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BLM Camping

Barnes Canyon Trailhead


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 is the federal agency tasked with maintaining Barnes Canyon Trailhead, preserving its natural beauty, protecting wildlife, cleaning trash, and ensuring the renewability of the area's natural resources. Many of the nation's cherished wild areas are BLM-managed sites. Many BLM-managed parks feature vast reserves of minerals and other valuable natural resources, which makes their preservation crucial. To find BLM-managed campgrounds, search for "BLM camping near me."

Barnes Canyon Trailhead in Nevada is a little-known collection of hiking and biking trails, climbing walls, dense forestation, and, at the very top, vast open space that is perfect mountain biking, off-roading, and ATV use. The site is known for its challenging and fun hiking trails that connect with one another in a giant loop formation. There are many less stressful hikes available near the reception area as well. 

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Mongoose

The starting climb into the canyon, Mongoose has two downhill paths that are suitable for mountain bikes and runners.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Parallel

A challenging path with lots of loose, smooth dirt that is great for mountain bikes and off-road vehicles, this path is littered with large rocks and uneven terrain.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Boar's Head

Because this is a vegetation-dense trail with lots of opportunities for watching wildlife, visitors prefer to hike on it rather than take mountain bikes. 

Length: 1.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Back 40

This path has mostly even terrain and few steep drops, making it an easygoing, yet exciting, option for beginners. 

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Rocky Top

The high elevation on this trail provides breathtaking views within the canyon and a great view of the surrounding area. 

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Fishing is possible at Barnes Canyon Trailhead. The Barnes Canyon Reservoir is the only on-site fishing spot, but it's an active fishing hole with plenty of fish to go around. To avoid the crowds, you may want to try another nearby option, such as the aptly titled Fish Lake Valley. It's 19 miles north of Barnes Canyon, but it's worth it — the fishing hole also has several accessible hot springs where you can take a swim. Boating is possible here as well with many free docks available. Bathrooms and other amenities are available in both locations. Nevada's lakes are home to many species of fish, like spotted bass, rainbow trout, many types of salmon, and catfish. A variety of colorful smaller fish can be caught at your leisure as well.

ClimbingClimbing

Barnes Canyon is most suitable for activities like running and biking, but later trails feature some tough terrain to climb over. Many intermediate-level walls can be found in the Rocky Top and Boar's Head trails. Be mindful of elevation levels, entrances and exits, and expected difficulty levels when climbing. It's easier for novices to bite off more than they can chew without realizing it.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

You can see a variety of wildlife in Barnes Canyon. Roadrunners and small reptiles are common animals in the region. Wild sheep, coyotes, and even tortoises can be seen as well. Unique insects and bats can be seen in the late afternoon and evening hours. Wildlife becomes more sparse the deeper into the trail's loop you travel.

Picnicking

The reception area at Barnes Canyon Reservoir is the hub for benches, picnic tables, and outhouses. You will find pleasant scenery and a view of the reservoir to enjoy with your meal. Picnicking is permitted throughout the rest of the canyon as well, though there are no tables or benches on the actual trails. ATVers are welcome to bring portable grills and coolers with them for tailgating and similar activities.

StargazingStargazing

Barnes Canyon Trailhead is a remote location tucked away in Nevada's mountains. There isn't any smog or artificial light to interfere with the view of the star-filled sky. This makes the locale an excellent spot for stargazing and nighttime campfires.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

Though Nevada typically has many RV camping options available, Barnes Canyon is an exception. Located in Esmerelda County, the canyon is so far out of the way that it limits your BLM RV camping options. The Barnes Canyon Reservoir offers on-site RV parking, though there is a fee to access the amenity-filled parking section. The Reservoir Campground has a convenience store, fire pits, grills, and bathrooms. Barnes Canyon can be very busy, especially during the spring and summer. If the reservoir campground fills up too quickly, you can go to the Esmerelda RV Park located nearby. While these options are close together, those are all the RV camping options for 50 miles, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in Barnes Canyon. Most of the canyon is narrow trails until you reach the open-top, which means the site is only approved for dispersed camping with tents. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in Nevada have basic options for boondocking as well. Hookups are not provided at these locations.

RV Rentals Near Barnes Canyon Trailhead Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Barnes Canyon Trailhead BLM trip

Barnes Canyon Trailhead sees warm weather and very little rain throughout the year. Winds are mild as well. Winters are mild, but they can still become quite cold in the later months. If taking a trip here in the winter, take lots of warm clothing and fire-starting equipment. Otherwise, dress lightly and in breathable fabrics. Clothing needs to be flexible if you plan on undertaking more challenging trails. Spare toilet paper, portable batteries, sunblock, and a stocked water cooler will all make the trip more enjoyable. 

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

Leave No Trace Leaf

The BLM requires visitors to clean up after themselves and their party thoroughly. Trash, equipment, and personal belongings should be removed from your campsite before you leave. All fires should be put out and all flammable materials removed from the area. Wildlife is beautiful, but it isn't accustomed to interacting with humans. Do not feed local wildlife or approach animals recklessly. Please clean leftover food from the trail as well. Assist the BLM in its mission of maintaining Barnes Canyon's health for the future.

Leave No Trace
Location

Barnes Canyon Trailhead Location

To reach Barnes Canyon Trailhead from Caliente, turn toward Clover Canyon Road from the Caliente Petroleum Warehouse. After a few hundred feet, turn past the canyon railroad and continue for 4.1 miles. Then, turn onto Barnes Canyon Road. Keep going until you reach the destination; the trail and reservoir will be to your left. 

Ready to visit Barnes Canyon Trailhead? 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.