The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The North Cow Mountain Recreation Area is a stretch of public land in northwestern California covering approximately 26,000 acres. Situated within the Mayacamas Mountains, the site is home to two primitive campgrounds and nearly 30 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The recreation area is one of many public sites in California under the administration of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM watches over a diverse selection of recreation areas, wilderness areas, national monuments, and other sites across the country. Many of the BLM sites contain campgrounds. You can search online for "BLM camping near me" to locate the coolest BLM sites in your area.
This long out-and-back trail is found in the Mendocino National Forest northeast of the BLM site. The route is great for hiking and backpacking, and there are camping opportunities in the area as well. This trail will take you along rolling hills and through canyons and creeks. Keep in mind that there's a significant amount of elevation gain, and there's also very little shade in the area.
Length: 10.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This short loop trail is also located in the Mendocino National Forest. The partially-paved trail is kid-friendly and wheelchair-friendly and navigates through lush woodlands with lots of tall trees. Because the route is very flat, it should be manageable for hikers of all fitness and ability levels.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Located in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, this loop trail is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The area is very tranquil, and it's unlikely that you'll run into other people during your visit. You're welcome to bring your dogs with you on the trail, but they'll need to be leashed at all times.
Length: 5.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The beautiful Clear Lake lies just to the southeast of the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area. The reservoir is a popular destination for all sorts of water recreation. During spring, the lake is an excellent spot to fish for largemouth bass. Visitors also partake in boating, swimming, waterskiing, tubing, and a variety of other watersports. Another great destination in the area for fishing and boating is Lake Mendocino, which is located just northwest of the BLM area.
You'll find climbing destinations scattered throughout the region surrounding the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area. The closest option is Cow Mountain Ridge, which extends from Cow Mountain to Lyons Valley. The ridge is home to Mendo Rock, which is 3,377 feet high. Another popular climbing spot is Pinnacle Rock, which is located in the southern part of Mendocino National Forest and provides climbers with exceptional panoramic views.
There are quite a few wildlife species you might spot roaming the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area. A few of the most common creatures observed in the BLM area are black bears, black-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. If you travel to the nearby Mendocino National Forest, you might also see bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, porcupines, red and gray foxes, badgers, and a wide variety of smaller animals.
The two campgrounds located in the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area feature multiple picnic tables as well as barbeques and fire pits. If you like, you can cook a delicious meal, then enjoy a relaxing picnic at your campsite. If you prefer picnicking in a quieter, more secluded spot, there should be plenty of suitable places around the large recreation area. As long as you bring a picnic blanket, you'll have no shortage of lovely options.
Although OHV (off-highway vehicle) usage is not permitted in the BLM area, the South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area is located only a short drive away. The popular site features a variety of challenging trails for both motorized and non-motorized OHV riding.
There are two Bureau of Land Management campgrounds located in the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area, and one of them can be used for BLM RV camping. The Mayacamas Campground features six primitive campsites that can accommodate RVs. There is a vault toilet, but there aren't any modern amenities or RV hookups available at the campground. However, if you head east to the Lakeport, CA area, there are many RV parks with hookups and many other conveniences. A couple of good options are Willow Point RV and Campground and the Aurora RV Park.
The established campsites in the BLM area require a small fee, but you can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping in the surrounding area. However, you can only drive your vehicle on designated roads, so you may have to do some hiking to find a good spot for your dispersed campsite.
When planning a trip to the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area, keep in mind that there are several rules associated with the BLM site. For one, if you decide to set up your own campsite, it needs to be at least 300 yards from any water source to avoid displacing the local wildlife. You should also be aware that some trails in the area pass through private lands, so you'll want to keep on the lookout for signs while exploring.
If you plan to stay at the Goat Rock Campground, remember that it can only be accessed by hiking or on horseback. Additionally, no potable water is provided at either campground, so you should be sure to bring a sufficient amount with you. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
During your visit, please do your part to keep the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area pristine. This means making an effort to adhere to the Leave No Trace guidelines. If you choose to stake out your own dispersed campsite, make sure you're doing so on a durable land surface.
To reach the North Cow Mountain Recreation Area from Ukiah, CA, head south on State Highway 101 until you reach the exit for Talmage. Take the exit, then head east on Talmage Road for approximately 1.5 miles and take a right onto East Side Road. After about half a mile, you'll take a left onto Mill Creek Road, which you'll follow for about 3 miles. At that point, you'll come to the turnoff for the BLM area.
Ready to visit North Cow Mountain Recreation 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 RV with RVshare.
