The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The North Barber Creek Trail is adjacent to North Barber Creek and gives visitors access to the South Warner Wilderness area. This area spans 70,000 acres within the Modoc National Forest. Campers often enjoy backpacking, fishing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The best vistas can be found from the Modoc Plateau and Mount Shasta. The North Barber Creek Trail is one of eight trailheads surrounding the wilderness area. This trail is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency that administers millions of acres of public land and mineral estate in the United States.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is about four hours south. Head 204 miles into Oregon to find Crater Lake National Park. Cedarville, Susanville, and Alturas are a few of the closest communities.
This charming trail is short, relaxing, and in good condition. The path starts near Mill Creek Falls Campground and is most popular in the winter when the lake has iced over. You'll find a lovely waterfall about halfway through.
Intensity: Easy
Length: 1.8 miles
It's best to hike this trail in the spring or fall when the temperature is more manageable. There's some shade in the beginning, but most of the path is exposed. The trail ends with a steep climb up the gorgeous Warren Peak.
Intensity: Hard
Length: 11.2 miles
Anglers should stop by Lower Lake near Eagleville to catch largemouth bass. The nearby Goose Lake is full of pike and perch. There's also a lakefront campground with boat launches and gorgeous views. Patterson Lake is the largest and most-visited body of water in the South Warner Wilderness. Finally, Eagle Lake down in Lassen National Forest is surrounded by three Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Feel free to use the marina and fish-cleaning station to prepare your trout, dace, and chubs.
The South Warner Wilderness has peaks reaching almost 10,000 feet high. This range is home to jagged summits like Squaw Peak and Emerson Peak. You'll find climbing opportunities to the east of the wilderness area. This region is known for its volcanic terrain of terraces, cliffs, and steep ledges. The western slopes are heavily forested and full of drainage creeks and rivers.
Keep an eye out for beavers, mountain lions, raccoons, bobcats, ground squirrels, martens, coyotes, and gray foxes. You may also see black-tailed deer, garter snakes, hummingbirds, mudpuppy salamanders, kingfishers, hawks, chickadees, and crows. Black bears are an uncommon find but are most likely to be spotted in the foothills around dawn and dusk.
Most of the established picnicking spots in the region are to the east in the Black Rock Desert. Feel free to head to nearby Alturas or Cedarville to find more modern outdoor meal options. You're also welcome to picnic by local trailheads, fishing piers, and boat docks. All BLM visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to better protect the environment for future generations.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the night sky while exploring the South Warner Wilderness area. There's very little local light pollution, allowing you to see hundreds if not thousands more stars than usual. Hobby stargazers should try to find an elevated camping area or a clearing in the forest. Don't forget to bring your collapsible telescope and a pocket star guide.
While searching for BLM camping near me, you'll find that the closest established campground is Steven's Camp Recreation Area. This site has a desert cabin with a kitchen, two small bunk rooms, and a propane range for cooking. There are primitive campsites, horse corrals, and a vault toilet outside. This area is popular with hikers, bikers, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and equestrians. The Soldier Meadows Hot Springs and Campground is another nearby BLM camping option in Nevada. There are several free campsites here with fire rings as well as a rustic cabin available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Consider staying at the pet-friendly Likely Place RV and Golf Resort for a more modern RV camping experience. This facility has 50-amp full hookups perfect for oversized motorhomes. Don't forget to check out the playground, golf course, laundry facilities, and clubhouse. Sully's RV Park in Alturas has 35 campsites that can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet long. This campground is spacious, clean, and peaceful with grass between each site. The Alturas Fairgrounds are nearby.
Bureau of Land Management free camping sites are available throughout the California wilderness. Find the perfect place to tent camp as you’re hiking, climbing, and exploring. You're not permitted to camp within one mile of any developed recreation site like a trailhead, campground, or picnic area. Always drive on existing roads and avoid setting up camp in a pristine area. Conveniently park your RV on Surprise Valley Road or U.S. Highway 395.
Be sure to fully plan your BLM RV camping trip before arriving at North Barber Creek Trail. Reserve your campsite ahead of time to ensure you get the amenities and hookups you need. Research any necessary permits or local fire restrictions. If you're interested in participating in excursions, book your tickets several weeks, if not months, in advance. Dispersed campers should bring a sturdy tent, sleeping pad, cookware, bug spray, extra water, and warm clothes. Invest in bear-proof food storage canisters to protect your vital belongings.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Preserve the local environment by camping in areas that have been used before. Avoid disturbing or damaging the local flora. Never leave your campsite without properly extinguishing your fire. Bury your human waste in an 8-inch hole at least 200 feet away from any water source. Consider bringing disposable bags that can carry used toilet paper and garbage.
From Cedarville, head south on Country Road 1 for about 15 miles. Turn right onto Country Road 42, and drive for another 2.4 miles. You'll see a dirt road with trailhead markers on your right.
Ready to visit North Barber Creek Trail? 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.
