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BLM Camping

Dove Springs OHV Area

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

The Dove Springs OHV Area is located east of Bakersfield, CA, near the Sequoia National Forest and not far from Death Valley National Park. The OHV area displays a wide range of landscapes, including rolling hills and a sandy bowl that's perfect for open riding. Visitors can enjoy the wide-open expanse while viewing native wildlife and plant species. There are also hundreds of miles of trails available for riders, hikers, and mountain bikers. To find BLM sites that offer camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Hagen Canyon Nature Trail

Located in the nearby Hagen Canyon Nature Preserve, this trail is an excellent way to view the striking cliffs and rock formations that dot the area.

Length: 1.2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Red Cliffs Trail

This gentle trail offers beautiful views, and it's a great way to spot wildlife.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy

Burro Schmidt’s Tunnel

Located in Red Rock Canyon State Park, this trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or OHV riding. It's also a favorite area for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Length: 10.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Blue Springs Pass to Skinner Peak

Part of the Pacific Coast Trail, this gorgeous trail leads through stunning landscapes and offers amazing views.

Length: 8.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Red Mountain Trail

Great for both hiking and off-roading, this trail includes some steep climbs, but the higher elevations offer beautiful views.

Length: 4.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Lake Ming, located near the Dove Springs OHV Area and not far from Bakersfield, is a great spot for fishing. Fishing is only allowed from the shoreline, but there are two boat ramps, and water skiing is a popular sport at the lake. Hart Park is also a good option, and anglers can often catch catfish and trout in the beautiful lake and canal system.

Wildlife Viewing

The Dove Springs OHV Area is a great place to see wildlife, including snakes, lizards, hawks, coyotes, and desert tortoises. Visitors can also head to the Sequoia National Forest or Hart Park to spot ducks, blue herons, skunks, muskrats, beavers, foxes, possums, raccoons, and egrets.

Picnicking

Lake Ming is a beautiful spot for a picnic by the water. There are picnic tables, drinking fountains, barbecue grills, and restrooms available. Hart Park also offers single-family and group picnic areas, plus grills and restrooms. The park also gives you easy access to many nearby trails.

Horseback Riding

OHV trails are often ideal for horseback riding. Many of the trails in the area, including most of the trails in the Dove Springs area, can be used for horseback riding. Check the signage at each trail to ensure that it’s suitable before you head out. The trails throughout Hart Park are also great for riding.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and more commercial RV camping options are abundant around the Dove Springs OHV Area. The Bakersfield River Run RV Park offers large sites with full hookups, and the park also features a pool, exercise room, and clubhouse. Orange Grove RV Park offers beautiful, shady spots, including extra-wide pull-through spaces. Each space has four slide-outs and a picnic table, and a laundry facility, restrooms, and showers are available. A Country RV Park is pet-friendly and offers sites with full or partial hookups. There is a picnic table at each site, and a dog park, exercise room, hot tub, and laundry facility are also available.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found right in the Dove Springs OHV Area. Campers are free to set up a dispersed site almost anywhere within the area. Visitors can stay for 14 days in a row, but they must then move their campsite at least 25 miles away. There are no amenities in the area.

RV Rentals Near Dove Springs OHV Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Dove Springs OHV Area BLM trip

OHV riders must comply with all California rules and regulations. OHVs that are owned by California residents should have a valid green or red sticker showing that they're registered with the California DMV. Out-of-state vehicles should have a green OHV sticker permit. All OHVs need to be equipped with proper brakes, a muffler, and a spark arrester. Carrying passengers on OHVs is not allowed, and all riders must wear an approved helmet. Riders under 14 need to be supervised by an adult.

The Dove Springs OHV Area is home to the desert tortoise, which is a threatened species. These tortoises can’t move as quickly as other animals and may not be able to get out of the way of a moving vehicle. Keep an eye out to avoid hitting them. OHV riders should always slow down around or yield to pedestrians and animals. Speed should also be reduced near campsites.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Always pack out all of your trash when visiting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, trails, or OHV areas. It’s also polite to clean up any litter you see. Share the area and the trails with fellow travelers. Remember that fire can be quite dangerous in the arid landscape surrounding the Dove Springs OHV Area, so keep fires contained and start them only in fire rings or pits. Observe wild animals, including snakes and lizards, from a distance, and never take any plants, animals, or rocks home with you.