The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Midland Long Term Visitor Area near Blythe, California is a fantastic place to camp. From September 15 through April 14, a camper can pay for a permit and camp at this Bureau of Land Management campground for seven months for a very reasonable fee. For the remainder of the year, campers can stay for up to 14 days for a smaller fee. All RVs must be self-contained, but the government provides a host and minimal trash service during the warmer months.
This BLM RV camping facility on the Colorado River's banks is about 75 miles east of Joshua Tree National Park. While you will only find a few activities at this site, there are many fantastic choices in the surrounding area. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds usually offer limited services, but you will often enjoy staying in scenic areas for free or a nominal fee.
This out-and-back trail allows you to see the Blythe Intaglios from the ground. Scientists are still unsure why unknown people created these giant human and animal drawings on the ground in the Colorado Desert. This is the only known example of them in a desert environment in North America.
Length: 0.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail is excellent for a morning hike as the sun kisses the rock formations, causing the rocks to appear in different colors. Note that you must check conditions before setting out on this trial as the road closes after heavy and moderate rains. You will need to climb over and crawl under boulders along this route, and at times, you may need to hike sideways to get through the narrow opening.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
This hike in the Painted Canyon near Blythe features colorful rock formations. This trail is a terrific place to take a small dog for a walk, but the narrowness of the canyon may make it difficult for large dogs to navigate. The narrowness of this canyon also blocks the sun's heat, so it is a great place to hike when other nearby trails may be too hot.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The area surrounding Palo Verde Dam is a terrific place to go fishing near Midland Long Term Visitor Area. Anglers report having caught 20-pound channel catfish near this dam on the Colorado River. Others have luck catching carp, rainbow and bullhead trout, crappie, and largemouth bass here. The best fishing is usually done from the shore while fly-fishing or with a spinner rod.
There is no place to go climbing at Midland Long Term Visitor Area, but if this is your favorite sport, head to Spectre Peak on the far eastern side of Joshua Tree National Park. It is a secluded area that is a fantastic place to go climbing and hiking. You will find many granite boulders with almost vertical faces at this location. If you want to reach the top of this peak in a single day, you need to start before dawn.
Since campers are close together at Midland Long Term Visitor Area, you may not see much wildlife. Consider planning a day to explore Palo Verde Ecological Reserve, where you may see deer, rabbits, doves, quail, and waterfowl.
You can have a small picnic at Midland Long Term Visitor Area, but another terrific option nearby for a weekend picnic is Mayfield Regional Park. Lawn bowling equipment and a horseshoe pit are available. While you can enjoy fishing, hiking, and other recreational activities at this park during the day, they also have 179 camping spots. Keep in mind, however, that this park is closed Monday through Friday.
Midland Long Term Visitor Area near Blythe, California is a fantastic place to go BLM RV camping. In order to camp at this location from September 15 to April 15 for more than 14 days, you must obtain a special permit from BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office or the campground host. All RVs must be fully self-contained.
If you are looking for BLM camping near me when visiting Riverside County, consider Coon Hollow Campground. This campground on Wiley's Well Road offers easy access to terrific rockhounding sites. You can also find Bureau of Land Management free camping at Dome Rock Campground near Quartzsite, Arizona. There are free camping areas on both sides of Plomosa Road at Quartzsite. Keep in mind that there's a 14-day camping limit at these sites.
When camping in or near Blythe, you will likely encounter a lot of dust and should equip your RV to handle it. Start by installing dust blockers over anything designed to move air, like your air conditioning unit. Keeping your RV waxed will help the dust blow off instead of sticking to it. You still should expect some dust to get inside, so use slipcovers that you can wash easily to protect interior surfaces.
Whether looking for short-term camping or joining the thousands who spend winter in this area, you will make new friends. Many in this area choose to go rockhounding at nearby sites operated by the Bureau of Land Management. Before leaving home, learn more about BLM camping by reading our blog.
You must take care of your trash when staying in a long-term visitor area. You should pack out what you bring and dispose of it in another location. If you leave your campsite in a long-term visitor area messy, you harm the environment and authorities can ban you from camping there and give you a fine.
When approaching Blythe on Interstate 10, take the Lovekin Exit. Go north for eight miles on Lovekin Road. This road will become Midland-Rice Road. Right after you cross the railroad tracks, you will see the campground entrance on your right.
Address: Midland-Rice Road, Blythe, California 92225
Ready to visit Midland Long Term Visitor Area? 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 R.V. with RVshare.
