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 is a division of the United States Department of Interior responsible for administering more than 245 million acres of public land. BLM sites are often set aside for recreation, conservation, energy generation, fishing, and the protection of natural, historical, and cultural resources. Although Bureau of Land Management campgrounds provide free camping, individual sites charge a small fee to fund maintenance. Search for "BLM camping near me" to find a BLM site in your region.
The Domeland Wilderness is a BLM site adjourning the Sequoia National Forest in the southern part of the Kern Plateau. It comprises pinyon-covered mountains along its western edge, while its eastern side features a long, narrow valley full of sagebrush vegetation. Its proximity to the Kern River, sloping forests, and rocky landscape provide ample space for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. Sequoia National Park is about 46 miles north of the Domeland Wilderness, while Death Valley National Park is 76 miles east.
The Pacific Crest Trail is a one-way trail in the wilderness for hiking and biking. It features minimal elevation changes. Since it cuts through the wilderness, it gives hikers and bikers the chance to see wildlife creatures and enjoy scenic views.
Length: 11 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Rockhouse trail is a good hiking and biking spot for guests who enjoy spending time by the waterside. This trail is calm and relatively flat.
Length: 4 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Domeland trail has high peaks with panoramic views of the wilderness. This trail crosses rugged rocky parts where plants and wildlife are a common sight along the path.
Length: 9 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Cannell Creek Trail is a fantastic hiking or mountain biking path for guests who want a more challenging activity. It's an out-and-back trail open year-round for people and pets.
Length: 4.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The Long Valley Trail is a loop trail near Inyokern featuring plenty of markers. There are a bunch of waterfalls along its length, and it's partly rugged.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Domeland Wilderness offers great locations for fishing. Lake Isabella, situated near the wilderness, provides anglers the opportunity to catch catfish and brass. The Kern River and four other creeks flowing through the area are famous for brown and rainbow trout. Boating and swimming are allowed in the lake and river.
You'll find numerous rocky areas to give climbers a thrilling experience, with the most popular climbing spot being the Church Dome. It's a series of peaks with 80 climbing routes. The Church Dome's peak offers spectacular views of the Rockhouse Peak, Owen Peak, and Tailor Dome. The Needles is another favorite climbing spot in the Domeland Wilderness, featuring more than five domes.
There's no shortage of wildlife to see at Domeland Wilderness. The wilderness is home to deer, black bears, bobcats, and mountain lions. Western rattlesnakes, American beavers, and mountain quails are also common here.
Many picnicking zones are available on this BLM site. While some are in designated campgrounds, others are spread throughout the wilderness. The picnic areas have tables, chairs, fire rings, and nearby vault toilets.
Hunting enthusiasts can look for game birds and animals, including quail and deer, during their tour of this recreation site. Hunters must follow current game regulations in California.
The Domeland Wilderness provides room for water sporting activities. Windsurfing and water skiing are common water sports on Lake Isabella. Guests often engage in whitewater rafting on River Kern between March and July when the currents are strong.
If you want to camp in the Domeland Wilderness, several RV camping options are available. Long Valley Campground has 13 campsites for RV camping. No fee or reservation is required, but keep in mind that this campground has no drinkable water. Located less than a mile from the Pacific Crest Trail, Chimney Creek Trail has more than 30 campsites boasting picnic tables, vault toilets, grills, and fire pits. Hungry Gulch Campground near Lake Isabella has numerous camping zones equipped with water and toilets within the wilderness. Paradise Cove Campground, situated on Lake Isabella's southern shore, offers more than 10 campsites, as well as a dump station, on-site water, and restrooms.
Free camping is possible at California BLM sites. The most suitable areas to set up backcountry camps include Little Manter, Rockhouse, and Woodpecker meadows. These meadows are expansive and remote. Disperse camping can only be done in tents, which must be at least 100 feet from water bodies and trails.
When arranging an RV camping trip to Domeland Wilderness, be aware that cell phone service can be low or unavailable. Overnight campers should carry cooking materials and insect repellants. Although the weather in this region is favorable, it would be best to pack extra clothing and footwear to help deal with any changes.
Domeland Wilderness is home to wildlife, so visitors should look out for dangerous animals like rattlesnakes and avoid getting too close. The nearest center to buy food and other necessities is the town of Lake Isabella, 23 miles away. Off-highway vehicles entering this Bureau of Land Management free camping site must have California's current off-roading permit. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
BLM requires visitors to help protect the wilderness by leaving no trace during their visit. Guests must abide by all rules and restrictions put in place. Collect and dispose of waste materials in the available trash cans. Bury human or pet waste away from water bodies and trails. Leave things the way you found them and avoid interfering with the environment or animals. You'll help conserve the environment by following these regulations.
Follow State Highway CA-178 from Bakersfield on the eastern side of Lake Isabella town, then branch north to Canebrake Road. Follow this dirt road for 9 miles to reach Domeland Wilderness on the left side.
Address: Sherman Pass Rd, Inyokern, CA 93527
Ready to visit Domeland 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 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.
