The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Wallace Creek sits right along the San Andreas Fault line in California. This creek is also located at the northern tip of the Carrizo Plain National Monument. At one point in the past, the creek drained right along the fault line. Because of natural fluctuations over the years, this drainage has been minimized. Today, the downstream area is about 430 feet northwest of the upstream portion. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a United States public service agency, administers Wallace Creek as well as about 15 million acres of land in California. You'll find the entrance to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park 180 miles away. Death Valley National Park is approximately 289 miles east. Communities like McKittrick, Taft, and Derby Acres are the closest in the area. Downtown Bakersfield is about two hours away.
Tackle this exhilarating hike in the summer after the rains have passed. This path is relatively flat and starts as a road before transitioning to a well-traveled trail. Wildflower blooms peak in late spring and early summer. Length: 16.8 miles Intensity: Moderate
This delightful, family-friendly trail lets you learn more about how the fault line impacts the local land. There are five numbered stops with fascinating facts. Feel free to climb your way up the hill bordering the creek to see Soda Lake and a few far-off mountains. Length: 1.7 miles Intensity: Easy
You'll find river and stream fishing opportunities along Cedar Creek, Piru Creek, and Mutau Creek tucked away in the Los Padres National Forest. Water levels are often lower during the summer and fall. Lake Piru is a popular spot for watersports, boating, swimming, and camping. The fish species found here include bluegill, catfish, bass, rainbow trout, and crappie.
Los Padres National Park is home to a few rock climbing and bouldering trails that run up Arlington Peak and Reyes Peak. The 5,587-foot Chief Peak is an ideal spot for Class 2 climbing and mountaineering. It's best to come in the spring, fall, or winter when the temperatures are manageable. To park in the Los Padres National Forest, you need to grab an Adventure Pass from a ranger station.
The rich forests and valleys surrounding Wallace Creek support many fascinating creatures like quail, badgers, gray foxes, coyotes, western rattlesnakes, and toads. Local birds include brown pelicans, hawks, bald eagles, flycatchers, roadrunners, bats, magpies, and falcons.
A convenient boardwalk spans 816 feet across Soda Lake that guarantees stunning views. There's ample parking, restrooms, and a scenic overlook nearby. You could plan your meals near Saucito Ranch or close to the Godwin Education Center. The Painted Rock sandstone formation also has restrooms and tables.
Carrizo Plain National Monument is a popular off-roading and utility task vehicle hotspot. All vehicles traversing the monument must be street-legal and have DMV plates. Many of the roads and trails are made of dirt, which can make it hard to travel after heavy rain. These paths can take weeks to dry out. Along with riding through the monument, don't forget to tour Ballinger Canyon OHV and the Rockfront OHV Trail.
You have access to two Bureau of Land Management campgrounds within the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The 13-site Selby Campground provides camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Fire pits, horse corrals, and picnic tables are provided. There's also a wheelchair-accessible vault toilet. Don't expect garbage services, electricity, or drinking water, however. KCL Campground has 12 campsites with similar amenities. Two of the spots are ADA-compliant. This camping area used to be owned by the Kern County Land Company, so you'll see a few existing barn structures and corrals. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area is one of the largest modern RV camping options near Bakersfield. The 86-acre Lake Evans is perfect for peaceful fishing and sailing. You can boat and Jet Ski on the larger Lake Webb. More than 100 campsites are available as well as numerous boat launches, sports courts, and concession stands.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is permitted along Carissa Highway and Highway 33. While searching for BLM camping near me, watch for any free dispersed spots in the Los Padres National Forest to the west. Campers can stay at Bates Canyon within the Santa Lucia Ranger District. The Flying J Shafter truck stop in Bakersfield is a paved area that can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet. There are about five spots open all year long. You'll have convenient access to a pay phone, restroom, drinking water, and RV dump station.
California is home to several of the most well-known national parks as well as unmatched landscape diversity. Amenities can vary greatly depending on your chosen campground, so plan ahead to make sure you get the hookups you need. Since California's peak visitor season is between June and August, be prepared for higher costs and more crowds if you're camping here during that time. Finally, combat the frequently fluctuating temperatures by always wearing layers that you can take off when necessary. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Protect California's beautiful land by packing out all your trash and food scraps. Human waste can be buried in holes about 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from any water source. Keep informed about any campfire bans if you're visiting during the warmer months. Starting fires in at-risk areas can lead to wildfires that destroy forests and communities. Following the "Leave No Trace" guidelines is always expected and appreciated when visiting the BLM sites.
Once you reach the Carrizo Plain National Monument, keep traveling along Soda Lake Road. Turn onto Simmler Road and continue until you can turn right on Elkhorn Road. Drive for about one mile until you see the parking lot for Wallace Creek on the left. Please note that Simmler Road often becomes impassable during the wet season. BLM Field Office Address: 35126 McMurtrey Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308 Ready to visit Wallace Creek? 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.
