The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located outside of Barstow, California near the Sequoia and San Bernardino National Forests and Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Death Valley National Park, Harper Dry Lake is a fascinating area that offers a range of recreational activities. Visitors to the lake can explore the mix of desert and wetland environments, take in the area's incredible views, or enjoy some of the area's nearby hiking trails. Harper Dry Lake spans almost 115,000 acres, and it also has historical significance as prehistoric tools have been found in the area.
Camping is allowed at Harper Dry Lake, but amenities are limited. To find other BLM sites with camping options, search for "BLM camping near me."
This trail includes a few short uphill climbs and offers beautiful views from the trail's highest points.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail offers gorgeous views of the landscape and the interesting rock formations that dot the area.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Hikers will enjoy the scenic panoramic views from this trail and may also spot some native birds.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail climbs sharply uphill but follows a lovely creek that hikers can wade through.
Length: 3.6 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Excellent for either hiking or mountain biking, this trail offers beautiful views of the nearby creek.
Length: 4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
There are many options for rock climbing near the Barstow area. The Monolith in the Calico Mountains offers two top-rope climbs, and the area called Family Feud offers three excellent bolted top-rope and traditional climbs. The best area, however, is Sawtooth Canyon, which offers over 450 traditional, sport, top-rope, and bouldering routes. The majority of the routes in the area are sport, and they vary in difficulty, so they'll suit a range of climbers.
Harper Dry Lake is one of the best places to spot wildlife due to its unique ecosystem and landscape. The area is home to dozens of bird species, including many not usually found in the desert. Marsh wrens, sandpipers, blackbirds, and plovers are common sights. Visitors will also often spot sidewinders, desert tortoises, coyotes, kit foxes, squirrels, antelope, bobcats, rabbits, and various lizard species. The nearby national parks are also ideal when it comes to spotting native wildlife species.
The Mojave Narrows Regional Park is an excellent spot for a picnic. The park offers shaded picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds. Hells Gate, located in Death Valley National Park, also offers shaded picnic areas and acts as a great spot to start your adventure through the rest of the park.
BLM RV camping is available at Sunset Campground. The campground offers 270 sites. The campground also has an on-site dump station, clean water, and restrooms. Furnace Creek Campground does not offer a dump station, but its sites do have hookups. The Shady Lane RV Park has full hookups and offers a peaceful camping experience. The Texas Springs Campground offers 92 sites with a picnic table and fire pit. The campground, which is rugged, quiet, and scenic, also offers water and a dump station.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available right at Harper Dry Lake. You can set up a quiet, peaceful primitive campsite with beautiful views as long as you're within 50 feet of a designated open route. You must also camp in areas that have little or no vegetation cover and show obvious prior signs of use. You must camp at least 200 yards from wildlife water areas, and camp stays are limited to 14 days.
Hunting is allowed at Harper Dry Lake, but all hunters must follow local laws and regulations. Before you head out to hunt, check the seasonal allowances and bag limits. If you're hunting near a watering area, hunting time is limited to 30 minutes. You cannot hunt on private lands abutting the dry lake area unless you have permission from the landowner. It is also illegal to shoot within 150 yards of a campsite, and you are strictly prohibited from shooting at signs, trees, outbuildings, or livestock. Shooting glass bottles is also prohibited.
OHV riding is quite popular at the Harper Dry Lake. OHVs must stay on routes designated for off-road riding. Cross-country and off-route riding is not allowed, and off-road vehicles are not allowed on routes that do not have a brown marker confirming that they're open.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
It's crucial that Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and important wild areas like Harper Dry Lake are valued and protected through the use of Leave No Trace practices. At the lake, make sure you stay on the trails and limit your impact on the landscape and environment. Do not approach wild animals. If you see trash, pick it up, and always dispose of your own trash and recycling properly.
From Barstow, take State Highway 58 for 18 miles. Turn north on Harper Lake Road and continue for about six miles. Take a right, turning east on Lockhart Road, and continue for two miles until you reach the lake.
Ready to visit Harper Dry Lake? 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.
