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The Geysers

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

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The Geysers, located in California, is known for being the world's largest geothermal field, spanning over 30 square miles of land in three counties. Multiple geothermal power plants are found here today, and native people who lived near The Geysers used the geothermal hot spots for over 12,000 years before that. The geothermal field is thought to be created by the heat of an underground magma body located nearby Clear Lake. This location is near national parks such as Kings Canyon National Park and Pinnacles National Park. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees The Geysers and keeps about 7,100 acres of the land found there open for public use year-round. This means that you may visit The Geysers for free and hike or go fishing in the area's many creeks. Visitors can also camp at this site for free, and this public land can be found along the Lake County and Sonoma County lines, where it includes part of the Mayacamas Mountains.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Cobb Mountain Trail

The Cobb Mountain Trail is a moderately difficult hiking trail that features rock scrambles and views of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. Length: 5.5 miles Intensity: Moderate

Geyserville Scuplture Trail

Located in Geyserville, this trail features 27 art sculptures, 12 of which rotate out annually. Length: 0.5 miles Intensity: Easy

Little Flat to Bummer Peak Trail

A trail that features fields of wildflowers, some forested areas, and views of Lake Sonoma, this trail is popular with locals and visitors to Geyserville. Length: 4.7 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

There are plenty of creeks found within The Geysers that are perfect for fishing, such as Big Sulphur Creek, Cobb Creek, and Hot Springs Creek. Some species you may find in these creeks include steelhead trout, rainbow trout, and Sacramento pike minnow. If you'd like, you can also visit nearby Clear Lake, a hotbed for catching largemouth bass, channel catfish, brown bullhead, white bullhead, and hitch. Clear Lake is also a great place for swimming and boating. You can launch a motorized or non-motorized boat from places like the Clear Lake State Park Boat Ramp, Redbud Park, or Clear Lake Oaks Boat Launch. As for beach access, check out Austin Park or Clear Lake State Park for free swimming opportunities in the lake.

Picnicking

If you'd like to have a picnic near The Geysers, check out Middletown Trailside Park, which has a large picnic site with tables offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may also want to check out the Lake Sonoma Recreation Area, which offers a picnic area plus lots of trails along Lake Sonoma.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

RV camping is permitted at the Geysers, although this location offers no hookups for you to use. If you'd like to go RV camping outside of The Geysers, consider checking out a place like the Cloverdale/Healdsburg KOA. This resort-style campground offers everything you need from free Wi-Fi and a pool to full hookups, a playground, a private fishing pond, and even paddleboat rentals. Another great option nearby is Windsor RV Park, which is another full-service campground with a pool, playground, and spaces large enough to accommodate big rigs. If you don't mind camping with fewer amenities, you could also consider staying at Hidden Valley Lake Campground, which offers great rates for campsites with basic electrical hookups and picnic tables.

Free Camping Campground Icon

If you'd like to camp for free at The Geysers, consider taking advantage of the BLM's dispersed camping opportunities. As per the BLM's regulations, tent and RV campers alike are permitted to stay at a campsite of their choosing within The Geysers area for up to 14 days at a time. However, you should know that there are no amenities offered at The Geysers, including electrical hookups, water hookups, dump stations, and restrooms or shower facilities. Campers at The Geysers are also responsible for taking care of their own trash off-site as no dumpsters are provided for your use either.

RV Rentals Near The Geysers Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your The Geysers BLM trip

When you plan on visiting The Geysers, be sure to pack lots of drinking water and wear light clothing since this area is known for higher-than-average temperatures. If you plan on fishing or taking part in other water recreation activities, be sure to bring insect repellent too. When you camp at The Geysers, you will camp in a primitive environment, so you will need to plan on cooking without electricity. You may bring fire starters or gas-powered portable grills and stoves for this. You may also consider bringing solar-powered equipment to substitute for electricity as needed. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

In order to keep The Geysers open for future visitors to use, you will be required to follow the BLM's "Leave No Trace" policy when you visit The Geysers. However, this policy is easy to follow and includes tasks like picking up after yourself and your pets, keeping your distance from the wildlife at all times, and leaving anything you find where it originally belongs. If you plan on camping at The Geysers, you will also be required to watch your campfires closely and never leave them unattended. Since there are also no restrooms provided, you will need to bury any human or pet waste away from running water sources.

Leave No Trace
Location

The Geysers Location

To reach The Geysers, take Highway 101 north from Santa Rosa to exit 507, about 18 miles. From there, take Lytton Springs Road to Alexander Valley Road. Continue on for 2.1 miles, and the road will become Highway 128. From there, turn left onto Pine Flat Road, and then remain on this road for 11 miles. At the end of the road, you will find the gate for the BLM-managed area. Address: 38.7597222222, -122.754166667 Ready to visit The Geysers? 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.

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