The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Iron Mountain Divisional Camp – Patton is one of 11 training camps built in the California-Arizona desert area to train troops during the length of World War II. Camp Iron Mountain has been preserved the best of all 11 camps though and is famous today for having one of only two remaining rock chapels built on the desert ground in these camps. Also found specifically at this historic training camp is a relief map that measures 200 feet by 175 feet large. This map was used to reference the entire California-Arizona training area and includes points for every one of the 11 divisional camps, the highways, the railroads, and the Metropolitan Water District aqueduct that were used by the camps.
Iron Mountain Divisional Camp is kept open for the public to explore for free through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Since the area is managed by the BLM, dispersed camping is permitted at the site for up to 14 days at a time.
The Cholla Cactus Garden Trail is a short, famous hike in the Southern California area known for its collection of "teddy bear" cacti.
Length: 0.25 mile
Intensity: Easy
A scenic desert hike, the Ryan Mountain Trail takes steep elevations to the top of a mountain with plenty of cacti to see along the way.
Length: 2.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Cove Oasis Trail is a loop trail that leads to the 114-acre scenic Cove Oasis and can be either hiked or biked.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Perhaps the top activity at Iron Mountain Divisional Camp is touring the historic markers of the site. You can start touring the area by seeing the Iron Mountain Divisional Camp Marker, which was placed at the roadside of the camp in 1985 and then was rededicated in 2014. After that, you can walk, bike, or drive along the rock-lined road paths to the relief map area. You can also find circular or square areas marked with rocks that were once designated as spots for tents or flagpoles. Lastly, be sure to see the rock chapel, which is still marked by a long aisle of stones.
The Iron Mountain Divisional Camp is located within the greater Joshua Tree National Park area, making it home to many unique animal species. While at the camp, you may be able to see animals ranging from white-tailed antelope to ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, coyotes, fox, bobcats, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. Desert tortoises and rattlesnakes are also commonly seen.
There are many picnic areas near Iron Mountain Divisional Camp that you can check out before or after you see the historic sites. One nearby place is Live Oak Picnic Area, which is managed by the National Park Service and has two picnic tables that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can also check out Rattlesnake Canyon Picnic Area, which has a few more picnic tables plus a public restroom.
The California desert offers amazing night sky views that are difficult to see when you are in a city, surrounded by bright lights. The area of desert that Iron Mountain Divisional Camp is in can also frequently see the milky way galaxy more clearly than anywhere else in the continental U.S. When you want to stargaze at this camp, be sure to turn off all lights in your vehicle, RV, or tent, and give your eyes time to adjust to the dark sky before searching for the milky way.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are great to stay at if you don't mind primitive camping, but if you'd like hookup options, consider going RV camping at a different type of campground. You can check out Serrano Campground, which is managed by the National Park Service and has over a dozen campsites for RVs with hookups and an available dump station. You can also consider staying at Diamond Valley RV Park, which has hookups and offers options for long-term stays.
When you're looking for BLM camping near me, consider staying at Iron Mountain Divisional Camp – Patton. This Bureau of Land Management free camping option allows you to stay for up to 14 days at a time at a campsite of your choice, although there are no hookups or water available. However, the marked paths of the historic site and flat land make it easy for large RVs to navigate.
When you plan on visiting the Iron Mountain Divisional Camp, be sure to bring drinking water and sunscreen since there is little to no shade at the site and it can get quite hot. It's also a good idea to wear light clothing and durable shoes when you want to hike the site.
If you're planning on camping at this BLM RV camping site, be sure to bring everything you will need since there are no towns or stores close by. You will likely need things like water, cooking pans, fire starters and firewood, food, and warm layers for the nighttime. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Iron Mountain Divisional Camp is considered a California state historic site, so it's important that you help keep the site clean and preserved when you visit it. You can do this by picking up after yourself, leaving what you find where it belongs, and watching any campfires you start very closely. By following these guidelines, which are a part of the BLM's Leave No Trace policy, the site can remain open for future generations to enjoy.
To reach the Iron Mountain Divisional Camp – Patton from Needles, use Highway 95 South for about 45 miles. Then, exit onto California State Highway 62. From there, take the road for 35 miles to the west until you reach BLM Route NS812. Turn right onto this road, and then you will find the monument marking the camp immediately on the right side of the road.
Address: Bureau of Land Management Needles Field Office, Needles, CA 92363
Ready to visit Iron Mountain Divisional Camp – Patton? 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.
