Panoche Hills
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Doing an RV road trip to Panoche Hills in Central California provides a unique experience with its remote backcountry setting and abundant opportunities for bird-watching, hiking, and photography. Golden eagles, prairie falcons, and tule elk make for great wildlife sightings as you explore the rolling grasslands and rugged hills. The site allows dispersed camping in designated areas, but since there aren't any hookups, many visitors camp in self-contained RVs. The BLM closes the area to vehicle access every year from April 15 to some point in October or November, depending on conditions, to reduce wildfire risk. That means RV trips here are a fall-through-early-spring adventure. The access roads start out paved and then turn into well-maintained dirt roads, and you must stay on the designated roads at all times to protect sensitive wildlife habitat.
Quick Facts About RVing in Panoche Hills
• RV Friendly: Limited • Max RV Length: Varies (smaller, self-contained rigs recommended) • Camping Type: Dispersed • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None on-site • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed if under owner's control • Roads: Paved roads and well-maintained dirt roads • Best Seasons: Fall through early spring
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Primitive dispersed camping across rolling grasslands • Seasonal wildflower displays after winter rainfall • Designated roads for scenic backcountry driving • Excellent bird-watching during cooler months • Dark skies with minimal artificial light • Free camping with no reservation • Expansive views across Panoche Valley • Remote setting with very little traffic
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Panoche Hills Mountain Summit
This route takes about four hours to complete. It isn't very crowded and is for foot traffic only. It's mostly asphalt, making it somewhat wheelchair-friendly. Length: 7.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
Toomey Hills Loop
This loop trail is moderately hilly with great vista views. The entire loop takes around five hours. Length: 9.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
Mine Creek Trail
This trail heads from little Panoche Rd up a valley within the Panoche Hills. Length: 10 miles Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
Those wishing to partake in fishing or boating should visit the Little Panoche Reservoir. Swimming is also permitted here. These activities may be enjoyed year-round due to the pleasant weather at Panoche Hills.
Climbing
There is an unnamed "high point" within the Panoche Hills Recreation Area that's perfect for a climb while you're camping in the area. The high point is over 2,600 feet in elevation. Experienced climbers may tackle the many canyon walls inside the Panoche Hills Recreation Area as well. Those who don't mind a short drive might climb at the nearby Yosemite National Park.
Wildlife Viewing
Not only are there many examples of wildlife present in the Panoche Hills BLM camping area, but you'll find many examples of unique shrubbery and grass. These plants have been preserved as they are conducive to the wildlife there. Characteristic trees and shrubs include juniper, Mormon tea, saltbush, and buckwheat. Common grasses are predominantly exotics of Mediterranean origin. Wildlife species that may occur at the reserve include quail, dove, hawks, coyotes, foxes, deer, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, and lizards.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
BLM RV camping is possible in Panoche Hills within the recreation area. RVs are permitted within the Panoche Hills Recreation Area itself; however, it is important to remember that camping is not permitted within 200 yards of a potable water site for wildlife. RVs in particular must be within 15 feet of the highway beside the Panoche Hills BLM area so that wildlife will see the least amount of disturbance. This campground is also restricted to 14 days of camping. There is a plethora of BLM camping near me in the Panoche Hills area.
Dispersed Camping
When choosing a place for dispersed camping, stay at least 200 yards from any wildlife watering improvement, like guzzlers or troughs. You can stay for up to 14 days within a 28-day period. Off-road vehicles like ATVs are not allowed, and your RV must remain within about 15 feet of a designated road when parked. Visitors must adhere to Leave No Trace practices at all times, making sure to pack out all your trash and waste when you depart. Just as importantly, plan around the annual fire-season closure; additional closures can occur when wildfire conditions are elevated.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Their compact size makes winding dirt roads and remote campsites much easier to navigate. • Travel Trailers: Smaller trailers are easier to tow over washboards and around tighter curves. • Fifth Wheels: Their longer length can make sharp turns and backcountry camping more difficult. • Class A Motorhomes: Larger models may feel cumbersome on winding roads with limited turning space. • Class B Motorhomes: Their smaller footprint makes exploring the backroads much less stressful. • Class C Motorhomes: Mid-size models offer a comfortable ride without feeling oversized on dirt roads.
Free Camping 
One of the first-come, first-served camping sites near Panoche Hills is the Griswold Hills Campground. The property is located in Griswold Canyons, near the Panoche Hills recreational area. The property offers picnic facilities and vault toilets. Dispersed camping is available here, and it is recommended that campers bring their own water. Dogs are welcome as long as owners place them on a leash. Campers may stay here for 14 consecutive days in a 28-day period.
RV Rentals Near Panoche Hills Plan your next adventure
Planning your Panoche Hills BLM trip
Most BLM campgrounds require a fee to use a campground. These fees help maintain the facilities. Selecting a campsite is usually on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some campgrounds take reservations that can be made at recreation.gov. Please obey all posted rules specific to the campground and keep the following in mind. Fee sites vary in price. Please check the campground’s website or call the local field office for details. Camping stay limits vary by location but are generally about two weeks within a month. Due to adverse weather, many campgrounds are only seasonally available. Make sure to check if the campground is open before planning your trip. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
When you come to Panoche Hills, you're going to be visiting a very remote destination. The nearest cities with supplies for groceries and fuel are Hollister and Los Banos, which are about an hour away, depending on which direction you're driving. Because there's no potable water or dump station on-site, arrive with a full fresh-water tank and enough holding-tank capacity for your whole stay. Always download your navigation maps before you leave home since cell service will be spotty or completely unavailable, and bring a NOAA weather radio so you can follow weather forecasts and fire updates. Before you make the drive, confirm the access gate is open, since the area is closed to vehicles from roughly mid-April through mid-October.
Leave No Trace 
One of the easiest ways to practice the principles of "Leave No Trace" is to dispose of any waste you've brought with you. If there are trash cans available, excellent! Use them for anything you no longer need, separating recyclable and compostable items if necessary. If there aren't any trash cans, bring it all with you when you leave Panoche Hills.
Panoche Hills Location
To reach the Panoche Hills from Hollister, go south on Highway 25 to Paicines. Turn left on Panoche Road and continue over Panoche Pass. Just past the Panoche Inn, turn left on Little Panoche Road. Then, drive past the Solargen Project and Mercey Hot Springs. Turn right at the Panoche Hills Recreation Area sign. Ready to visit Panoche Hills? 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.
Plan Your Day at Panoche Hills
• Morning: As the sun rises over the rolling grasslands, snap a few photos of the beautiful golden landscape. Sip a cup of coffee outside your RV as you prepare for a full day of bird-watching and hiking to scenic overlooks. The cooler morning temperatures are also great for mountain biking. • Afternoon: Use the afternoon to search for unique rock formations along the designated roads and trails. Several remote portions of the recreation area are perfect for picnics and landscape photography. • Evening: The dark skies come alive at nighttime, offering ample opportunity to stargaze. After you feed the crew dinner, the peaceful surroundings will give you the perfect setting for a relaxing evening of storytelling around the campfire (when fire restrictions allow).
Nearby Attractions
• Mercey Hot Springs: Five to 10 minutes away, this resort is immediately across from the Panoche Hills entrance. It offers natural hot springs, mineral soaking, and spa treatments along with yoga classes and mountain biking. It's a hot spot for those who enjoy relaxation because of its peaceful atmosphere and unique geothermal mineral pools. • Bear Gulch Nature Center: About an hour and a half away, in the east district of Pinnacles National Park. Here, you'll find wildlife and geology exhibits, nearby talus caves, and chances to spot California condors. Stop in for ranger information and trail maps. • Casa de Fruta: Roughly an hour away (near Pacheco Pass on State Route 152). Explore fresh produce and locally made treats at the fruit market, and then delight your taste buds with a wine tasting before you go on a train ride and do some gift shopping. • Tumey Hills: About 40 minutes away, south of Panoche Hills via Panoche Road. This is another BLM recreation area with dispersed camping, and spring visitors often spot San Joaquin kit foxes and giant kangaroo rats among the colorful hillside blooms. Note that Tumey closes to vehicles on the same mid-April schedule as Panoche. • Pacheco Pass Overlook: Roughly one hour away, along State Route 152. Come for the panoramic views of the Diablo Range, where you can capture beautiful photos. This overlook is a popular stop for RV travelers because it gives you a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the site offer secluded dispersed camping? Yes. Dispersed camping is allowed across designated areas, and the remote setting means you'll often have plenty of space to yourself. Just be sure your spot sits at least 200 yards from any wildlife watering improvement, such as a guzzler or trough, and keep your vehicle within about 15 feet of a designated road. Will I need a reservation to secure a campsite? No. Dispersed camping here is first-come, first-served, which makes Panoche Hills a great spot for spontaneous RV travel. Because there are no developed campgrounds, you're free to choose any legal, established site along the designated roads once you arrive. Is there a maximum RV length? No official limit applies, but the narrow dirt roads and tight turns make a smaller rig much easier to handle. Many RVers stick to something under 30 feet, like a Class B camper van or compact travel trailer, to navigate the backcountry roads comfortably. Are any hookups available? No. There are no hookups, potable water, or dump stations anywhere in the recreation area, so you'll need to be fully self-contained. Arrive with a full freshwater tank, plan your holding-tank capacity for the whole trip, and expect the nearest RV dump station to be about an hour away. Can I ride an ATV on the trails? No. Off-highway vehicles, including ATVs, are prohibited throughout Panoche Hills to protect sensitive wildlife habitat. All vehicles must stay on the designated roads as well, so plan to explore the backcountry on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback instead. Can I visit in the summer? Not by RV. The BLM closes Panoche Hills to vehicle access from April 15 to some date in October or November, depending on conditions in a particular year, to reduce wildfire risk. Since summer road trips aren't possible, the prime season for RV travelers runs from some point in the fall through early spring, when temperatures are cooler and the gate is open.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
To rent the ideal RV for your trip, you'll want to consider how many people you're bringing and how much storage space you'll need for food, clothing, and outdoor gear. Renting a rig with exterior storage compartments is especially helpful if you plan to bring mountain bikes and other bulky items. You'll also need to think about whether the RV has a large freshwater tank and spacious holding tanks since there are no hookups or dump stations. Having a well-equipped kitchen will make it simple to prepare meals without having to leave the recreation area. If you want to stay for several days, you'll find it useful to have a large refrigerator. You may find it more comfortable to navigate the dirt roads if you're traveling in a smaller RV. Explore different Fresno RV rentals today to find the perfect setup for your trip to Panoche Hills.