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BLM Camping

Chief Mountain South

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

Chief Mountain South is a camping and picnic area at the start of the Silver State OHV Trail. The site in Nevada, not far from the borders of Utah and Arizona, offers shaded picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. Visitors can use Chief Mountain South as a starting point for hiking, OHV riding, horseback riding, or mountain biking adventures. It’s also a wonderful place to take in the beauty of the landscape or spot wildlife.

Like all Bureau of Land Management sites, Chief Mountain South is a tract of public land that is protected and preserved. This helps protect the area’s wildlife and ecosystems while offering visitors a way to connect with nature. To find other BLM sites that provide camping amenities, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Juniper Draw Loop Trail

This trail in the nearby Cathedral Gorge State Park is a fantastic way to view the breathtaking rock formations and landscape.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Oak Springs Trilobite Trail

Although short, the Oak Springs Trilobite Trail is one of the most fascinating in the area as visitors can search for trilobite fossils at the end of the path.

Length: 0.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Pahranagat Lake Upper Spillway Walk

This gentle trail meanders around the lake and is an excellent place for bird-watching.

Length: 0.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Millers Point Trail

Located in Cathedral Gorge State Park, this short trail offers a great vantage point for sightseeing or photography.

Length: 0.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Eagle Point and Nature Loop

This trail is an excellent way to spot wildlife or view wildflowers when they bloom in the spring.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The nearby White River is often considered the best place for fishing in the area. Anglers can often catch trout, and although fly fishing is the most popular method, bait casting and spinning options are also available.

Climbing

Rainbow Canyon, located near Chief Mountain South, offers many options for different rock climbing routes. The Aretes, which feature limestone cliffs, provide more than 25 route options. The North End features three traditional and one sport climbs, and The Pyramid, also known as the Midway Area, offers three sport and three traditional climbs.

Wildlife Viewing

Chief Mountain South is a great place to view wildlife, but visitors can also head to either Cathedral Gorge, Kershaw-Ryan, or Beaver Dam State Park. Native species in the area include coyotes, bobcats, mule deer, bighorn sheep, rabbits, porcupines, eagles, hawks, herons, lizards, snakes, and toads.

Picnicking

Chief Mountain South is a beautiful place for a quiet, secluded picnic with gorgeous views. Visitors can use the area’s tables and fire pits. Nearby Beaver Dam State Park also offers shaded picnic tables and barbecue areas at several picnic or day-use locations.

Horseback Riding

Many of the trails in the area around Chief Mountain South are ideal for horseback riding. Equestrians can check the trail signs to find which are most suitable. Generally, OHV trails or trails for mountain biking are the best choices.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Regular and BLM RV camping options are available throughout the area around Chief Mountain South. Cathedral Gorge State Park offers 22 sites with grills, tables, and electric hookups. There are also showers and restrooms. The Pioche RV Park and Campground is another excellent RV camping choice. The campground offers full hookups and easy access to various recreational activities.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Chief Mountain South as visitors can set up a dispersed camping site. Restrooms are available, but there are no hookups, so plan ahead or bring a generator if you need electricity. Dispersed camping is also available at the nearby Stampede Campground. Although the campground offers few amenities, it’s centrally located, so visitors can easily reach local stores, gas stations, and dump stations.

RV Rentals Near Chief Mountain South Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Chief Mountain South BLM trip

Chief Mountain South and the surrounding area are hot and arid, so prepare for your trip by packing plenty of water. Remember to shield yourself from the sun if you’re enjoying the area during the summer when temperatures can reach 90 degrees. Because of the low humidity level, temperatures can drop swiftly at night, even during the summer. Freezing temperatures aren’t uncommon, so bring warm blankets and clothing if you plan to camp in the area, especially if you’re camping in spring, fall, or winter.

The area around Chief Mountain South is somewhat remote. Pack first-aid supplies and extra food in case of an emergency. Always alert someone to your whereabouts, and give them an approximate time for your return.

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

Leave No Trace

Whenever you spend time at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or other natural areas, you must minimize your impact on the landscape by using Leave No Trace practices. This includes always packing out everything you bring in, including food waste and trash. If you set up a dispersed camping site, remember to choose an area with little vegetation. Locations with durable ground where campsites have been set up previously are generally best. Before building a campfire, check the fire danger rating. If it’s high, refrain from using any fires. If you make a fire, keep it contained and use a small shovel to scoop sand over the embers when you leave.

Chief Mountain South Location

From Caliente, head west on Highway 93 for about 9 miles. You’ll see a sign for the Silver State Trailhead. Turn northwest at the sign, driving onto an unnamed dirt road. Keep going for about half a mile until you reach Chief Mountain South.

Ready to visit Chief Mountain South? 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 of 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.