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Kingston Range Wilderness

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

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Kingston Range Wilderness

The Kingston Range Wilderness is located north of Baker, California, not far from Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park. The wilderness is divided into three units: the Amargosa Unit, the Kingston Unit, and the Shadow Mountain Unit. Each unit features its own ecosystem and land formations. Thanks to this unique merging of environments, the wilderness is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, many of which are found in only a few other places on the planet.

Areas like the Kingston Range Wilderness support a tremendous amount of life and biodiversity, and the BLM works to protect these areas by preserving them. The sites, which are public lands, are also open to visitors and offer a way for campers, hikers, and anglers to explore nature. To find BLM sites wherever you go, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Rock Spring Loop

This gorgeous trail passes historic ruins and leads to a natural spring.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Lava Tube Trail

Located in the Mojave National Preserve, this short trail is an excellent way to enjoy the area's incredible topography.

Length: 0.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Amargosa River Trail

This gorgeous trail follows the river and parts of an old railway, and it offers beautiful views of the desert landscape.

Length: 9.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Spooky Canyon Trail

Located in the Mojave Trails National Monument, this trail is excellent for both hiking and mountain biking.

Length: 7.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Pyramid Canyon Trail

This trail offers views of spectacular rock features, and more adventurous hikers can climb a short rock wall to continue on a longer hike.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Wildlife Viewing

The Kingston Range Wilderness is a fantastic place to view wildlife. The area is one of only four locations in California where the reclusive and endangered banded Gila monster has been sighted. Coyotes, wild burros, rabbits, kangaroo rats, snakes, other types of lizards, quails, hawks, roadrunners, and ground squirrels are also commonly seen. The area also has a much higher density of birds than the surrounding desert, thanks to its areas of wetland.

Picnicking

One of the best spots to stop for a picnic is at Chet Huffman Park in Baker. The park offers shaded picnic tables, and there are plenty of open grassy areas for playing games. Kids will enjoy the park's playgrounds, and restrooms are available.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is very popular along many trails in and around the Kingston Range Wilderness. OHV trails and those designed for mountain biking, such as the Spooky Canyon Trail, are particularly great for horseback riding. Other trails are specifically for horses. Check the trail signs before you head out to determine which paths are most suitable.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping can be found at the nearby Dumont Dunes. The dunes offer camping sites starting at $30, and you’ll need a pass to enter the area. There are no hookups, but the dunes offer wonderful recreation opportunities. Campers can stay for up to 14 days. The Tecopa Palms RV Park is another great RV camping option. Full hookups are available, and there's also a hot tub.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the nearby Hollow Hills Wilderness. Visitors can set up a dispersed site in the area. Campers can enjoy their site for up to 14 days, but then must move their campsite at least 25 miles away. Horses and pets such as dogs are permitted.

RV Rentals Near Kingston Range Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Kingston Range Wilderness BLM trip

The Kingston Range Wilderness is a transition zone between the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin, which gives the area an incredible diversity of plant and animal life but also creates hot, dry temperatures for a large part of the year. Summers can be dangerously hot, with temperatures over 100 or even 110 degrees F. The area is remote, so always bring more water than you think you will need. Be alert for signs of heatstroke and sunburn.

The Kingston Range Wilderness prohibits the use of motorized vehicles. This includes OHVs, dirt bikes, and ATVs. It also includes mountain bikes. Some trails do allow motorized vehicles or bikes, but it's a good idea to check the trail signs and maps before you head out to ensure you're following the area's rules.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Whenever you're exploring wilderness areas or Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, remember to limit your impact on the land by utilizing Leave No Trace practices. This includes keeping noise to a minimum and always cleaning up your camping area before you go. Dispose of trash and waste properly, and if no trash can is available, pack your trash out with you. Be extremely cautious when building a campfire, particularly in a dry area like the Kingston Range Wilderness. Only build fires in designated rings or pits, and only use native wood that you've gathered from the area. Use a small shovel to cover the embers with dirt or sand before you leave.

Kingston Range Wilderness Location

From Baker, take CA-127 north for about 21 miles. Turn right onto County Road 20555, and continue for another 9.4 miles. Continue straight to join County 20555 Road. Continue for 3.7 miles before taking a slight left to rejoin with County Road 20555. Drive another 1.5 miles, then turn right and continue for half a mile until you reach the wilderness.

Ready to visit Kingston Range 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 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.