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BLM Camping

Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness

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

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Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness

The Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness is located east of San Diego and west of Brawley in California. The wilderness spans more than 21,000 acres. Visitors can enjoy views of the mountains and the rugged desert landscape. It’s only a short drive from the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge and Anzo-Borrego Desert State Park. The area also offers many opportunities to hike, mountain bike, rock climb, horseback ride, camp, and view native plants and animals, including a wide range of cacti.

BLM sites are designed to protect the land and wildlife while offering visitors a chance to explore an area. They’re generally secluded and quiet, making for the ideal camping experience. To find BLM sites that offer certain camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Borrego Palm Canyon Trail

Located in the Anzo-Borrego Desert State Park, this trail leads to one of the largest palm oases in California.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fossil Canyon Drive

Popular for both hiking and mountain biking, visitors can take in this trail’s gorgeous views or spot small marine fossils along the path.

Length: 7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Pictograph Trail

This scenic trail near Mount Laguna offers views of beautiful blooming cacti during the spring months, and visitors can spot pictographs at the one-mile marker.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

The Slot

This trail is one of the most popular in the area, so arrive early to ensure there are enough parking spaces.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Sandstone Canyon via Fish Creek Wash

Visitors can choose to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride along all or part of this scenic trail.

Length: 29 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

One of the best areas for fishing near the Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness is Lake Morena. This secluded fishing area is routinely stocked with a variety of freshwater fish. The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is also a fantastic option for fishing. Tilapia is the most common catch. The lake is also perfect for boating due to its high salinity.

Climbing

Thanks to the rocky landscape, the area around the Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness is ideal for rock climbing. The Blair Valley Campground Area offers unmatched bouldering, and there are also about 25 bouldering routes at The Octagon in nearby Blair Valley.

Wildlife Viewing

The Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness is perfect for spotting many unique animals, including coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, mule deer, and smaller mammals like rabbits and ground squirrels. The area is also home to many snake and lizard species, including rattlesnakes, skinks, king snakes, and horned lizards. The wilderness and the nearby Salton Sea Wilderness Refuge are also excellent when it comes to bird-watching opportunities.

Picnicking

The Desert View Picnic Site along the Pacific Crest Trail offers stunning views and several picnic tables and grills. The Pioneer Mail Picnic Site also offers tables for picnicking and provides easy access to sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Horseback Riding

Many areas in the Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness are ideal for horseback riding, especially since motorized vehicles cannot be operated in the wilderness. Visitors can use many of the local hiking or mountain biking trails for riding. Sandstone Canyon offers some of the most popular horseback riding locations in the area.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Fish Creek Primitive Campground. The campground is quiet and peaceful and offers incredible views of the area. Fire pits are available, and the campground is kept exceptionally clean. The Oakzanita Springs RV Campground is another great option. This park offers 118 sites, and a clubhouse, store, pool, restrooms, and showers are all available. The park is also pet-friendly.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in the Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness, but there are no amenities, and visitors can stay for no more than 14 days in a row. After 14 days, campers must move their campsite at least 25 miles away.

RV Rentals Near Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness BLM trip

Most motorized vehicles, including cars, OHVs, motorboats, and bicycles, are prohibited on federally designated wilderness lands, so obey all regulations in the area and only drive in approved spaces. If you’re planning to camp in the wilderness, prepare ahead and find out where RV camping is allowed. You may also want to call to ensure that there is enough space, as the majority of BLM camping areas do not take reservations.

The Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness area is generally best visited in the fall, spring, and winter months. During those times, the weather is mild, and temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees, even during the evening. Temperatures in the summer months are much hotter and can reach over 100 degrees. The area is quite dry, so rain is rarely an issue. However, it’s always good to keep an eye on the weather forecast and watch for summer thunderstorms. During thunderstorms, the dry washes in the area can flood, causing dangerous situations.

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

Leave No Trace

While you’re enjoying Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or other natural areas, you’re visiting a fragile ecosystem that needs protection. Always camp on durable surfaces and, where possible, camp in areas that are already established and have fire rings. Do not feed wildlife or leave trash or food behind. Be cautious when starting fires, as the Fish Creek Mountains Wilderness is arid and therefore prone to wildfires. Before you leave your campsite, make sure the embers in your fire are completely cold. If there is a burn ban, make alternate plans that don't include a campfire. Plan ahead to minimize your impact on the area, and be considerate and polite whenever you encounter other visitors.