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Divine Springs Campground

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

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Divine Springs Campground

The Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, is tasked with managing public lands that aren’t part of the National Parks program. Divine Springs campground is one of 78 Bureau of Land Management campgrounds maintained by the California BLM. These campgrounds aren’t typically outfitted with the amenities of commercial campgrounds, but it does have sites that are designated for setting up your RV. The Divine Springs campground has five sites, all with metal fire rings and picnic tables. There’s also a small stream that runs through the area, and it’s fenced off to keep livestock out.

You’ll access the campground from Eagleville, California, but the trek actually takes you into western Nevada, where the campsites are located. Yosemite National Park, nearly 400 miles to the south, is the closest national park you’ll find. However, you’ll find several national forests not far from Divine Springs, including Modoc National Forest, Lassen National Forest, and Plumas National Forest.

What to See and Do

Hiking

Pine Creek Trail

The Pine Creek trailhead is located about two hours west of the Divine Springs campground. This out-and-back trail is great for hiking, horseback riding, and even bringing your pooch. It’s also a popular trail to hike out and do a little fishing.

Length: 5.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Clear Lake Trail

The trailhead is located about two and a half hours west of the campground, you’ll hike out to view a beautiful forest-surrounded lake. This out-and-back trail is reserved for hiking and walking, but you may bring your dog on a leash.

Length: 1.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Emerson Creek Trail

For a harder challenge, take on this out-and-back trail located about an hour west of the campground. Plan to spend a day making this hike, with the average hike taking nearly five hours. The trail itself follows a babbling creek, with a total elevation gain of 2,700 feet.

Length: 7.1 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing

The nearest place to do a little fishing is at another BLM property called Boulder Reservoir, located about 10 miles east of the campground. Here you’ll enjoy shore fishing for rainbow and bowcutt trout. You can also get out and enjoy a little fresh water swimming in the reservoir.

Wildlife Viewing

There’s plenty of wildlife to take in while you’re in the area. Northwest Nevada is home to a wide variety of animal species. You may find anything from scorpions and geckos, squirrels and rabbits to coyotes and bobcats or owls and eagles. Head north about 45 miles and take in the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge was established in 1931 to help preserve the American pronghorn antelope, along with mule deer and sage-grouse.

Picnicking

You’ll enjoy picnicking right at the Divine Springs campground, with each site having its own BBQ pit and picnic table. There aren’t any other formal picnicking areas in the area, but you’ll find plenty of areas where you can pull off Hays Canyon Road for a little roadside picnic.

Stargazing

About 36 miles east of the campground, you’ll find the High Rock Canyon Wilderness, which is ranked the fifth-best place for stargazing in Nevada. Due to the rugged roads between the campground and wilderness, it's best to camp at the canyon rather than attempting the two-hour drive on the rugged vehicular trails.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Five primitive BLM RV camping sites are available at the Divine Springs campground. However, if you want something a little more accommodating than the rugged camping experience, consider the Likely Place Golf & RV Resort in Likely, California, about 55 miles west of Divine Springs. You’ll have full hookups with water, electricity, and sewer at the pull-thru sites. There are also free hot showers, laundry, and loaner recreational equipment. You can travel north to the Sunrise Motel and RV Park in Cedarville, California, about 32 miles northwest of Divine Springs.

Free Camping

There is plenty of Bureau of Land Management free camping in the area. There is no fee for camping at the Divine Springs campground, but it only has five sites available. If those sites are full, you can do a search on "BLM camping near me." Hays Canyon Rd runs through BLM land, which allows for dispersed camping. Look for places that appear to have been used by previous campers. There are several pull-offs both between Eagleville and Divine Springs, and more if you want to continue past the campground.

RV Rentals Near Divine Springs Campground Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Divine Springs Campground BLM trip

Any time you go camping, proper planning is the difference between an incredible adventure and a nightmare. Before heading out for BLM free camping, there are some critical supplies you’ll want to gather. First, Divine Springs campground is about an hour from the nearest town, which even then is very small. Make sure you have emptied your sewage tank and that you have plenty of potable water. Summer temperatures are often in the 80s, but evenings will dip into the 50s, so make sure you come prepared with clothing for both warm and cool weather.

If you’re able to get a campsite at Divine Springs campground, you can use the metal fire ring, which doubles well as a BBQ pit. If not, you’ll want to use the cooking equipment in your RV rather than trying to start a fire.

As you’re planning your camping trip, be sure to keep an eye on the weather, and adjust your plans accordingly. Unplanned inclement weather can turn your camping trip bad on a dime, so in addition to checking the weather before you leave, plan to bring a NOAA weather radio with you to stay up on any changing urgent weather conditions. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Anytime you head out for a BLM RV camping excursion, keep in mind that you’re venturing into nature and should leave it as you found it. That’s what the idea of Leave No Trace embodies. It starts with how you choose to camp, only setting up on sites that are durable surfaces of dirt, gravel, or rock. Avoid setting up camp on any site where you’ll disturb plant life. Leaving no trace also means being careful of starting a fire outside a metal fire ring. To start a fire, use only fallen timber that’s no larger in diameter than your wrist. Finally, make sure to take all your refuse with you, and avoid any kind of dumping that could damage the area.

Divine Springs Campground Location

Reno, Nevada is the closest major city to the Divine Springs Campground. Head north on State Route 445. You’ll turn southeast on State Route 446 at Pyramid Lake. Turn north on State Route 447, which turns into Surprise Valley Road until you reach Hays Canyon Road, then turn right. This will take you all the way to the Divine Springs campground.

Ready to visit Divine Springs campground? 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.

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