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BLM Camping

Jacumba Wilderness

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

Jacumba Wilderness is an area managed by the Bureau of Land Management that covers 31,357 acres in California. The vast area is excellent for climbing, hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing. Visitors cannot bring motor vehicles or other motorized equipment to the site, including motorcycles, all-terrain or off-highway vehicles, motorboats, or go-carts.

Located 63.8 miles southeast of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and 131.2 miles south of Joshua Tree National Park, the remoteness of the Jacumba Wilderness provides an opportunity for solitude.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Valley of The Moon and Blue Angels Peak

It is a loop trail popular for hiking and birdwatching near Jacumba, CA. Dogs are allowed but should be on a leash. The best time to visit is between March and October.

Length: 8.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Jacumba Wilderness Happy Camp Loop

Jacumba Wilderness Happy Camp Loop trail is a self-navigable route leading you to a canyon wash. It is an excellent place for experienced backpackers and hikers. There is no shade, but visitors can enjoy great canyon views and wildlife.

Length: 5.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge via Mortero Palms

It is a loop trail great for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking. The trail is rocky, with an elevation gain of 2,400 feet. Also, there is a historical site for visitors to explore. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The best time to visit is from September to March.

Length: 5.7 miles

Intensity: Hard

Valley of the Moon Trail

The trail is out and back and starts near Jacumba, with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. It is best for hiking, running, and birdwatching. Also, you can take a short hiking diversion to the Smuggler's Cave.

Length: 7.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Common fishing spots near Jacumba are Lake Morena, which has blue catfish, carp, largemouth bass, and the bluegill, and the Santee Lakes, which is home to channel catfish, common carp, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and lightning trout. You will need a fishing permit to fish in these lakes. At Lake Morena, motorized rental boats can be used for touring or fishing; swimming is not allowed. It is possible to find paddle boats for renting at Santee Lakes, but swimming is prohibited here as well.

Wildlife Viewing

If you love seeing animals in their natural habitat, bring a pair of binoculars to observe kangaroo rats, golden eagles, peninsular bighorn sheep, and the mule deer. Also, bird species available in the area include cactus wren, verdin sparrows, black-throated sparrows, white-winged doves, collared doves, and phainopepla.

Hunting

It is illegal to hunt in the Jacumba Wilderness without a hunting license, and the regulation applies to residents and non-residents. Pay attention to the tagging procedures specific to the California law as you hunt in the wilderness. Animals that you may hunt include the bighorn sheep, wild pigs, elk, and pronghorn sheep.

Shooting

Shooting is permitted and restricted to specific areas in the Jacumba Wilderness. You are required to bring a gun or bow and arrows, and it is prohibited to use glass or clay pigeons for practice. Remove any cartridges or target materials after completing your shooting practice.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a popular off-season activity in this area, and you can use any of the long trails to maximize your ride. For instance, the Valley of The Moon and Blue Angels Peak trail would be a great place to bring a horse. Also, Jacumba Wilderness mostly experiences high temperatures, which makes it necessary to get enough water for you and the horse.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The are several campgrounds near Jacumba Wilderness that allow RV camping. Start by checking out Lake Morena County Park, which charges $29 per night per site for its 86 campsites. The recommended RV length is 27 feet, and amenities include picnic tables, a fire ring, flush restrooms, a dump station, water, and trash bins. Also, visitors are allowed to bring pets.

Boulder Oaks Campground has 30 campsites and charges $14 per night per site. It sits at 3,000 feet, and the maximum recommended RV length is 27 feet. The campground operates from June to February, offering vault toilets and a picnic area. Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park has 62 campsites and runs between September and May. The average charges for a camp are $25 per night, but there are no electrical hookups. You will find fire rings, flush toilets, a barbecue grill, and picnic tables.

Free Camping

Consider a nearby national forest or wilderness if you prefer Bureau of Land Management free camping. Also, search "BLM camping near me" to see recommended areas. Jacumba Hot Springs is free and offers only a vault toilet, fire ring, and picnic tables. Widen your search to find more Bureau of Land Management campgrounds like Lark Canyon campground and Mountain Palm Springs Camp. These offer only basic amenities like picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings. Pets are also allowed on this campground.

RV Rentals Near Jacumba Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Jacumba Wilderness BLM trip

Pack essentials like trail shoes, backpacks, food containers, water bottles, and toiletries. If you have more room, include firewood and camp chairs. Campers renting an RV should take inventory to ensure enough glasses, dishes, pots and pans, and cutlery. Check if you have emergency supplies like a compass, map, and rechargeable flashlights. Bring an emergency kit and include antidiarrhea and fever medication. As you finalize your plan, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

BLM requires campers to maintain the quality of public lands by cleaning after themselves. If you are having a meal outside the RV, use a tarp or a ground cloth to catch crumbs. Also, it is more effective to clean before dark as natural light will allow you to see trash easily. If you wash dishes outside, use biodegradable soaps. Some of these are multipurpose and can be used to clean your hands and body. Any collected greywater should be disposed of in toilets or sinks to protect the environment.

Jacumba Wilderness Location

To access Jacumba Wilderness, approach the Davies Valley area using I-8 and drive south from Ocotillo, about 3.5 miles. Follow State Route S-2 for approximately 10 minutes to reach U.S. Highway 98. Once at the highway, turn east and drive south for 0.7 miles to get a BLM sign that marks the dirt access road. The dirt road will lead you to the wilderness boundary.

Ready to visit Inyo Mountains 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.