The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located in southeastern California near the California-Arizona border, the Little Picacho Wilderness is a 38,214-acre stretch of desert that's protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This remote, undeveloped public site is one of the many destinations for BLM camping in California. BLM camping means staying overnight in the campgrounds, wilderness areas, and other sites administered by the BLM. The activity has become popular with outdoorsy travelers due to the natural beauty of these areas and the fantastic recreational opportunities they offer.
Although no developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are found in the Little Picacho Wilderness, the area is sometimes used for primitive camping. Visitors can also enjoy activities like hiking and wildlife watching in this scenic desert area. Plus, there are several popular state parks, wildlife refuges, and bodies of water within a reasonable distance of the site.
This out-and-back trail is located near the BLM site in the Picacho State Recreation Area. While exploring the area, you'll get to check out several historic artifacts and enjoy the tranquil desert scenery. You might also get the chance to observe burros and other interesting wildlife.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you head to the other side of the nearby Colorado River, you can check out this loop trail found in the Imperial Refuge Wilderness. The route is surrounded by gorgeous views of multicolor desert scenery, and it's also a great bird-watching destination. The trail is fairly short, and hikers of all ability levels should be able to handle it.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
If you travel east and into Arizona, you'll find this short out-and-back trail in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. The trail is very rocky and features several interesting cairns, making it an excellent place to enjoy some solitude in the desert.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Perhaps the best nearby destination for water-based recreation is the Lower Colorado River. There, you can try your luck at reeling in smallmouth bass, catfish, and common carp. The river also presents some excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and floating. The section of the river nearest to the BLM site is surrounded by various other bodies of water. Some of these lakes and streams are great for angling and boating as well.
The Little Picacho Wilderness features jutting spires, steep ridges, and a portion of the Chocolate Mountains. If you're an experienced climber, you can take advantage of these features for bouldering and mountaineering.
The Little Picacho Wilderness is inhabited by several fascinating species. For one, there's a herd of at least 25 desert bighorn sheep that roams the area. A band of wild horses is regularly spotted in the northwestern corner of the wilderness, and wild burros can commonly be seen throughout the area.
If you're looking for a terrific place to enjoy a picnic near the Little Picacho Wilderness, drive down to West Wetlands Park in nearby Yuma, AZ. In addition to grills and covered picnic areas, this gem of a park offers attractions like a lakeside beach, a playground, and a butterfly and hummingbird garden.
The Little Picacho Wilderness is federally designated as a wilderness area, so no motorized equipment is allowed within its boundaries. If you want to do some RV camping in the area, you could stake out your own primitive campsite just outside the wilderness or travel to a nearby campground. For example, you could make your way to Picacho State Park and stay at the lovely campground there. Try doing a search for "BLM camping near me" for more options.
To immerse yourself in the tranquility and solitude that only dispersed camping can provide, partake in Bureau of Land Management free camping in the Little Picacho Wilderness. There is plenty of open space where you can set up a primitive tent campsite. Just leave your vehicle outside the wilderness area and proceed on foot to your desired camping area.
When planning your BLM RV camping trip to Little Picacho Wilderness, be sure to check the weather forecast. The conditions can be harsh during summer, and due to the lack of shade, you'll need sunscreen, long-sleeve clothing, headwear, and other protection. The site is in a remote area, so making a run for drinking water, food, or other supplies could be an inconvenience. If possible, try to bring everything you need with you when you head to the area.
You most likely won't have reliable cell phone reception in the wilderness area. You may want to let someone close to you know exactly where you'll be heading in case you encounter any sort of emergency. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM needs your help to protect the Little Picacho Wilderness and keep the land healthy and beautiful. This means making a sincere effort to leave behind no trace of your visit. You won't find any receptacles for garbage at the site, so if you produce any trash or other waste, it's imperative that you clean it up and take it with you when you leave.
To reach the Little Picacho Wilderness from Quartzite, AZ, head south on U.S. Route 95 until you come to Interstate 8. Merge onto Interstate 8 heading west, and then take the exit for 4th Ave/Winterhaven. Take a left on 4th Avenue and follow it for about one-eighth of a mile. Next, merge onto State Route S-24 and follow it for approximately 18 miles to Imperial Dam. When you come to the Imperial Dam sign, take a left onto Ferguson Wash Road. The Little Picacho Wilderness is located along the west side of the road.
Ready to visit Little Picacho 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.
