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BLM Camping

Goldfield


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

The Goldfield Bike Trail is a three-mile loop found near the historic town of Goldfield, NV. The trail is also only about 40 miles north of the famous Death Valley National Park. The trail and surrounding area, which is a regular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurous campers, is one of many public sites under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 

The BLM is a federal government agency that administers over 247 million acres of natural land spread across more than 850 sites. These BLM sites are unique, diverse places located all over the western United States. Many of the sites are popular destinations for people looking to connect with nature or enjoy various outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, boating, and horseback riding. If you want to find BLM-managed land in your area, search for "BLM camping near me" or visit the BLM website.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Goldfield Bike Trail

The Goldfield Bike Trail is the heart of the Goldfield BLM site. The trail is three miles long and located near the town of Goldfield in southwestern Nevada. When you're hiking or biking the trail, you'll be traveling through stunning desert scenery and amazing views for miles.

Length: 3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Titus Canyon Narrows

The Titus Canyon Narrows trail is found in Death Valley National Park near the town of Beatty, NV. You won't usually see too many other people on the hike, but you'll have a good chance of spotting some of the local desert wildlife. The trail is surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and canyons, making for a unique hiking experience.

Length: 3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Thimble Peak Trail

Another trail near Beatty is the Thimble Peak Trail. The quiet out-and-back trail traverses an area surrounded by unique geological features and lots of open space. The best time to embark on the hike is between October and April.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

For the most part, the section of Nevada containing the Goldfield Bike Trail is very dry and lacks any major bodies of water. However, the small reservoir of Mud Lake is found just a short distance east of the BLM site, and it's a pleasant spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing for catfish. With so little water in the area, the tiny lake feels like a true oasis in the desert.

ClimbingClimbing

Nearby Death Valley National Park is an absolute paradise for any climbing enthusiasts who can handle the extreme climate. The vast park, which can reach temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, is filled with climbable canyons and rock formations. If you're an adventurous and experienced climber, you can gear up and take on climbing routes like Grotto Canyon, Telescope Peak, Styx Canyon, and the Helios Canyon Canyoneering Route — just to name a few. Make sure to stay safe and bring tons of drinking water!

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Due to the harsh climate of southern Nevada, only the most resilient species can survive there. Some of the unique animals you might spot roaming near the trail include desert bighorn sheep, foxes, coyotes, desert tortoises, mountain lions, roadrunners, and a variety of fascinating lizards, birds, and insects. Keep your eyes on the ground while walking; you wouldn't want to accidentally step on a giant desert hairy scorpion!

Picnicking

Unfortunately, you won't find any designated picnic spots at the Goldfield Bike Trail. However, there should be plenty of suitable areas around the trailhead to improvise your own casual setup.

Goldfield Ghost Town

Many visitors to the area take the time to explore the creepy Goldfield Ghost Town. Even though a couple of hundred people still live there, the town is mostly abandoned and quite spooky to walk through. The town was originally built because of a nearby gold rush, but these days, it's in decay and rumored to be haunted. For example, the Goldfield Hotel has been vacant since the end of World War II, but the building is still standing and open to brave explorers.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

RV camping is a possibility near the Goldfield Bike Trail. Although there aren't any official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, the Goldfield RV Park is only a short distance away. The campground features eight pull-through sites and two back-in sites, and all of the RV sites feature electricity, water, and sewer hookups. Clark's Custom Camp is another nearby RV camping option.

Free Camping Campground Icon

There aren't any established spots for Bureau of Land Management free camping near Goldfield, but the vast open area is filled with potential for primitive camping. The best opportunities may be in the more elevated sections of the BLM area as they tend to be more forested and should offer more seclusion. If you set up a site for BLM RV camping, remember to only do so on durable land surfaces.

RV Rentals Near Goldfield Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Goldfield BLM trip

If you're heading to the Goldfield Bike Trail BLM area, you need to prepare for the area's temperamental climate. In this part of Nevada, the days can be extremely hot, but the evenings tend to get very chilly. Between late spring and early fall, you'll want to bring clothing for both extremes.

You should also be prepared for the challenges of reaching the site. Four-wheel drive is recommended for reaching Goldfield; you'll have to navigate dirt roads through remote areas. To be as safe as possible, you should also bring extra food, water, and emergency supplies just in case your vehicle breaks down or struggles. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

To keep the area pristine and healthy, the BLM requires that you thoroughly clean up after yourself and respect the land while visiting Goldfield. You may not find any waste disposal receptacles at the site, which means that you'll need to remove all food and trash when you leave. The BLM also asks that you only observe wildlife from a safe distance and treat your fellow visitors with respect. Additionally, don't disturb or remove anything you find on the land. Finally, if you burn any campfires during your visit, keep them as small as possible and contained to designated areas.

Leave No Trace
Location

Goldfield Location

To reach the Goldfield Bike Trail from Tonopah, NV, take US Hwy 95 South toward Goldfield until you reach mile marker 20. Turn right down the graded dirt road and follow it for about one mile. At that point, you should see the Goldfield Trailhead on the left side of the dirt road.

Ready to visit Goldfield? 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.