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BLM Camping

Indian Pass Wilderness

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

The Indian Pass Wilderness is located east of El Centro, California, not far from the border of Arizona. The area is in a remote location near the Picacho Peak Wilderness Area, the Picacho State Recreation Area, and the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors to the area will also be close to the Colorado River, which offers a range of recreational options and creates diverse ecosystems that are home to many species of wild animals. The wilderness area spans about 32,418 acres.

BLM sites like the Indian Pass Wilderness are public lands that have been set aside. The wilderness became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1994, and today, visitors can enjoy the area’s natural beauty, view wildlife, hike, or camp. To find other BLM sites with camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Peter Kane Trail

Located in the Indian Pass Wilderness, this trail is relatively remote and quiet, and it offers incredible views of the landscape and local cacti.

Length: 4.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

East Wetlands Interpretive Trail

Located in nearby Yuma, Arizona, this trail is peaceful and beautiful, and it’s a good option for bird-watchers.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Picacho Mills Historic Trail

This peaceful trail is a good option for spotting wildlife, including the area’s wild burros.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Painted Desert Trail Loop

Located in the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, this trail traverses fascinating landscapes and is an excellent option for wildlife viewing and photography.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Bucklin Park Loop

This short trail in El Centro is the perfect way to explore the area and enjoy the warm weather.

Length: 0.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The Colorado River is a fantastic place to fish for trout and catfish. Sunfish and carp can also be caught. You can fish from the river’s banks, but many anglers prefer to use a drift boat. The river is also a popular place to swim, paddle, kayak, canoe, or raft.

Climbing

Climbing enthusiasts can find several options in nearby Indian Wells Canyon. The Breakfast Crags, for example, offer five traditional, sport, and top-rope climbs. The Heller Rocks offer three traditional climbs and one top-rope route.

Wildlife Viewing

While the Indian Pass Wilderness is itself a fantastic place to view wildlife, many visitors choose to head to the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge covers desert, marsh, and pond environments, and it is home to many wild species, including burros, bighorn sheep, ducks, herons, songbirds, sandpipers, mule deer, coyotes, whiptail lizards, jackrabbits, leopard frogs, quails, and muskrats.

Picnicking

Bucklin Park in El Centro offers large green spaces, a short hiking trail, playgrounds, benches, and picnic tables. Nearby Holt Park also offers covered picnic areas and playgrounds, and there are large grass spaces and public restrooms.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is an ideal way to explore the Indian Pass Wilderness. Many nearby locations, such as the East Wetlands Interpretive Trail, are also excellent options for equestrians.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and standard camping options can be found throughout the area near the Indian Pass Wilderness. The Desert Trails RV Park offers 387 sites with full hookups, and there is a dump station, laundry area, pool, and library. The Country Life RV Park is another great option. This park provides a peaceful camping experience in a centrally located area. The El Centro RV Park is also a good choice, and it offers showers, restrooms, and a dog park.

Free Camping

Visitors to the area around the Indian Pass Wilderness can find Bureau of Land Management free camping at Gecko Campground. The campground offers large, open spaces where visitors can set up a primitive site. Roadrunner Campground is also a great option for dispersed camping, and it provides easy access to OHV options.

RV Rentals Near Indian Pass Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Indian Pass Wilderness BLM trip

The Indian Pass Wilderness and the surrounding area see extremely high summer temperatures. If you plan to visit during these months, educate yourself and your party about the signs of sunburn, heat stroke, and exposure, and always protect yourself from the sun as best as possible. Carry plenty of drinking water and drink frequently throughout your trip. Remember that temperatures can drop suddenly at night, even after the hottest day, so bring blankets and warm clothing if you plan to camp.

Most wilderness areas, including the Indian Pass Wilderness, prohibit the use of motorized vehicles. This includes OHVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes, but it also usually includes other vehicles such as mountain bikes and hang gliders. Obey all posted signs and regulations, and ensure that the areas you want to visit are accessible before you begin your trip.

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

Leave No Trace

Using Leave No Trace and tread lightly practices is an important way to protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, hiking trails, and all wilderness areas. In dry areas like the Indian Pass Wilderness, fire safety is crucial. Before lighting a fire, check for fire bans and make sure the danger rating is low. Keep fires completely controlled, and carry a small shovel to cover coals with sand before you leave the area. Share the wilderness with other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum and cleaning up any trash or waste. Maintain a distance from wild animals, and try your best to minimize your impact on the landscape, plants, and animals around you.

Indian Pass Wilderness Location

From El Centro, take either State Highway 78 or Interstate 8 east to Ogilby Road, also called S-34. From Ogilby Road, take Indian Pass Road to the Picacho State Recreation Area. The wilderness is along the north side of the road and runs to the state park boundary, which is about six miles from the head of Gavilan Wash.

Ready to visit Indian Pass 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 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.