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BLM Camping

Indian Valley Management Area


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

Indian Valley Management Area is a Bureau of Land Management area on the eastern edge of Lake County in California. The area is rich with rolling chaparral that is covered with dotted oak and pine, making it ideal for hiking, camping, bicycling, equestrian use, and hunting. Also, 14 miles west of Indian Valley Management Area is Clear Lake, and 30.6 miles south is the Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop

This loop trail begins near Novato, CA, offering a chance for hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching. The trail is well marked with many options for hikers that want a longer alternative. It remains open year-round, and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. 

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Schwindt, Witzel, and Pachezo Pond Trail Loop

This is an all-year-round loop trail that begins near Novato, CA, and is excellent for hikers looking for solitude. You may also enjoy bird watching and moderate climbing as the course goes uphill through shady oak for a section of the route. There are also waterfalls in some parts of the trail.

Length: 4.7 miles 

Intensity: Moderate

Indian Valley and Witzel Trail Loop

This loop trail begins by following a wide fire road with an elevation gain of 396 feet, leading onto another path that winds under a remarkable forest canopy. Though it is not well-marked in some areas, you can still find your way to the end. It is known for hiking and dog walking. 

Length: 2.9 miles 

Intensity: Moderate

Rowland, Buzzard, Waterfall, and Pond Loop

Rowland, Buzzard, Waterfall, and Pond Loop is a trail popular for hiking and backpacking. You may bring your dog, but it must be on a leash. Visitors will enjoy beautiful waterfall views, wildflowers, and wildlife. 

Length: 4.7 miles 

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Campers looking to fish should head to the Indian Valley Reservoir, where boating is also allowed. The fish species are kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Another interesting fishing spot is Clear Lake, 14 miles west, offering the channel catfish, hitch, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, white bullhead, common carp, Sacramento perch, and Sacramento sucker. Also, the lake has a great beach with access to swimming.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Indian Valley Management Area is rich with vegetation and water sources that support plenty of wildlife. You might see popular game like the black deer, blacktail deer, wild turkey, wild pigs, bald eagles, doves, and quails. There are also rabbits, tree squirrels, and black bears. Other than animals, check out the rare wildflower species like the Indian Valley Brodiaea and Adobe Lily.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

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If you prefer developed RV camping, head to Yolo County, which has campgrounds near the Indian Valley Reservoir. The Cache Creek Regional Park campground charges $35 per night per site for its 45 campsites, and campers have access to firewood, dump stations, flush restrooms, water, picnic areas/tables, and trash bins. Blue Oak campground has six camps and charges about $38 per night with a maximum recommended RV length of 33 feet (Class A). Amenities offered on these campsites include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. It is also possible to find BLM RV camping by searching BLM camping near me while in Plumas County, California. Lower Bucks campground is a common recommendation in this area and charges $26 per night per site for its seven campsites. Visitors can bring RVs of up to 26 feet, and they will access picnic tables, fire rings, water, and trash bins. Pets are also welcome.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible in the Indian Valley Reservoir. Blue Oaks and Kowalski campgrounds are famous first come, first served camps in the area. Blue Oaks Campground has six campsites offering fire pits, vault toilets, and picnic tables, and there are no hookups or potable water. Kowalski camp lies west of the reservoir and offers primitive camping without any amenities. Of the other nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is Cowboy Camp, which provides a fire ring, picnic tables, and vault restrooms.

RV Rentals Near Indian Valley Management Area Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Indian Valley Management Area BLM trip

As you consider camping in the Indian Valley Management Area, check the weather to know if you need heavy or light clothes. Most camping happens during the summers, so light clothes should be your preference. Also, bring a flashlight and waterproof containers to pack your meals, and when buying food, select options with a longer shelf-life. Get a folding stove if you don't intend to cook inside the RV. Before leaving for your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

It is every camper's responsibility to keep a clean camping environment. Some campsites will offer dump stations and trash bins; in this case, ensure you dispose of waste and trash appropriately. If you plan on primitive camping, you might need to bring enough plastic bags or portable trash bins. A trowel will come in handy in campsites that lack restrooms. Use the trowel to dig holes in which you can bury human waste. Keeping a serene environment is not always about collecting trash or recycling plastic. Noise is another form of pollution. Wildlife prospers in a quiet environment, and loud noises like shouting, screaming, or loud music could disrupt them. Also, avoid making structures or digging trenches around your campsite to leave the area as you found it.

Leave No Trace
Location

Indian Valley Management Area Location

To get to the Indian Valley Management Area, drive approximately 27 miles heading west to Williams on Highway 20. It is also possible to access the area by driving east for 14 miles towards Clearlake Oaks on Highway 20. Next, turn towards the north on Walker Ridge Road to guide you to a graded gravel road. Follow the road to get to the recreation area.

Ready to visit Indian Valley Management Area? 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.