Tumey Hills
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Traveling to Tumey Hills in central California provides the perfect opportunity to explore rolling grasslands and take stunning photos of seasonal wildflowers and sweeping valley views. This BLM recreation area is great for first-time RV travelers and those looking for a quiet off-grid getaway thanks to its dispersed camping options. Just make sure to check the weather forecast each day as you travel since some of the dirt roads may become muddy and difficult to navigate during and after heavy rainfall. Many RV travelers find it's best to rent a smaller RV with a shorter wheelbase; the tighter turning radius makes it easier to navigate the area's narrow dirt roads.
Quick Facts About RVing in Tumey Hills
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies • Camping Type: Dispersed • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: Spotty • Pets: Allowed (leash recommended) • Roads: Paved and dirt • Best Season: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Camp among Tumey Hills' rolling grasslands • Wake up beside seasonal California wildflowers • Easy access to Tumey Peak hiking trail • Remote setting offers peaceful overnight boondocking • Explore miles of BLM backcountry roads • Excellent spring destination for self-contained RVs • Wide-open landscapes create a secluded camping experience • Ideal stop for exploring California's Diablo Range
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Tumey Hills Loop Trail
This trail gains 2,100 feet of altitude along its length, and there is little shade, so remember to bring plenty of water and wear a hat. Hikers and bikers will encounter several vantage points along the route that offer panoramic views of the hills fading into the distance and sagebrush-covered landscapes below. Length: 9.57 miles Intensity: Moderate
Picnicking
Panoche Hills, Griswold Hills, and Tumey Hills have picnic tables with shade structures to enjoy a meal while protected from the sun while enjoying the desert landscape. Thousands of years ago, this area of California was covered by an inland sea. If you look carefully at the ground during your picnic, you can see shell-like skeletons of sea algae in the rocks.
Wildlife Viewing
Tumey Hills is home to rarely-seen San Joaquin kit foxes, blunt-nosed leopard lizards, and giant kangaroo rats. You may also spot more common animals like mule dear, coyotes, and wild pigs. Birding enthusiasts should watch out for raptors, shrikes, and songbirds.
Target Shooting
There is a convenient shooting range near the trailhead of the Tumey Hills Loop Trail. Aside from this spot, you can target shoot on any of the public lands within Tumey Hills as long as you use a suitable hill for a backstop, use only legal firearms and ammunition, and pick up all shell casings, used targets, and clay pigeon debris.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Tumey Hills is in a remote location in California. If you are looking for more amenities than BLM RV Camping provides at Tumey Hills, you have to travel about 100 miles east to the Fresno area. RV campgrounds near the city, like Kings River RV Resort, offer full hookups, pools, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Alternatively, you can drive 75 miles east to Soledad, which has campgrounds with similar amenities in and around the town.
Dispersed Camping
There are quite a few portions of the Tumey Hills Recreation Area that allow for dispersed camping, but there are several rules you must abide by. For example, you must camp at least 200 yards from any wildlife watering improvement. You must also make sure you aren't parked within 15 feet of any nearby roadway. Ideally, you'll choose a spot where someone has already camped so that you don't have to disturb any native vegetation or wildlife habitat. When you're selecting your RV rental, keep in mind that you will need a setup with freshwater storage and holding tanks since there aren't any hookups.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Excellent choice because compact dimensions easily handle the area's dirt roads. • Travel Trailers: Smaller trailers tow well, but rough roads favor shorter overall lengths. • Fifth Wheels: Not recommended since their size limits maneuverability on narrow dirt roads. • Class A Motorhomes: Not recommended because long wheelbases struggle on uneven, unpaved roads. • Class B Motorhomes: Ideal for exploring thanks to excellent maneuverability and off-grid camping capabilities. • Class C Motorhomes: Smaller models work well if road conditions remain dry and stable.
Free Camping 
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Tumey Hills and its two sister sites, Panoche Hills and Griswold Hills. When camping at these locations, the BLM asks that you set up camp within 15 feet of the road to minimize your impact on the environment. Once in the area, you can search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet to find additional free camping opportunities nearby.
RV Rentals Near Tumey Hills Plan your next adventure
Planning your Tumey Hills BLM trip
When planning your Tumey Hills trip, keep in mind that there is little shade at this site. If you do not have an awning on your RV, you may want to bring along tarps to create a shady spot to relax in. In arid environments like Tumey Hills, it is recommended that you have a gallon of water per group member per day to ensure everyone stays hydrated. Additionally, it is always a good idea to bring along sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun. Lastly, while temperatures at this site are hot during the day, it tends to cool rapidly when the sun goes down, so make sure you have clothing suitable to the changing conditions. Camping at places like Tumey Hills allows you a budget-friendly way to enjoy your vacation while getting close to California's natural beauty. However, staying at campsites with no amenities can take careful planning. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
There aren't any grocery or fuel services within the Tumey Hills Recreation Area, so be sure to stock up before your trip. If you need fuel or additional supplies, you'll have to leave the recreation area and head back toward Interstate 5, where the nearest services are available in Santa Nella (about 20 to 30 minutes away). Renting a self-contained RV is a smart way to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Take time to download offline maps before arriving since cell service is spotty throughout much of the recreation area. The best time to visit is usually during the spring or fall when temperatures are milder and road conditions are typically more favorable. Spring also offers colorful wildflower displays that create excellent opportunities for hiking and photography.
Leave No Trace 
The central concept of "Leave No Trace" is that you don't take anything home that you didn't bring with you and don't leave anything behind when you head out. When camping at Tumey Hills, clean up your site before moving on and plan on packing out all trash, as there are no garbage cans at this site.
Tumey Hills Location
From Interstate-5, take the Panoche Road exit. Tumey Hills is located roughly three miles from the Interstate. The GPS coordinates are 36.623491, -120.654241. Ready to visit Tumey Hills? 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.
Plan Your Day at Tumey Hills
• Morning: Morning is the perfect time to take a hike because of the cooler temperatures. If you make your way to one of the area's higher overlooks, you'll definitely want to bring your camera to snap photos of the broad Panoche Valley below. • Afternoon: After you eat lunch, head back out to the trail system for a leisurely walk through the open grasslands. Watch for golden eagles and red-tailed hawks as they soar above the surrounding hills. • Evening: Spend the evening telling scary stories around the campfire (if fire restrictions allow) and satisfying your taste buds with one of your favorite campfire dinners. Once the sun goes down, make sure to look up to the night sky for a beautiful view of countless stars and the silhouette of the surrounding hills.
Nearby Attractions
Panoche Hills Recreation Area • Roughly 40 minutes north of Tumey Hills • Free dispersed camping throughout designated BLM areas • Scenic hiking across rolling grasslands and ridges • Excellent wildlife viewing during spring and fall • Seasonal wildflowers brighten surrounding hillsides each spring • Primitive roads favor smaller, self-contained RVs • Peaceful setting with very few neighboring campers San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area • About 50 minutes northwest of Tumey Hills • Developed campgrounds accommodate many RV sizes comfortably • Electric hookup campsites available at selected campgrounds • Popular destination for boating, fishing, and kayaking • Several hiking trails overlook the expansive reservoir • Visitor center features exhibits about local wildlife • Convenient dump station and potable water available Mercey Hot Springs • Approximately 40 minutes north of Tumey Hills • Full-hookup RV sites available by reservation • Natural mineral hot springs open year-round • Private soaking tubs available for overnight guests • Peaceful setting surrounded by California foothills • Great place to relax after hiking adventures • Day passes available without overnight camping
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation to camp at Tumey Hills? No. When you come to camp at Tumey Hills, you will stay in one of the dispersed camping locations, and these spots are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Where is the closest dump station for public use? To use the closest dump station, you'll need to leave the recreation area and head to Santa Nella, about 20–30 minutes away, where several RV parks offer dump station access for a fee. What is the closest town for restocking supplies? The closest town that offers supplies like groceries, fuel, restaurants, and convenience stores is Santa Nella. To get there from Tumey Hills, take Panoche Road east to Interstate 5, then head north to the Santa Nella exit. Is it okay to bring a fifth-wheel? You can bring a fifth-wheel to Tumey Hills, but you may find it difficult to maneuver along some of the narrow dirt roads if you're in a larger rig. This is why most RV travelers rent a smaller travel trailer or camper van. Is Tumey Hills open year-round? Yes, you can visit Tumey Hills any time of the year, but the best weather conditions usually occur from late fall through early spring. Can I ride my ATV on the trails? No. You are not allowed to use any type of motorized vehicle on the trails. Is Tumey Hills crowded during the spring? Tumey Hills tends to be the most crowded during spring. Still, the spread-out dispersed campsites make it easy to find a quiet place to camp.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
The two most important things to consider when choosing an RV for your trip to Tumey Hills are how many people you're bringing along and whether you'll be staying at a dispersed camping spot. A self-contained RV is especially ideal for dispersed camping because it gives you everything you need for several days without hookups. Travelers often find a rig with extra ground clearance can help make it easier to navigate over the uneven terrain of the dirt roads. You'll also want to think about storage capacity if you plan to bring mountain bikes, folding chairs, and other outdoor gear. Find a Fresno RV rental that perfectly matches your travel plans to Tumey Hills.