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BLM Camping

Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal organization whose main objective is to support public lands' diversity, health, and productivity and promote the use and enjoyment of current and future generations. Managed by BLM under the National Wilderness Preservation System, Rodman Mountain Wilderness Area is a popular range in San Bernardino County, CA. This wilderness boasts colorful escarpments, a maze of canyons, white mountains, and a cool, semi-arid climate. Most canyon sides are almost perfectly upright and have deep drainage channels. The range is located 64 miles west of the south entrance to the Mojave National Preserve and 111 miles northeast of Joshua Tree National Park. San Bernardino, CA, 97 miles southwest, is its nearest large city. This wilderness area has no developed campground, but free, dispersed camping is allowed. Motorized vehicles are prohibited within the Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area boundaries.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Hole-in-the-Wall Nature Trail

This well-developed trail winds through a flat desert landscape. Through interpretive signs, you can learn about the desert plants found here. Length: 0.5 miles Intensity: Easy

Lava Tube Trail

This trail is not for the claustrophobic. You will descend underground as you explore these natural tunnels. Length: 1 mile Intensity: Easy

Mid Hills to Hole-in-the-Wall

This maze of a trail winds through dry washes. You will see barrel and cholla cacti and travel through a burned area. Length: 8 miles Intensity: Moderate

ClimbingClimbing

The Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area offers suitable climbing routes for experienced and inexperienced climbers. Its lava mountains, boulder fields, granite cliffs, and rocky peaks give you different options to challenge yourself. If you are a newbie climber, explore the central ridges area with single-pitch routes with mild difficulty and an excellent grip for footing. Alternatively, you can explore the southwest face of this range, which has a raised dome that offers a panoramic view.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

This wilderness is home to various wild animals worth your sight. You might see desert bighorn sheep, burrowing owls, desert kit foxes, and desert tortoises. The main viewing areas for these creatures are along access roads, creeks, and beside canyons.

Horseback RidingHorseback Riding

The Bureau of Land Management has restricted the use of motor vehicles in the Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area. Typically, you can access most parts of this wilderness by bike, horse, or foot. You can try horse riding along the attractive escarpments of this desert. However, this is a desert area, and you likely won't find water.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

Although no camping amenities exist in the Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area, RV camping can give you a memorable experience. Over 66 BLM campgrounds exist in the Mojave National Preserve and San Bernardino National Forest. Unlike in the Wilderness Area, these camping sites allow motorized vehicles, so you can access them with your RV. However, to access any BLM camping facility for RV camping, you must book early and pay a fee. Most Bureau of Land Management campgrounds allow you to reserve a site for two weeks in a 30-day period.

Free Camping Campground Icon

You can also find Bureau of Land Management free camping in the San Bernardino National Forest. However, these campsites allow you to ride on a horse or walk. Also, you must book a free permit that you can only book three months earlier. These wilderness campsites also limit the number of visitors. During summer weekends, most spots are filled to full capacity.

RV Rentals Near Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area BLM trip

Like when visiting any other BLM site, you should check BLM camping near me choices for a convenient and affordable camping encounter. This research will enable you to plan your logistics with ease. In addition, it will save you from traveling a very long distance to camp. If you are considering camping near the Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area, pay close attention to weather forecasts. Spring and early summer provide the best environment for activities such as climbing and hiking. Be sure to carry enough personal essentials and cooking supplies, and look for a suitable place to leave your pets since this site doesn't allow pets in. Additionally, you must book your desired campground about three months before your visit. Also, if you plan to camp in an RV, it cannot exceed 45 feet. Lastly, please consider our guide on BLM camping before going on any trip.

Leave No Trace Leaf

BLM encourages site visitors to leave the place clean to preserve its native beauty. Thus, you must adopt various hacks to ensure you leave the area with no trace of trash. For example, you can carry reusable containers, a bucket to discard your waste, and reload water and refreshments. You can also use RVs with solar energy options to reduce the release of carbon. Lastly, respect wild animals and be considerate of other visitors who might be enjoying the site.

Leave No Trace
Location

Rodman Mountains Wilderness Area Location

This Bureau of Land Management wilderness is south of Newberry Springs, CA. You can access this wilderness from the north or south. The Camp Rock Road is the main route connecting the park and Interstate 40 that extends northeast of the park. This road also leads you to the Rodman Wilderness from the western boundary away from State Highway 247. Visitors are advised to drive to this BLM land on four-wheel-drive vehicles. As you near this property, you'll see signs that show the wilderness area boundaries. You are permitted to park at the edge of the park. GPS coordinates: 34.71438333, -116.5865 Ready to visit Rodman Mountains Wilderness 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.