Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp

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

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Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp

Nestled halfway between Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve are the remains of a small mining camp maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp is set within the Turtle Mountains Wilderness, which is part of the larger Mojave Desert range. In the springtime, visitors can enjoy watching the local cacti bloom, and year-round the weathered building that remains on the site reminds visitors of a time long past. Spectacular natural vistas are visible from the camp, including the Mexican Hat Mountain peak. Native American tribes have ancestral ties to the area, so it's important to be respectful of any artifacts or rock art found near the camp.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Mopah Peak Hiking Trail

As much a climb as a hike, this is one of the most difficult trails in the Turtle Mountains Wilderness. There are no toilet facilities or water provided along the trail, so hikers should come prepared with plenty of supplies for a strenuous day hike. The top of the peak stands at 3,675 feet above sea level and is a climb of several hours, but the 360-degree panoramic view is worth the effort. Views from the top of the Mopah Peak include the Colorado and Stepladder Mountains and the neighboring Umpah Peak.

Length: 8 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Castle Rock Hiking Trail

A relatively easy hike, this Turtle Mountain Wilderness area trail is an out-and-back trail that will take about half a day to complete.

Length: 8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp is about an hour and a half drive away from the Colorado River. Needles, CA is one of the closest cities on the river to the camp and has multiple parks and boat slips that are water accessible. Needles Marina Resort not only offers RV camping, but it also has a boat launch, a gas dock, and boat slips and storage available for short-and long-term rental. Moabi Regional Park is another nearby option for fishing, swimming, boating, and camping.

Wildlife Viewing

Despite the harsh climate of the area, there is plenty of wildlife for those with the patience to wait for it. There are larger native species such as bighorn sheep and coyotes but also smaller mammals such as black-tailed jackrabbits and kangaroo rats. Wild birds abound, including golden eagles, prairie falcons, and the California state bird, the California quail. Visitors should look out for rattlesnakes, another animal that calls the area home.

Picnicking

There is an ADA-compliant covered picnic table area that is available for day use at the Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp. Visitors must remove any trash and leave the area in the condition they found it.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping directly at Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp isn't possible, but there are several nearby campgrounds where campers can settle down for the night. About 40 miles away from Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp, near Needles, CA is Pirate's Cove Resort, which has both cabins and RV camping spots available to rent as well as boat slips and RV and boat long-term storage options. Needles Marina Resort is another option for RV campers that is located right on the Colorado River and has all the standard amenities of an RV resort.

Free Camping

For those who want to stick even closer to Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp, Bureau of Land Management camping is offered just a short hike or drive away. One Bureau of Land Management free camping site is the Lisa Dawn Camp, which has vault toilets but no running water or other amenities. Another of the nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds that is equally rustic is Brown's Cabin. To find additional free or low-cost campgrounds, just search for "BLM camping near me."

RV Rentals Near Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp BLM trip

When BLM camping in the Turtle Mountains Wilderness, it's important to remember that temperatures in the desert can fluctuate a great deal. In the height of summer, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the winter, desert lows can fall below freezing at night. The BLM campgrounds near Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp don't have running water or electricity, so it's important to plan ahead and make sure all battery banks are charged and that you have plenty of extra water. Sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes should also be packed. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

While it is always important to clean up any garbage before leaving a campsite, it is particularly important to do so on BLM-managed land. Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp and nearby campgrounds are areas where nature and wildlife remain largely untouched by human development. In order to protect the land for future generations, campers and day trippers should make sure to pack up all their garbage and food and do their best to leave the site exactly as they found it. Where vault toilets are unavailable, make sure to bury any waste and avoid leaving anything that is not biodegradable.

Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp Location

From Needles, CA, visitors should drive down U.S. Highway 95 south for about 20 miles. Then, turn right on Route NS434 Turtle Mountain Road and keep going straight for another 10 miles. When you reach BLM Route NS477 Lost Arch Inn Road, turn left and go one mile further to BLM Route NS480 Browns Camp Trail. Turn left and go two miles to the Lost Arch Inn, where an informational kiosk will direct you to the Mining Camp.

Address: Needles Field Office, Needles, CA 92363

Ready to visit Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp? 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.