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) manages over 245 million acres of public lands throughout the U.S. Many of these regions present opportunities for hiking, water sports, and camping in forest, mountain, and desert environments. At about 5,000 feet in elevation, Walker Pass Campground overlooks the foothills of the Southern Sierras. In this rugged region that's approximately an hour and a half northeast of Bakersfield, desert and mountain terrain meet, offering spectacular views. The campground borders the Kiavah Wilderness, and Sequoia National Forest is only an hour to the northwest. Additionally, Death Valley National Park is only an hour and 45 minutes northeast of Walker Pass Campground.
This trail starts at the campground and is reasonably flat, making it an excellent hike to stretch your legs once you arrive. Along the way, you will see Joshua trees and jagged mountain peaks in all directions. Length: 1.9 miles Intensity: Easy
You can access Owens Peak via Pacific Crest Trail from the highway slightly over a mile south of Walker Pass Campground. Hikers will enjoy panoramic views of the mountain terrain and pass by Morris Peak. The turnaround point is at the saddle between Jenkins Peak and Owens Peak. You can continue up to the summit of Owens Peak, but it is a steep incline that involves some rock scrambling to reach the top. Length: 9.5 miles Intensity: Moderate
This Red Rock Canyon State Park trail, about 35 minutes south of Walker Pass Campground, takes you past reddish cliffs containing volcanic rocks. The main route of Red Cliffs Trail is only a mile long. However, you can spend hours exploring side trails that lead into the desert landscape. Length: 1 mile Intensity: Easy
RVers can head 35 minutes west of Walker Pass Campground to Lake Isabella for excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Several boat launches are around the lake, including Tillie Creek Boat Launch, which has a large parking area, restrooms, and a fish cleaning station.
Kern River, a tributary of the lake, is a favored spot for fly-fishing. The lake is also popular for paddle sports, and you can go white water rafting on the river. If you do not bring your own, you can rent a boat in the nearby town of Isabella Lake, and guided trips down the Kern are available.
Just a bit southwest of Walker Pass Campground, the Kiavah Wilderness area is an excellent place to view wildlife. Birders can look for migratory birds such as rough-legged hawks, yellow-headed blackbirds, and sage sparrows. Yellow-eared pocket mice and many lizards make their home at the bottom of the Scodie Mountains. In addition, you may spot black bears, coyotes, deer, and foxes in the area.
Dove Springs Staging Area is 35 minutes south of Walker Pass Campground and has over 5,000 acres of open-use public land for you to ride. It is famous for cross-country rides, steep hill climbs, and romping in the sand. The staging area is also an excellent starting point to explore the hundreds of miles of trail riding opportunities in this region. In addition, there is plenty of space for RVers with toy haulers or towing a trailer to set up camp on BLM land at Dove Springs, but no amenities are available.
BLM RV camping is available at Walker Pass Campground. Two sites are suitable for small RVs, like campervans, and have fire rings and picnic tables. However, there is no potable water or other amenities. Forty-one miles to the west is Tillie Creek Campground in Sequoia National Forest. It has 159 sites with grills, picnic tables, and nearby access to bathrooms, showers, and a playground. If you want more amenities than those available at these locations, Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA offers full hookups, laundry facilities, a pool, and a dog park. It is only about a half-hour west of Walker Pass Campground.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is permitted in the Kiavah Wilderness and Sequoia National Forest. You can locate these dispersed camping sites and others by researching "BLM camping near me" while you are planning your trip.
The area around Walker Pass Campground is hot and arid with summer temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. When Bureau of Land Management camping, bring plenty of water. You should pack at least 1 gallon of water per day for each group member. You should also have clothing and gear suitable for the desert climate, including sunscreen and a hat. Don't forget to get your California Camp Fire permit for free online, and if you plan on OHV riding, obtain a Green Sticker before leaving home. Before you head out for an adventure, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
By following the "Leave No Trace" principles, you can reduce your impact on the natural environment when using Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Before leaving your campsite, clean up, and properly dispose of your trash. Some sites do not have garbage cans, so plan to take your rubbish and food scrapes with you by bringing along trash bags. In addition, when exploring, stay on designated trails because desert environments can be more delicate than others.
From the town of Lake Isabella, take Highway 178 East for 35 miles. Walker Pass Campground will be on the right. Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office: Bakersfield, CA 93308 Ready to visit Walker Pass 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.
