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BLM Camping

Twin Peaks

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

Often called the Twin Peaks HMA or Herd Management Area, Twin Peaks is located near Susanville, California, not too far from the California/Nevada border. The area is also close to Lassen Volcanic National Park and several national forests. Twin Peaks is inhabited by wild horses, burros, and mules, most of which are descended from Spanish or US Army Cavalry stock that was released from the time the Spanish arrived in the area until World War I. Visitors to the area can view the wild horses, mules, and burros or enjoy some of the area’s other sights by taking a hike or mountain biking.

Like all Bureau of Land Management sites, Twin Peaks is public land that’s protected and maintained by the BLM. These sites allow visitors to experience nature in a unique, peaceful way. Some sites also offer camping options. To find BLM sites that allow RV camping, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Red Rock Trail

Located in the nearby town of Doyle, this trail is relatively gentle, but if you want to extend the hike up into the rocks, be prepared for some steep climbs.

Length: 0.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Peavine Peak Trail

This trail in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is ideal for experienced hikers and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Length: 8.9 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Rancho San Rafael Nature Trail

This trail can be a bit warm during the summer months but is a fantastic, gentle walk or run during cooler weather.

Length: 7 miles

Intensity: Easy

North Valleys Regional Park Loop

Found just across the border in Nevada, the North Valleys Regional Park Loop provides scenic views of the area and landscape.

Length: 2.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Incandescent Rocks

This trail offers a strenuous hike and provides access to some small rock climbing areas.

Length: 6.6 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and Boating

One of the best nearby locations for fishing is at Plumas-Eureka State Park. Jamison Creek and several smaller streams flow through the park, and anglers can often catch trout. Donner Memorial State Park also provides salmon fishing opportunities during certain times of the year. If you plan to fish in Nevada, make sure you have a valid fishing license.

Climbing

The area near Twin Peaks offers excellent bouldering opportunities, although other types of climbing options are slim. Bouldering enthusiasts can head to the Fort Sage Mountains for 70 bouldering problems. The West Face area offers just shy of 100 bouldering problems and also includes a limited number of top rope routes.

Wildlife Viewing

Twin Peaks is itself an excellent place to spot wildlife. Aside from viewing the area’s horses, burros, and mules, visitors can often spot quail, antelope, mule deer, grouse, hawks, and coyotes. Visitors can also head into the Plumas or Lassen National Forests for more wildlife viewing opportunities.

Picnicking

Donner Memorial State Park offers beautiful scenery and provides several picnic tables. Restrooms and water are also available, and the area provides beach access. The Kings Beach State Recreation Area also offers several shaded picnic tables and provides access to a gorgeous beach with views of Lake Tahoe.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping can be found at the Long Point Campground in the Plumas National Forest. Several of the sites have views of the water, and each site has a table, fire ring, and grill. Restrooms and drinking water are also available. Another great option for RV camping is the Honey Lake Campground, which offers full hookups, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

Free Camping

The Laufman Campground offers Bureau of Land Management free camping with a 14-day duration limit. The campground features toilets and picnic tables. Visitors to the area can also set up a dispersed site in several places in the Lassen and Plumas National Forests.

RV Rentals Near Twin Peaks Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Twin Peaks BLM trip

The Twin Peaks HMA is relatively remote. Because of this, and depending on the road conditions at the time, you may need a four-wheel-drive or all-terrain vehicle to reach the area. It’s always a good idea to check on the road conditions before you head out.

It’s also a good idea to look at the weather forecast when you plan your visit to Twin Peaks. Because the area is so dry, temperatures can fluctuate greatly from daytime to nighttime. Days, particularly during the summer months, are often quite hot, while nighttime temperatures can cool down by as much as 40 degrees. Winters are also surprisingly chilly, and low temperatures are sometimes below freezing. If you plan to camp, make sure you bring plenty of layers and warm clothes.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When exploring any natural area, whether it’s Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or an HMA like Twin Peaks, it’s crucial that you follow "Leave No Trace" practices to keep the landscape looking pristine. Always dispose of all trash properly, and if you see litter in the area, pick it up and throw it away. Keep a safe distance away from wild animals, and never try to frighten or threaten any wildlife. If you camp in the area, camp on a durable surface with little plant growth.

Twin Peaks Location

From Susanville, take the US-395 S for about 34 miles to Laver Crossing. Turn left onto Laver Crossing, and continue for about 1.4 miles. Take another left onto Hackstaff Road, and continue for 3.3 miles. Take a right on Summers Road, continuing for 3.7 miles. Take a left, and keep driving for 0.8 miles before making a slight right. You’ll take another right and then continue on Cal Neva Road. Drive for about 0.1 miles, and enter into Nevada, then bear right and continue for another 1.3 miles to reach the HMA. The Herd Management Area spans the border of California and Nevada. Though there is no street address, the site is located at Reno, NV 89510.

Ready to visit Twin Peaks? 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.