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 division of the Department of the Interior in the United States. It is responsible for maintaining the natural splendor of one-eighth of the country's land. Participating in the Bureau of Land Management camping allows you to get closer to the wonder of nature than any other official camping option. For those exploring the Sacatar Trail Wilderness who want to pay a visit to a national park, Death Valley National Park is about 120 miles from this location. The Sacatar Trail Wilderness is located just 20 miles from Ridgecrest, California. It encompasses 51,900 acres of land and offers a view of a diverse landscape with alluvial fans, canyons, and deep valleys. The wilderness hugs the eastern fringe of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is popular for day hiking and collecting pinyon nuts. If you want to see where there is a BLM camping site near you, search "BLM camping near me" online.
The Sacatar Trail was once the only trail approaching Owens Valley from out west and was utilized by commercial traffic, soldiers, and cattle. Today, it is the only designated hiking trail in the surrounding wilderness. It climbs to a maximum height of one mile along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevadas to the Sacatar Trail Wilderness. Mountain biking is also popular on this trail. Length: 11 miles Difficulty: Easy
The South Sierra Wilderness Trail is located about 16 miles from Sacatar Trail Wilderness and is near Kernville, CA. It is a singletrack trail that can be used in both directions and is utilized for hiking, trail running, and horseback riding. Length: 42.1 miles Difficulty: Hard
The Chimney Basin Road Trail is about 19 miles from Sacatar Trail Wilderness. Part of the trail is paved, while the northern section is dirt, gravel, and double track. The total climb of the trail reaches an elevation of 3,913 feet. The trail is suitable for hiking, trail running, horseback riding, dirt biking, and even riding an ATV. Length: 15.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Avid fishermen can travel to Little Lake, about an hour from the Sacatar Trail Wilderness. You can fish for bluegill, crappie, trout, and bass here. Fishing fees are reasonable, and boating is an option. If you do not have your boat, some are available for rental. Another fishing option is Isabella Lake, about 80 miles from the Sacatar Trail Wilderness. It is an artificial reservoir in Sequoia National Forest. Located among the Sierra Nevada's foothills, two dams keep the lake's waters in place. It is best known as a lake for bass fishing and has been known for producing a string of trophy-winning largemouths.
The highest point of the Sacatar Trail Wilderness does not have an official name, but it has proven to be a spot worth conquering for experienced climbers. The high point has an elevation of 8,860 feet.
The Sacatar Trail Wilderness provides ample wildlife viewing opportunities. You will spot mule deer grazing, Mohave ground squirrels, bats, and desert tortoises. If you hope to do some birdwatching, you may find quail, doves, prairie falcons, and golden eagles. All this wildlife is found among creosote bushes, Joshua trees, juniper woodlands, cottonwoods, and willows.
Official picnicking options at the Sacatar Trail Wilderness are limited. During your hike, you may set up a picnic anywhere in the Sacatar Trail Wilderness; it is advised to "Leave No Trace". Turtle Creek Campground is about an hour and a half away from the wilderness, and this location has picnic areas available for guests.
Since the Sacatar Trail Wilderness is rugged, untouched land, there aren't any specific areas at the location for RV camping. For the closest of the officially designated Bureau of Land Management campgrounds that can accommodate RV camping, travel an hour and a half to Turtle Creek Campground. This campground has 83 campsites available for both tents and RVs. Turtle Creek Campground has ten campsites with pull-thru spaces, with 30 feet being the maximum length allotted for an RV. Amenities include a dump station, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables.
Sacatar Trail Wilderness allows for Bureau of Land Management free camping throughout. You must bring everything you need, including water, as no amenities will be available. You will also need to "Leave No Trace" of your presence when you leave. If you desire to make a campfire, this is permitted if you only use down and dead wood and check the area's drought level. There is a limit to how long you are allowed to camp. After 14 days, you must relocate 25 miles from your camping location.
When planning your trip to the Sacatar Trail Wilderness, have a hard copy of the directions available. Also, make sure that someone you are close to knows where you are going, just in case. Be sure to pack appropriately for the weather and make sure you have enough food and water. You will be in the wilderness without access to many amenities, so that should be on your mind when deciding what to bring. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When visiting any BLM camping area, remember you are on protected public land. You must make sure to dispose of your trash properly. When you depart a BLM location, you should "Leave No Trace" of your visit. Also, you are not allowed to take anything but pictures from the site. The next visitor to the location should be able to enjoy the pristine natural environment as much as you have.
You will take US 395 North from Ridgecrest and turn left onto Ninemile Canyon Road after about 20 miles. You may be prevented from taking a left onto Ninemile Canyon Road. Should this be the case, you will follow US 395 North from Ridgecrest for 39 miles to Coso Junction, where you will turn around and head south for 4.2 miles before taking the right that will lead you to the Sacatar Trail Wilderness. Ready to visit Sacatar Trail Wilderness? 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.
