the water take the short walk over to the South Fork American River or a bit farther to Folsom Lake. Beside either body of water, there are plenty of nice spots to lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing picnic.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
You can partake in primitive RV camping near the Dave Moore Nature Area, but no overnight camping is allowed at the actual site. The BLM location is a day-use area only, and no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are found on-site. That said, there are several campgrounds and RV parks in the area where RV camping is encouraged. You could stay at the nearby Ponderosa RV Resort, which features 146 RV campsites and a wide variety of amenities. Alternatively, you could rent a campsite at the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area campground.
Free Camping 
As long as you're willing and able to stake out your own primitive camping spot, you're welcome to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping in the general area of the site. However, you'll need to stay outside the boundaries of the Dave Moore Nature Area due to overnight camping being prohibited. If you travel along the nearby river, you should be able to find a peaceful clearing for a dispersed campsite.
RV Rentals Near Dave Moore Nature Area Plan your next adventure
Planning your Dave Moore Nature Area BLM trip
If you're planning a BLM RV camping trip to the Dave Moore Nature Area, there are several regulations at the site that you'll want to keep in mind. Remember that there is no equestrian use permitted on the hiking trail, and it's prohibited for visitors to cut or collect firewood around the site. The area also prohibits any hunting or target shooting within its boundaries. During your visit, you should also be aware that rattlesnakes have been regularly spotted in the vicinity of the site, so you should always carefully watch where you're walking. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace
Dave Moore Nature Area Location
To reach the Dave Moore Nature Area from Sacramento, follow US-50 E for approximately 31.6 miles until you reach Exit 37 for South Shingle Road. After 0.2 miles, turn right onto N Shingle Road and continue for about 3 miles. Next, turn left at the "Y" onto Lotus Road and continue for approximately 5 miles. When you reach Highway 49, turn left and cross the bridge over the river. Continue for roughly one more mile, and the entrance to the day-use area will be on your left.
Ready to visit Dave Moore Nature 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.