The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Jawbone/Butterbredt Recreation Management Area in California is right below the expansive Red Rock Canyon State Park. The area experiences less than 5 inches of precipitation a year, making the local springs essential to wildlife and flora. Butterbredt Spring is a common watering hole for both desert wildlife and migrating waterfowl. This spring and the surrounding land are privately owned and used as a wildlife sanctuary. The Jawbone/Butterbredt Recreation Management Area is managed and protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization that oversees 245 million acres of public land. Plan your visit today and enjoy camping, fishing, and riding off-road vehicles in select areas.
This recreation area is in a great location between Kings Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Death Valley National Park. The lively city of Los Angeles is less than two hours away. Bakersfield, with a population of a little over 400,000, is the largest community in the area. Get your necessary supplies from smaller cities like Ridgecrest, Rancho Seco, and California City.
Grab your off-roading vehicle and enjoy an afternoon of bumpy exploration. Parts of this trail are covered in gravel, but it's doable on foot. Be sure to bring headlamps or flashlights if you plan to venture inside the tunnel.
Length: 10.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fuel up and get ready for a hard trek up an intense slope. Bring lots of water and prepare for minimal to no shade. This trail climbs over 3,000 feet and has outstanding views of nearby cities as well as Fremont Valley.
Length: 12.4 miles
Intensity: Hard
This popular hiking spot is kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and open throughout the year. Check out the local sandstone formations and watch for lizards basking in the sun. Start your hike in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat.
Length: 1.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
To the north of the Jawbone/Butterbredt Recreation Management Area, Lake Isabella spans 11,200 acres when it's full. You'll have an easy time catching largemouth bass at any time of year. Crappies are particularly abundant in the spring, with carp a more common find during the winter. Several campgrounds around the lake cater to enthusiastic anglers.
Test your might by climbing Chuckwalla Mountain, Blue Point, or Sugarloaf. You should also check out Cross Mountain, White Mountain, and Toms Hill. No matter your skill or experience, you're sure to find a climbing opportunity that suits your needs within 25 miles of the recreation site.
Keep an eye out for red foxes, kangaroo rats, ornate shrews, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Turkey vultures, black-tailed jackrabbits, desert tortoises, and coyotes are common finds in drier regions. You'll find a lot of local wildlife when you visit springs and watering holes.
There are several restrooms near the visitor's area when you first reach the Jawbone/Butterbredt Recreation Management Area. Feel free to picnic and enjoy the environment here before starting your adventure. Visitors are also welcome to picnic while exploring local trails and sites. Never feed any of the wildlife, and always remove all trash you bring in.
High temperatures and intense terrain make ATVing a must. Improve your camping experience by exploring popular trails, tunnels, and roads on an off-roading vehicle. You'll be able to strap your necessary camping and survival supplies right onto the back, saving you time and energy. Respect private property signs and limit your ATV usage when directed.
Many visitors to the Jawbone/Butterbredt Recreation Management Area stay at the Ricardo Campground in Red Rock Canyon State Park. To take advantage of other RV camping spots in the area, consider staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds closer to Lake Isabella. BLM Walker Pass is conveniently located inside the Dome Land Wilderness area, giving you great access to wildlife, trails, and exploration opportunities. As you search for "BLM camping near me", keep in mind that BLM sites are often primitive with few amenities. These campgrounds come with fire pits, picnic tables, and vault tables. Most BLM RV camping sites don't offer access to electrical hookups or water.
If you're willing to pay a higher fee, consider staying at sites like the Lake Isabella/Kern River KOA. This campground holds regular events like ice cream socials and also has a pool, camp store, and playground. Lake Isabella RV Resort and Camp 9 Recreation Area Campground are two more great camping options with exceptional access to both local stores and Lake Isabella.
Personalize your exploration experience by parking your RV in a Bureau of Land Management free camping spot. Dispersed camping is allowed and encouraged on BLM lands in California. Make sure you're not too close to an established campground, and always set up your camp a distance away from trails, rivers, and major roads.
The best time to plan your visit is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild. Pack a lot of water, sunscreen, and bug repellant. Sturdy hiking shoes and gear are a must. Many of the snakes you encounter will be harmless, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings as you explore. Traveling with friends can make your journey much safer and more engaging.
Don't miss out on exploring the unique and beautiful landscape in California. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Do your part to preserve the land by cleaning up after your group and minimizing your impact on the environment. Avoid disturbing any local wildlife you come across. Don't take any plants or rocks with you when you leave. Thoroughly comb your campsite for trash before you move on.
Starting in Bakersfield, head east on State Highway 178. Turn onto Kelso Valley Road and travel about 38 miles until you reach the site.
Address: 300 S Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Ready to visit Jawbone/Butterbredt Recreation 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 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.
