List Your RV

BLM Camping

Dead Mountains Wilderness

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

Home
Bureau of Land Management
California
Dead Mountains Wilderness

The Bureau of Land Management is a federal agency that oversees over 247.3 million acres across the US. It manages these lands for public enjoyment and to preserve important areas of nature, culture, and history. You may find Bureau of Land Management campgrounds on or near these grounds. Search "BLM camping near me" to see what's in your area.

The Dead Mountains Wilderness is an area of desert and mountains. Mount Manchester, standing at 4,000 feet, is at the northern end of the wilderness. You could go hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and primitive camping in the Dead Mountains Wilderness. Death Valley National Park and Joshua Tree National Park are near the Dead Mountains Wilderness for additional sightseeing.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Picture Canyon Trail

At the canyon you come across on this trail, you get to view petroglyphs on the canyon walls. You'll need an off-roading vehicle to reach the trailhead.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Kelso Dunes Trail

Admire the dunes as you walk along the Kelso Dunes Trail in the Mojave National Preserve. Some of the dunes are over 600 feet tall.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail

This trail in the Mojave National Preserve begins with a flat desert walk and takes you to a slot canyon where you can climb rings. There are petroglyphs and interesting rock formations as well.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rock Springs Nature Trail

The Rock Springs Nature Trail, located in the Mojave National Preserve, takes you to a spring that's in the desert. This place is also a historic site as there used to be an army base here. You can view the old stone house and copper mine site that remain.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The Colorado River is on the eastern boundary of the Dead Mountains Wilderness, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. Rainbow trout is a good species to target because the California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the river with it.

Climbing

You can go rock climbing at Mount Manchester and Joshua Tree National Park. Many rock climbers love Joshua Tree for its moderate temperatures, grippy rock, and beautiful views.

Wildlife Viewing

In the eastern and northeastern sections of the Dead Mountains Wilderness, you have a chance to see desert tortoises. You may see sidewinder snakes and Mojave fringe-toed lizards along Kelso Dunes Trail. Other wildlife viewing opportunities in the Dead Mountains Wilderness include rattlesnakes, kangaroo rats, prairie falcons, golden eagles, black-tailed jackrabbits, coyotes, and bighorn sheep.

Picnicking

You can have a picnic in the Mojave National Preserve at Mid Hills Campground and Hole-in-the-Wall Campground. Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park also have picnicking areas. Cottonwood, Hidden Valley, and Black Rock are some of the picnicking spots in Joshua Tree National Park.

Horseback Riding

There are 253 miles of equestrian trails in Joshua Tree National Park. Black Rock Canyon and the West Entrance of the park are two of the best areas for horseback riding.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

RV camping near the Dead Mountains Wilderness is available at Hole-in-the-Wall Campground in the Mojave National Preserve. Although there aren't hookups at the campground, it has a dump station, pit toilets, trash receptacles, fire rings, and picnic tables. Joshua Tree National Park Sheep Pass Campground and Jumbo Rocks Campground are other nearby campgrounds that have RV sites.

Free Camping

You can find Bureau of Land Management free camping at Joshua Tree North BLM, Joshua Tree BLM by Entrance, and Joshua Tree South BLM Dispersed. These campgrounds allow fires and pets. Joshua Tree BLM by Entrance and Joshua Tree South BLM Dispersed are ADA-accessible.

RV Rentals Near Dead Mountains Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Dead Mountains Wilderness BLM trip

Vehicles aren't allowed in the Dead Mountains Wilderness. Desert soils are easily damaged, so you should do your best to stay on established trails, including while horseback riding. Make sure that your horse is hydrated before venturing out as well. There aren't a lot of water sources in the region.

You should bring adequate water with you when you go hiking, as well as recommended emergency supplies, including sunscreen, a first aid kit, emergency batteries or another power source, and a fire starter, such as a lighter or matches. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace principles are important because they keep the land beautiful and thriving for the wildlife that lives there and for new visitors. Guidelines differ slightly based on what type of terrain you're on. In the desert, for instance, you should only camp on the sand and not on any vegetation. You must do your best to avoid stepping on vegetation as it's harder for it to survive in the desert. Also, avoid touching petroglyphs because oils from your hands can cause them to deteriorate. Don't carve on any rocks or canyon walls either.

Dead Mountains Wilderness Location

The Dead Mountains Wilderness is located in Needles, California 92363. From Needles, head down Needles Hwy/River Rd, which will turn into Needles Highway. Stay on the highway until you arrive at the Dead Mountains Wilderness.

Ready to visit Dead Mountains 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.