The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
A BLM site is federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for energy production, mineral development, livestock grazing, or outdoor recreation activities. BLM is an agency of the United States Department of Interior tasked with managing federal lands. The agency administers about 247.3 million acres of land, which equals one-tenth of the nation's land mass. BLM camping is a topic many residents embrace in California. Residents see it as a great way of spending more time in nature and doing physical activities. BLM sites in California require guests to leave no trace and may require a small fee. Search for BLM camping near me to locate BLM sites in your area.
Fossil Falls Campground is a BLM site situated at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains along California Highway 395. The area has unique geological features comprising a dry ravine created by lava flow more than 20,000 years ago. Besides being a suitable bureau of land management free camping site, Fossil Fall Campground is also ideal for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and other thrilling activities. Two national parks are within a three-hour drive of Fossil Fall Campground: Death Valley National Park to the northeast and Sequoia National Park to the northwest. Although this place is remote, it has a rich geological history.
This out-and-back trail overlooking Little Lake is open for hiking and biking. It is considered an easy route and often takes between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. You will enjoy exploring rock formations when hiking or biking this trail. Dogs are allowed on this trail and may be off-leash in certain areas.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
For guests who love water-based activities, fishing is possible on Little Lake. The most popular fish anglers can expect to catch here include bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass, and trout. You can also enjoy a boating experience on the lake. You can hire a small boat and paddles nearby.
The presence of a slew of rock formations throughout Fossil Falls Campground makes it an ideal rock climbing location. There is a rock for everyone, whether you are a newbie or an experienced climber. You can also head over to Red Hill to climb the cinder cone volcano composed of lava rock and pumice.
Fossil Falls Campground is home to various animals and birds. Squirrels, kangaroo rats, jackrabbits, and bighorn sheep are native to this campground and the surrounding area. Popular birds in this BLM site include black hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls.
Picnicking is allowed throughout Fossil Falls Campground. There are various picnic areas inside the campground with picnic tables. Drinking water, restrooms, and fire rings are available in designated locations. Picnickers must clean their sites after use.
There are 11 campsites at Fossil Falls if you want to camp in this campground. The BLM site charges $6 per night and allows guests to use the campsites on a first-come-first-served basis. The sites come with on-site water, vault restrooms, tables, and fire rings. Staying at the campsites is limited to a maximum of 14 days. If you don’t want to camp at this BLM camping site, various RV camping sites are nearby. Chimney Creek, located a few miles from Fossil Falls Campground, has 36 camping sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings. You can drive 40 miles to Bertrand RV Park in Ridgecrest, which offers more than 10 campsites with several amenities, including vault toilets, tables, and running water.
Dispersed camping is possible in this Bureau of Land Management campground. Visitors are allowed to enjoy backcountry camping in the wilderness. Nevertheless, no amenities are available deep in the wilderness. Guests are also required to camp far away from trails and water bodies. Dispersed camping is limited to tents.
Fossil Falls Campground experiences extreme weather conditions given its location in the wilderness. The area is hot and arid. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing points. Also, rain upstream can cause floods even when it's not raining in the area. Therefore, carry enough clothes and footwear to keep yourself comfortable.
Plan a tour of this site bearing in mind that cellular phone service is unavailable in certain locations. Thus, taking care of important and urgent communication needs before visiting this site is highly recommended. Carry adequate food, water, first aid supplies, and other equipment when visiting this site. If you run out of supplies, Ridgecrest or Lone Pine are the nearest areas to get them.
BLM camping offers a lot of benefits. Camping in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is affordable compared to privately owned destinations. Engaging in various activities in BLM sites is an incredible way to stay active and fit. Visit a BLM camp to experience these benefits. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
BLM requests that visitors leave no trace by cleaning up the sites before leaving. Collect any trash and dispose of it properly. Bury any human and pet waste far away from water bodies and trails. Do not interfere with wildlife as some of them are dangerous. Share the campground with other guests and leave things the way you find them. Following these rules will help preserve this site for present and future recreational activities.
Fossils Falls Campground is easily accessible from Ridgecrest and Lone Pine. From California Highway 395, take the Cinder Road exit. Look out for a large red cinder cone to avoid missing the exit. The trailhead to Fossil Falls Campground is a few miles along the road.
Ready to visit Fossil Falls 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 of 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.
