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BLM Camping

El Mirage OHV Area

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 in charge of overseeing public lands throughout the US that have been set aside for preservation and the enjoyment of visitors. At many of these BLM sites, you can camp. However, it will be primitive camping, meaning there usually will not be any amenities or hookups. To find BLM sites with camping options, search for "BLM camping near me."

The El Mirage OHV Area is near the unincorporated community of El Mirage, just north of Los Angeles, in California. The park, which is close to the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests, spans over 24,000 acres and includes incredible sights such as the El Mirage Dry Lake, the El Mirage Basic, and the Shadow Mountains. The area is also frequently used in films thanks to its dramatic scenery and striking landscape. If you want to visit some national parks on your trip, Joshua Tree National Park, which is two hours and six minutes southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area, and Death Valley National Park, two and a half hours to the northeast, are your closest options.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Bell Mountain Trail

This trail, which is 48 minutes southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area in Apple Valley, can be rocky in some places, and finding footing can be tricky. However, the views of the high desert are spectacular.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail

This short trail, which is an hour and 25 minutes southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area, offers a surprisingly challenging hike in the form of steep or sandy areas. Deep Creek Hot Springs Trail ends at hot springs, which hikers are welcome to bathe in.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest an hour and a half southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area, this trail is excellent for sightseeing, hiking, wildlife viewing, or horseback riding.

Length: 4.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Dogwood Campground Loop

This beautiful trail passes through dense green forests and offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. It is located an hour and 20 minutes southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Lake Gregory Trail

Located an hour and seven minutes southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area in Lake Gregory Regional Park, this trail is pet-friendly and offers a beautiful, leisurely hike.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Lake Gregory, which is about an hour southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area, is an excellent option for fishing. The lake is regularly stocked with golden and rainbow trout. Hesperia Lake Park is also a fantastic fishing option, and trout are plentiful. Approximately an hour southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area, the park also has camping options and provides access to nearby hiking trails.

Climbing

There are hundreds of climbing locations throughout the area around the El Mirage OHV Area. Sawtooth Canyon Campground, nicknamed "New Jack City,” located an hour and 20 minutes northeast of the El Mirage OHV Area, features over 460 climbs. Most of the climbs are sport routes, but there are also some traditional, top-rope, and bouldering options. Fairview Mountain in nearby Apple Valley also offers about 331 climbs. Again, most of these climbs are sport routes of varying difficulties.

Wildlife Viewing

The Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and many places within the forests are excellent for wildlife and landscape photography. Squirrels and a range of beautiful birds, including falcons and many songbirds, are the most commonly seen animals. But visitors may also spot bighorn sheep, horned lizards, bears, bobcats, and even mountain lions. Angeles National Forest is about two hours southwest of the El Mirage OHV Area while San Bernardino National Forest is 40 minutes southeast of the BLM site.

Picnicking

The Mescal Picnic Area is located 45 minutes southwest of the El Mirage OHV Area, and it offers beautiful scenery and eight picnic tables. Pedestal grills and vault toilets are also available, and the area provides access to Jackson Lake, which provides some fishing opportunities.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

RV camping options with amenities are plentiful around the El Mirage OHV Area. Oak Hills RV Village, 40 minutes southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area, offers daily, weekly, and monthly rates. There are 31 sites, all with full hookups. About 35 minutes southeast of the El Mirage OHV Area, Shady Oasis RV Park is another fantastic option. The park offers RV sites with either partial or full hookups. There is also a pool, mini-mart, and dog park on-site.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the El Mirage OHV Area. Visitors can set up a dispersed campsite, but remember that amenities are limited when BLM RV camping. Pack plenty of food and water. Dump station facilities can be found in the nearby towns.

RV Rentals Near El Mirage OHV Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your El Mirage OHV Area BLM trip

There is an entrance fee for the El Mirage OHV Area of $15 per day or $30 per week. Each vehicle that drives into the area must have a pass. Towed or trailered vehicles do not need a pass unless they are later driven in or out of the area. Passes can be purchased at the visitor center. OHVs registered in California must display a legal green or red sticker. OHVs from out of state much have a nonresident Green Sticker OHV permit.

Within the OHV area, there are many areas for free riding, but donuts, spins, and drifting are not permitted at any time. All riders must wear a safety helmet, and riders under 14 must be supervised. Fireworks, glass containers, and firewood containing nails are also not allowed within the area. Shooting of any kind, including paintballs, BB guns, and bows, is not permitted.

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

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and recreation areas benefit when campers, hikers, OHV riders and other visitors practice Leave No Trace policies. As you enjoy the area, remember to be polite and share the space with fellow riders. Pick up your trash, and if you can’t immediately find a trashcan, take any litter with you. Use extreme caution when building a fire, and only build fires in designated rings or pits where the flames can be easily contained. Always make sure that the fire’s embers are cold before you leave. If you see a wild animal, observe it from a distance.

El Mirage OHV Area Location

From Adelanto, take Chamberlaine Way West to Koala Road. Take a right on Koala Road, and follow the signs for El Mirage. Turn left on El Mirage Road, and then take Mountain View Road North. Continue until you reach the OHV area. You can also reach the area from Palmdale. Take Palmdale Boulevard to 240th Street. Take a left, heading north on 240th Street, and then take a right on Avenue P. Avenue P becomes El Mirage Road. Follow the road until Mountain View Road.

Ready to visit the El Mirage OHV 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 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.