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 government agency tasked with preserving more than 245 million acres of public land in the United States. Bureau of Land Management free camping is often referred to as "dispersed camping," and there are usually no services or amenities available. When doing this type of camping, use existing sites, if possible, and do not stay for longer than 14 days in a 28-day period. One such BLM-managed campground you may want to visit is Tolkan Campground in California, which has easy access to the Paradise Royale trail system. Over 20 trails are available for hikers and mountain bikers who want to enjoy time in the fir-covered peaks of the King Range National Conservation Area. Anglers, surfers, beachcombers, campers and hunters also visit this place for many different activities. Tolkan Campground also provides you with access to Tolkan Bike Park. As long as you're visiting the state of California, it's worth considering a visit to Redwood National Park, two hours and 35 minutes north of Tolkan Campground. Here, you can witness the tallest trees on the planet through a distinct landscape of riverways, oak forests and prairies.
Head five minutes south of Tolkan Campground to reach the single-track Paradise Royale trail for both hiking and mountain biking. Most of it is pretty easy, but there are a few steep parts as you'll head up 2,400 feet. Dogs are allowed. Depending on recent weather, you might have to watch out for any trees that have fallen on the path. Length: 11.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
An hour east of Tolkan Campground, Benbow Lake State Recreation Area is a great place to do some fishing. A concrete dam on Eel River's south fork went up in 1928 to provide power for valley development, but it also resulted in Benbow Lake. Take to these waters for steelhead and salmon fishing, especially in the winter. The park also offers picnicking spots, camping, hiking, geocaching, swimming and a beach area.
Shelter Cove, 25 minutes southwest of Tolkan Campground, features seven climbs if you want to get in some bouldering. The area is largely undeveloped, but several trails are visually obvious. Prepare yourself for wind gusts and ocean splash if you're close to the water. This field is just over a mile from the Shelter Cove Black Sands Beach Trailhead.
Travel an hour northeast of Tolkan Campground to get to Humboldt Redwoods State Park to see remarkable wildlife while in the area. The more than 17,000 acres include old-growth redwoods that are home to many species, including mule deer, gray foxes, California ground squirrels and raccoons. Black bears are in the area and visible day or night. One animal you might find the tracks for but are unlikely to actually see is a mountain lion, although sightings can happen.
Southern Humboldt Community Park is in Garberville, CA, 55 minutes east of Tolkan Campground. If your travel takes you along Highway 101, then this can be a convenient spot for the kids in your travel group to do some activities. Fences enclose a swing set, a play structure and picnic benches. Enjoy the shade provided by big trees. Port-a-potty bathroom facilities and trash cans are available.
Bureau of Land Management camping is possible in your RV at Tolkan Campground. All of the sites at this campground have access to vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables. They're also wheelchair accessible. However, there aren't any hookups or water. Camping here costs $8 per day, and the sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to do some RV camping that is a bit more developed, Shelter Cove RV Campground & Deli is only 25 minutes southwest of Tolkan Campground. Here, there are RV sites with full hookups, fire rings and picnic tables. Other amenities include a coin-operated washer and dryer, bathrooms, and showers. Fifty-five minutes east of Tolkan Campground is Benbow KOA Holiday. At this family-friendly campground, there are full-hookup RV sites, a swimming pool, a hot tub and sauna, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and many more amenities.
If you search for "BLM camping near me," you will find that you have several choices when it comes to free dispersed camping near Tolkan Campground. Horse Mountain Primitive Camp, just 15 minutes to the north, doesn't provide any hookups, toilets or water. However, it is free to stay, and there are picnic tables.
Tolkan Campground provides you with immediate access to many hiking and biking trails, but you shouldn't expect many amenities outside your RV. Bring plenty of food, fuel and supplies when BLM RV camping. If you want to go mountain biking, be sure you pack any tools or repair supplies you might need to keep your bike ready for the trails. Given the limited number of spots and lack of reservations, be ready to find other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the last minute. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Always plan on leaving a minimal impact. Keeping with the "Leave No Trace" guidelines, store any garbage you accumulate in your RV, so you can dispose of it properly later. If you need to bury human waste, do so at least six inches deep and 100 feet away from trails and water. Don't include sanitary products or toilet paper that animals might dig up and scatter. Leave the forest around you just how you found it, so future visitors can enjoy these spaces.
To get to Tolkan Campground, take U.S. 101 to Redway. Then turn west on Briceland/Shelter Cover Road, and follow that for 22 miles. Finally, turn north on King Peak Road, and proceed 3.5 miles. Latitude / Longitude: 40.081651, -124.057402 Ready to visit Tolkan Campground? 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.
