The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The BLM is a federal government agency that watches over more than 850 public sites all over the United States. These diverse places offer great opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and a variety of other recreational activities. If you're interested in trying BLM camping for yourself, you can start by searching for "BLM camping near me" online.
If you're in California, one BLM location you may want to visit is the Machesna Mountain Wilderness. Situated about 20 miles east of San Luis Obispo, CA, the mountainous area comprises 19,882 acres and boasts forested peaks, rocky crags, and sprawling grassland. Visitors to the site can partake in primitive camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and other activities.
This well-maintained loop trail is located in the Three Bridges Oak Preserve. The trail provides excellent opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There's some mild elevation gain, but the views from the route's highest point are fantastic. The trail is well-marked, so it should be pretty easy to stick with it around the entire loop.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located within Stadium Park near Atascadero, CA, this loop trail is known for its exceptional views. There's a beautiful native plant garden at the start of the route, and you'll also see plenty of lovely wildflowers along the trail. The trail is well-maintained and features several switchbacks. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed at all times.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you're looking for a peaceful hike near water, this loop trail is a great option. The trail will take you all the way around the placid Atascadero Lake. The trail is also a popular destination for road biking and offers opportunities for bird-watching and paddle sports.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
One of the nearest bodies of water to the Machesna Mountain Wilderness is Santa Margarita Lake. The sizable reservoir is known as a top-tier fishing destination, offering the chance to reel in smallmouth bass, redear sunfish, rainbow trout, carp, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. There are also several marinas and boat launches found around the lake, and you're welcome to take your motorized or non-motorized boat out on the water.
Although there aren't many well-established climbing destinations around the Machesna Mountain Wilderness, there are plenty of opportunities for adventurous climbers. If you explore the wilderness area, you should be able to find quite a few large rock formations and canyons.
The Machesna Mountain Wilderness is a remote nature area that's inhabited by quite a few wildlife species. A few of the creatures most commonly seen in the area are deer, mountain lions, and black bears. However, the wilderness area is most known for its population of California condors. In fact, the area is considered a critical habitat for the protection of the species. Seeing these amazing raptors is a memorable experience, and you'll definitely want to monitor the skies while you're camping or hiking in the area.
Because the Machesna Mountain Wilderness is a remote, undeveloped area, you probably won't come across any picnic tables or shelters. So, if you do want to stop for a picnic lunch at the site, you should have a blanket or some other type of surface with you. That said, the area is very tranquil and boasts plenty of picturesque scenery. So, you shouldn't have any problem finding a great spot to enjoy your meal.
Since the site is federally designated as a wilderness, it's not permitted to operate motorized equipment in the area. Unfortunately, that means that BLM RV camping isn't allowed within the boundaries of the site. You also won't find any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds around the wilderness area. If you intend to do some RV camping, you can head to one of the region's RV parks. Some of the nearest options will be located to the west of the area near Santa Margarita, CA. For example, you could stay at the Santa Margarita KOA Holiday, which features RV hookups and quite a few amenities.
As long as you follow wilderness regulations, Bureau of Land Management free camping is permitted within the Machesna Mountain Wilderness. The large, remote wilderness area should provide plenty of quiet, secluded areas where you can establish a dispersed campsite.
When you're planning a trip to the Machesna Mountain Wilderness, keep in mind that the BLM site is pretty far from any significant communities. Come equipped with everything you expect to need during your trip, including plenty of potable water and food that can be prepared easily. Bring plenty of emergency supplies in case you unexpectedly have to stay in the wilderness for a prolonged period.
Check the area's weather before heading to the wilderness area. The summers in the area are relatively mild, but during winter, the area typically is coated in snow. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
For sites like the Machesna Mountain Wilderness to remain open to the public for years to come, it's imperative that visitors practice the Leave No Trace guidelines. For example, you need to take any trash and food waste with you when you leave the area. You won't find any garbage receptacles of any kind throughout the wilderness area.
To reach the Machesna Mountain Wilderness from Atascadero, take CA-41 N and follow it for about 10.5 miles. Then, take a right on La Panza Road, and follow it for 9.8 miles before taking a left to merge onto CA-58 E. After about 8.1 miles, you'll want to turn right onto Forest Route 29S15/Red Hill Road, follow it for 1.3 miles, and take a left onto Red Hill Road. After another 0.2 miles, you'll turn left onto Forest Route 28S02/Red Hill Road, which will soon turn into Forest Route 29S01/Pozo Road. When you come to Queen Bee Road, take a right, and then take a slight right onto Forest Route 30S14/Pine Mountain Road. Continue to follow Pine Mountain Road, and it will take you to the outskirts of the wilderness area.
Address: Bakersfield Field Office, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Ready to visit Machesna Mountain 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.
