The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency that manages millions of acres of public land, is responsible for overseeing the public lands at Laguna Mountain, which is situated in San Benito County, California. You might want to visit this area if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, target shooting or landscape photography. This park is a fantastic jumping-off point for road trips to some of the region’s other best-beloved national parks. It’s about a 29-mile drive from Laguna Mountain to Pinnacles National Park and about a 150-mile drive to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park.
Popular attractions within Laguna Mountain Recreation Area include the Laguna Creek gorge, which includes a series of waterfalls, a network of multi-use trails and two developed campgrounds for BLM RV camping. You do not have to make reservations or pay any fees to use the campgrounds. However, your stay at these facilities is limited to only 14 days within any consecutive period of 28 days. Be mindful of seasonal fire restrictions when you visit this area, which is vulnerable to suffering wildfire damage from careless visitors.
If you're up for making this rigorous hike, you'll hopefully be rewarded with spectacular waterfall views. This trail requires some dexterity; towards the end, you’ll have to clamber down a steep, rocky slope to get to the waterfall.
Length: 4.9 miles out-and-back
Intensity: Challenging
This loop trail is great for a quick hike or mountain bike ride.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Sweetwater Road features varied terrain that takes you through oak forest and grassy meadowlands.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This fun trail is not as popular as some other trails in the area, so it's great for a relaxing hike.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
The nearby Hernandez Reservoir is a great option if you're looking to spend a day fishing. Common catches include bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye. The reservoir also allows boating with both motorized and non-motorized watercraft.
If you want to observe interesting animal species, you’ll have a good chance of viewing them from either the hiking trails or the campgrounds within the recreation area. Birding enthusiasts will want to see if they can spot any California condors. You’re likely to encounter deer and wild pigs in many locations as you wander around the recreation area. Look out for snakes and tarantulas at the campsites and on the trails.
The Bureau of Land Management campgrounds within the recreation area are each equipped with fire rings, shade structures and picnic benches. You can also find picnic facilities at the nearby Sweetwater Campground.
Hunting is permissible within designated areas of the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area with a valid hunting license. Sportspersons in this area hunt for a variety of game and non-game species including wild pigs, deer, upland game birds and varmints.
BLM RV camping is easy and convenient at Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. You can grab a site at either Laguna Mountain or Upper Sweetwater, which are the two RV-friendly developed campgrounds in the immediate area. Both campgrounds offer level RV pads. You’ll have picnic benches, fire rings and shade structures available in case you and your group want to toast marshmallows, make s’mores or enjoy some picnic meals. Each campsite also offers kiosks with maps and local area information. No electrical or water hookups are provided.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in the area surrounding Laguna Mountain. Dispersed camping outside of the established campgrounds is allowed as long as you are at least 200 yards outside of wildlife watering improvement areas and a minimum of 15 feet from any roadway. There's a 14-day camping limit within any 28-day period.
If you have a water tank, be sure to fill it before you head to Laguna Mountain Recreation Area because potable water is not available on-site. If you’re planning to visit Pinnacles National Park, you might be able to refill your water tank at the Pinnacles National Park Visitor Center. Be aware that the campgrounds in the recreation area do not have electricity or running water. Vaulted toilets are provided at the developed campgrounds.
Even if you plan to use the campgrounds, you’ll want to bring a shovel along with you. It’s useful for extinguishing your campfire. If the campgrounds are full when you arrive, you’ll also need it to properly dispose of waste in the dispersed camping areas.
Before you head out on your trip, check out RVshare’s blog to get updated on all you need to know about BLM camping.
Trash collection is not an available service at Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, so be sure to bag all your trash and take it with you when you depart. You can also minimize your impact by only camping on hard-packed surfaces and sticking to established trails when you explore the area.
Laguna Mountain is situated approximately 28 miles northeast of King City and about 24 miles southeast of Pinnacles National Park. If you’re driving from King City, your route will take you from Bitterwater Road to Coalinga Road. If you’re making the drive from Pinnacles National Park, you’ll want to head east on CA-25E for about 12 miles. Then, make a left onto Coalinga Road. The Sweetwater Campground entrance is on the left after proceeding about another 12 miles.
Ready to visit Laguna Mountain? 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.
