The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are inexpensive, secluded sites within federally managed conservation areas. The Golden State is home to over 10 million acres of BLM land. The Skedaddle Wilderness Study Area (WSA) encompasses 62,010 acres of BLM land and 1,179 acres of private land on the northwest ledge of California's Great Basin. The park is home to the 7,800-foot Skedaddle Mountain, sagebrush-covered flats, an eroded volcanic caldera, the Amadee Mountains, and more.
Many BLM campgrounds require a small nightly fee. However, free dispersed camping is permitted along some BLM park roads. Campers are generally only allowed to camp in the same spot for two consecutive weeks each month. Many BLM campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Search BLM camping near me to find even more potential camping spots near the Skedaddle Wilderness Study Area.
This route takes hikers through a remote section of Lassen National Forest. The wide, flat path is exceptionally popular with bikers and runners. The path features several interesting landmarks, including two tunnels and several bridges.
Length: 23.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This out-and-back trail immerses hikers in the beauty of Lassen National Forest. The path is wide, flat, and paved. As such, it has become very popular with bikers, families, and dog walkers.
Length: 4.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
This singletrack mountain bike trail features various terrain. Cyclists get to traverse sections of sagebrush flats, pine forests, and high desert landscapes while getting in their daily workouts.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This out-and-back trail offers hikers a spectacular view of the nearby Susanville Ranch Park. Some sections of the path are rather steep and challenging.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This charming out-and-back trail is a popular walking path for families with small children. A scenic section of the trail runs along a small creek. The area is also home to a large meadow and several old-growth pine trees.
Length: 0.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Lassen County is an excellent spot for fishing and boating. Eagle Lake, California's largest freshwater body of water, and Pine Creek are home to a particularly large population of rainbow trout. Many of the trout caught in these locations are more than 20 inches in length. Ash Creek, Buckhorn Reservoir, and Blue Lake are some other local waterways that offer excellent trout fishing. Small boats and flotation devices are welcome at Blue Lake and Crater Lake.
There are numerous climbing routes in the Susanville area. The Lone Valley Boulders, or Burnt Rocks, are colorful granite outcrops situated in a particularly remote section of the Lone Valley. Popular climbs include Inoculum, Pokom, Six Gun, and Tortoise.
The Skedaddle Wilderness Study Area is a wonderful place for observing and photographing wildlife. California quails, California scrub jays, mule deer, and American black bears are just a few of the animals that can be observed in the Skedaddle WSA. The sage flats and manmade reservoirs come together to create a distinctive ecosystem.
Susanville's Riverside Park is a charming green space with picnic tables, barbeque pits, baseball diamonds, and a playground. Hobo Camp is another local spot with several shaded picnic areas. There are also four scenic picnic areas situated along the shores of the Lassen National Forest's Hat Creek.
Eagle Lake's Gallatin Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Papoose Creek is another swimmable body of water that's located inside Lassen National Forest. Lake Almanor, one of the largest manmade bodies of water in California, is another popular summertime destination.
There are numerous opportunities for RV camping at the nearby Lassen National Forest and Plumas National Forest. Merrill Campground is just one of five campgrounds in the Eagle Lake Recreation Area of Lassen National Forest. The campground is equipped with 57 full-hookup sites, 64 partial-hookup sites, and 51 standard sites. Campsites range between 45 and 75 feet in length.
There's additional RV camping at Legacy Campground in the Almanor Ranger District. Legacy Campground has 14 sites with water and electrical hookups. The Almanor RV Dump Station is located next door. There is a $5 dump station fee.
There is plenty of Bureau of Land Management free camping near the Skedaddle WSA. However, guests should keep in mind that motorized vehicles and equipment are not permitted within this particular BLM area. This Susanville BLM Campground is a large open area with plenty of free BLM RV camping sites. There are no on-site amenities, and stays are limited to 14 days.
A trip to the Skedaddle WSA requires careful planning. The park's main road is extremely bumpy and unpaved. Roadside emergency kits, extra food, drinking water, backup fuel, and other emergency supplies are must-haves for visitors who are looking to spend a night or more inside the park.
Many of the park's main areas lack directional signage. Moreover, cellphone service is quite spotty. Handheld GPS devices and physical maps are essential navigational tools for day-trippers and overnight campers.
The park's terrain, weather, and wildlife all present particular safety concerns. Visitors should come prepared to handle an array of unique challenges, including but not limited to sun exposure, hypothermia, dehydration, poor cell reception, and poor driving conditions. Moreover, guests should familiarize themselves with the park's rules regarding overnight camping, campfires, and vehicles. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors should adhere to the principle of "Leave No Trace" while spending time in the Skedaddle Wilderness Area. Visitors should take care not to interfere with the local wildlife. Those who are camping overnight should take care to only camp on durable surfaces where campsites have already been established. All waste should be properly disposed of or carried out. Plants, animals, and other natural elements of the park should be left where they are found.
The Skedaddle Wilderness Study Area stretches across parts of California and Nevada. Individuals entering the park from the west should take Highway 395 North before turning onto Wendell Road. Drivers will pass by a power plant before they enter the park's limits. The park's main road is unpaved. It can be difficult to negotiate without four-wheel drive. The park's headquarters is the Eagle Lake Field Office on Riverside Drive in Susanville, California.
Ready to visit the Skedaddle 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.
