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 responsible for managing public lands and overseeing some of the best camping spots in the country. In California, the BLM oversees nearly 15 million acres of public land ranging from deserts to mountains, forests, and rangelands. This brings up the diversity of landscapes and ecosystems available for exploration. There are some rules and regulations regarding camping on BLM land in California. For example, campers must obtain a permit before setting up camp. In addition, campfires are only allowed in designated areas and must be completely extinguished before leaving. You can find BLM sites by searching "BLM camping near me."
The Ibex Wilderness is located in the southeastern corner of California and is managed by the BLM. The wilderness area is approximately 28,822 acres and was established in 1994. The Ibex Wilderness is a great place to enjoy hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and camping. Several trails wind through the mountains and provide stunning views of the desert landscape. Death Valley National Park is fewer than 60 miles west and south of the wilderness. The weather in the Ibex Wilderness can be extreme, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months.
The trailhead is located near Stovepipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park. The trail winds through the dunes and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This trail, popular for hiking and walking, usually takes about two hours to complete. It is open all year round, and dogs are not allowed.
Length: 5.1 miles
Intensity: Difficult
The trail is open to hikers and bikers. It would be best to leave your dogs at home since they are not allowed on the trail. The trail offers stunning views of the valley below and leads to the Amargosa Canyon and Amargosa River.
Length: 9.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This trail offers excellent scenic views while you are driving. It is open all year round, and you will take an average of 17 hours and 23 minutes to complete it.
Length: 38.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail is excellent for hiking and walking.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Ibex Wilderness does not support fishing because there are no water bodies in this desert. However, the nearby Amargosa River defies the hot conditions and supports various kinds of fish. There are fishing regulations updated regularly throughout the year. Searles Lake also provides excellent fishing opportunities.
Ibex Peak is the highest peak in the Ibex Wilderness, with an elevation of 4,751 feet. It offers excellent views of the desert and is generally considered an easy climb. Sheephead Mountain is a popular climbing destination in the Ibex Wilderness with an elevation of 4,274 feet and has three summits. It offers stunning views of the desert landscape and is considered a moderate climb. Finally, Tecopa Peak has an elevation of 2,687 feet and is located near the town of Tecopa. It offers excellent views of the mountains and is considered to be an easy climb with six summits.
The Ibex Wilderness is home to various desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, jackrabbits, and lizards. Many bird species can be seen in the area, like the desert sparrow, ravens, and cactus wrens. When driving through the wilderness, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife crossing. The best time for wildlife viewing is early morning or evening when the temperatures are more relaxed.
Horseback riding is a popular activity in the Ibex Wilderness. Several trails wind through the mountains and provide stunning views of the desert landscape. Trails like the Old Spanish Highway Trail and the Shoshone Historic Loop are perfect for a leisurely ride.
BLM RV camping is available at the Ibex Wilderness. Tecopa Palms RV Park and Shoshone Trailer RV Park are some of the Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds near the wilderness. The Shoshone Trailer RV Park provides ample parking space for your RV. Further north, you will find the Sunset Campground. To the south, the Desert Springs RV Park will provide some suitable accommodations. Dump stations are also available for your convenience.
If you are looking for some Bureau of Land Management free camping options, then you can consider dispersed camping in the Ibex Wilderness. This type of camping is allowed anywhere in the wilderness as long as you follow the Leave No Trace principles. Some dispersed camping spots include the Mahogany Flat Campground and the Thorndike campground. You cannot exceed 14 days of stay in any one spot during a single month.
When planning your trip to the Ibex Wilderness, it is essential to consider the time of year that you will be visiting. The summer months are sweltering and dry, making it difficult to hike and camp in the wilderness. The winter months are more relaxed, but there is still the potential for extreme weather conditions. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Ibex Wilderness. This place is RV accessible; however, you need to take the necessary precautions as no water or hookups are available in the wilderness.
The nearest town to the Ibex Wilderness is Tecopa, which is about 20 miles away. There you will find gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. The town of Shoshone is located about 30 miles away and has gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. No cell services are available in the wilderness.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When visiting the Ibex Wilderness, it is essential to follow the Leave No Trace principles. These principles are designed to help protect the wilderness and its wildlife. Some of the Leave No Trace principles include packing out all of your trash and respecting wildlife and campfires only in designated areas. By following these principles, we can help to preserve the Ibex Wilderness for future generations.
From Barstow, take Highway 247 east for about 15 miles. Turn right on Kingston Road, and travel south for about four miles. Turn left on Ibex Springs Road, and travel east for about four miles to the wilderness boundary.
Ready to visit Ibex Wilderness? 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, enjoying 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.
