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 (BLM) is an agency of the United States Department of the Interior that manages over 245 million acres of public lands across the country. In California, the BLM oversees over 15 million acres of public lands. These lands provide various camping options from established Bureau of Land Management campgrounds to dispersed camping in remote areas. The BLM oversees the Dead Mountains Wilderness Area, which spans 47,157 acres in California by its borders of Arizona and Nevada. Activities like horseback riding, hunting, rockhounding, hiking, and backpacking are also available in the Dead Mountains Wilderness Area. Outside of the wilderness, you may want to visit Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada, 20 minutes to the northeast. If you want to see some national parks, Death Valley National Park is three hours and 25 minutes to the northwest, and Joshua Tree National Park is two hours and 20 minutes to the southwest.
The out-and-back trail in the Dead Mountains Wilderness Area offers stunning views of mountains, unique rock formations, and desert flora and fauna. You can look forward to seeing animals like roadrunners and golden eagles while hiking. You will require an off-highway vehicle to get to the trailhead of this route with three waypoints. Length: 3.1 miles Intensity: Moderate
The trail to the summit of New York Mountain, which is found in the Mojave National Preserve, leads to a panoramic view of the surrounding desert valley and needles. The hiking route also passes through a juniper forest, providing hikers plenty of chances to observe animals like deer and bighorn sheep. Length: 9.4 miles Intensity: Hard
This short loop with minimal elevation variation meanders through Joshua Tree National Park between magnificent rock formations. Along Cap Rock Trail, you may see ispecies taking advantage of microhabitats like shaded boulder crevices. Length: 0.4 miles Intensity: Easy
Located in the Mojave National Preserve, Rock Springs Nature Trail leads to a desert spring. Learn some history at this location, which was once an army base. You can still see the original stone house and copper mining remains. Length: 1.4 miles Intensity: Easy
You can boat and fish on the Colorado River, which forms the Dead Mountains Wilderness's eastern boundary. Boating enthusiasts might appreciate the opportunity to explore the river because Needles has boating facilities available on the river. Fishing is a popular activity in the river since the California Department of Fish and Wildlife supplies it with rainbow trout from winter to spring.
The Mojave Road OHV Trail in the Mojave National Preserve permits vehicles with high clearance and off-road capabilities. Watch out for the elusive desert kit fox, bright desert wildflowers, and the distinctive saguaro cactus as you drive down the 142-mile trail.
While strolling through the Dead Mountains Wilderness Area, you may encounter small herds of bighorn sheep, black-tailed jackrabbits, coyotes, ground squirrels, and kangaroo rats. You also might see desert tortoises in the eastern and northeastern areas of the wilderness.
The Hole-in-the-Wall and Mid Hills Campgrounds in the Mojave National Preserve allow picnicking. There also are picnic spots at Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks.
If you would like to go RV camping near the Dead Mountains Wilderness somewhere that's not so primitive, you have several nearby choices. Avi Resort and Casino is located on the Nevada side of the Nevada-Arizona border, just six minutes southeast of the wilderness area. The casino's RV park features several amenities, including full hookups, laundry facilities, a dog park and a private beach. Also in Arizona, 12 minutes southeast of the Dead Mountains Wilderness Area, is the Needles KOA Journey. Here, you can enjoy full hookups, a pool, a playground, a store, and much more.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available near the Dead Mountains Wilderness Area at Joshua Tree North BLM and Joshua Tree South BLM. These large camping areas feature well-kept access roads. You can spend up to 14 days camping in either location for free. The Mojave National Preserve's Hole-in-the-Wall Campground has pit toilets, fire rings, trash cans, picnic tables and a dump station. There are 26 campsites at Mid Hills Campground, which is also located in the Mojave National Preserve. It is open all year long, has no hookups, and serves everyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure you can find somewhere to stay during your BLM RV camping trip to the Dead Mountains Wilderness Area, research "BLM camping near me." Stay on well-established pathways, even when riding a horse, as desert soils are quickly destroyed. Before going out, ensure your horse is adequately hydrated as the area does not have many water sources. When hiking, you should bring along enough water. You should also carry a first-aid kit, emergency batteries or another backup power source, and a fire starter like a lighter or matches. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The "Leave No Trace" principles are crucial because they keep natural areas pristine and beautiful for the species that live there. Avoid stepping on plants as it is more difficult for them to survive in the desert. Do not touch any petroglyphs that you may find because oils on your hands might cause them to decay. Don't carve anything on any canyon walls or rocks.
Take I-40 West, approximately 10 miles from Needles, CA to the U.S. Highway 95 North Exit. Exit north, and travel about 15 miles on U.S. Highway 95. Continue on the highway until you reach the Dead Mountains Wilderness, where you will see a wilderness kiosk sign on your right. Ready to visit the Dead Mountains Wilderness 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 of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying 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.
