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BLM Camping

Kelso Dunes Wilderness

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

The Kelso Dunes Wilderness sits in the Mojave Desert in California and spans almost 145,000 acres. Visitors who climb to the top of the dunes will be rewarded with spectacular views. The tallest dunes stand 600 feet high. The wilderness is also not too far from Joshua Tree National Park.

Like many BLM sites, the Kelso Dunes Wilderness is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Along with the BLM, this system works to protect important natural sites, preserving them and protecting the plants and animals that live in the area. These sites give visitors a chance to get up close to nature. Many sites offer excellent hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or rock climbing opportunities while others have cultural or historical significance. Still other sites are designed for camping. If you’re looking for a BLM site with camping amenities, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Kelso Dunes Trail

This trail leads to the top of the tallest dunes and provides excellent opportunities to view the area’s rare plant species.

Length: 2.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Amboy Crater Trail

Located in the Mojave Trails National Monument, this trail leads through an ancient volcano and along lava fields.

Length: 4.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail

This trail in the Mojave National Preserve is great for hiking but is also popular with bird-watchers, and there are some nearby opportunities for rock climbing.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Teutonia Peak Trail

An excellent hike for anyone looking to observe the area’s majestic scenery, this trail has some uphill areas near the end but is otherwise relatively easy.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rock Spring Loop

This trail is well-maintained and marked, and visitors can step off the trail to reach the spring.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is an excellent location for fishing. Tilapia is the most abundant catch, and there are no catch limits. Anglers can choose to fish from the shore or a boat. Lake Perris is another fantastic fishing location. Bass is the most common catch, but crappie, bluegill, carp, catfish, sunfish, and trout are also common.

Climbing

Sawtooth Canyon is often considered the best choice for climbing in the area as the canyons and crags offer more than 460 sport, traditional, and top-rope routes. The volcanic stones also provide some bouldering opportunities. The crags along Stoddard Ridge also offer 19 traditional and sport climbs.

Wildlife Viewing

The Kelso Dunes Wilderness and the greater Mojave National Preserve offer excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Common animals include bighorn sheep, mountain lions, roadrunners, owls, sidewinder snakes, rosy boas, geckos, cactus wrens, and scorpions. The Salton Sea State Recreation Area is also a great place for bird-watching enthusiasts as dozens of birds nest along the shores of the inland sea.

Picnicking

Lake Perris is a fantastic location for a picnic. The lake offers almost 300 picnic sites, many of which provide views of the water. Tables and grills are available. The Fuller Mill Creek Picnic Area is also a great option. This picnic area provides shaded picnic tables, grills, and easy access to hiking trails through the forest.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Beautiful, secluded BLM RV camping is available at the Afton Canyon Campground. There are 22 sites, and the sites cost $6 per night. Each site has a fire pit, grill, and picnic table. The campground offers few amenities, but vault toilets and water are usually available. The Newberry Mountain RV Park is another excellent choice. This park offers full hookups and the option for daily, weekly, or monthly rates. Showers and a laundry facility are also available. Many visitors also choose to stay at the Barstow/Calico KOA Holiday, which offers full hookups, pull-through sites up to 70 feet long, hot showers, fire pits, and a seasonal swimming pool.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found at Sawtooth Canyon Campground. The 13 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and visitors can camp in the area for up to 14 days. Picnic tables, barbecues, fire pits, and vault toilets are available. Free camping is also available at the BLM Dispersed Camping Area for Joshua Tree National Park. There are no amenities in these camping areas, but they offer beautiful views and provide easy access to the park.

RV Rentals Near Kelso Dunes Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Kelso Dunes Wilderness BLM trip

As with most federally designated wilderness areas, no motorized vehicles are allowed in the Kelso Dunes Wilderness. This includes OHVs and all-terrain vehicles, but it also includes non-motorized bikes and drones. It’s always a good idea to check the regulations for each specific area when you plan your trip to familiarize yourself with what is allowed.

The Kelso Dunes Wilderness is remote and somewhat difficult to reach, and the weather can be unpredictable. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and leave the area if there are any signs of a storm. Temperatures can be hot, and the climate is dry, so stay alert for signs of heatstroke. Drink plenty of water and wear light clothing or sunscreen to protect yourself from exposure. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

You can help to keep Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and other wild areas looking pristine by observing Leave No Trace policies and treading lightly on natural areas. These practices include camping only on stable land where there is little vegetation and doing your best to stay on trails when you’re hiking or horseback riding. If you need to build a fire, observe all fire regulations and make sure the fire stays contained and under control at all times. Pack out all of your trash when you leave, and if you see any trash in your travels, pick it up and throw it away.