The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management sites are federally managed lands open to the public. RVers can seek out these areas to enjoy outdoor recreation and take advantage of Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. These camping sites are frequently near popular destinations and may have amenities like picnic tables and restrooms. In Nevada, there is typically a 14-day stay limit at these camping areas. In addition, the agency asks that you observe local fire regulations and refrain from lighting a campfire when fire bans are in effect. Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is in southern Nevada, 15 miles west of Las Vagas. The conservation area is the first one established in the state and is popular for hiking, rock climbing, biking, and its scenic drive. Nearby attractions include La Madre Mountains Wilderness and Turtlehead Mountain. In addition, Death Valley National Park is a little over an hour's drive away.
Enjoy views of sandstone formations, rolling hills, and Las Vegas while you explore the Calico Tanks Trail. The hike starts easy, with the first mile being mostly flat. After this point, some rock scrambling is involved, and the trail gets steeper. Length: 2.3 miles Intensity: Hard
Ice Box Canyon Trail is an out-and-back trail through the Ice Box Canyon. The canyon got its name because there is a waterfall, and the walls block the sunlight making it significantly cooler than the surrounding area. This trail requires some bouldering to reach the turnaround point. Length: 2.1 miles Intensity: Difficult
Early in this hike, you can take a break and examine some petroglyphs on the canyon walls. Additionally, the view from the summit is worth the effort of taking on the rest of this strenuous route. At the top, you will get a bird's eye view of the Vegas strip framed by red canyons and Sandstone Quarry. Length: 4.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
This trail goes all the way up to the base of Mount Wilson. Along the way is a waterfall and spectacular views of Red Rock Valley below. This route is a good choice for a leisurely hike with plenty of stopping points and scenic views. Length: 3.4 miles Intensity: Easy
Anglers can go fishing at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Lake Mead is home to rainbow trout, striped bass, largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. Additionally, you can swim at Willow Beach, and there is a boat ramp for canoers and kayakers who want to paddle the lake.
Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area offers various rock climbing opportunities, ranging from Grade I to Grade VI routes. Both sports climbing and bouldering are popular in the area. Because the routes are primarily sandstone, which gets slippery when wet, it is recommended that you wait 24 hours after a rainstorm before taking on the climbing available in this area.
You may see gray foxes, burros, and mule deer in Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for white-crowned sparrows, Cooper's hawks, and ruby-crowned kinglets. Sagebrush lizards and western fence lizards are other wildlife that you can keep an eye out for.
In the conservation area, you can picnic at Red Rock Scenic Overlook Area, Willow Springs Picnic Area, Red Spring Picnic Area, or Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center Picnic Area. History buffs may want to head to Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, where you can learn about the lives of early settlers during your picnic.
BLM RV camping is available at Red Rock Canyon Campground, which is two miles from the visitor center. It's open from September through June and allows cats and dogs. Sites are suitable for RVs up to 45 feet long. The campground has picnic tables, grills, fire rings, potable water, and vault toilets.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping, which is 7.5 miles from Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. To locate other free sites once in the area, you can search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone or tablet.
There is only one developed campground at Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area, which can fill up quickly during peak season. You should make reservations as far ahead as possible before your trip. You can make reservations up to six months ahead of time. You should be aware there are no campfires allowed during the summer months in the area, so you will have to bring along a camp stove to cook food if there is not one in your RV. In addition, you will have to bring your firewood during other seasons because there is none available at the campground. Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area and other BLM sites in the area offer a beautiful desert camping experience. However, these camping opportunities offer few amenities, so you will need to plan your trip carefully. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace principles were developed to protect the land's natural beauty for current and future outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Always clean up when leaving your campsite and dispose of trash properly. Also, while exploring desert environments, staying on marked trails and not disturbing plant life is essential, as these arid areas are delicate habitats.
From Las Vegas, travel along US-95 North for 5.6 miles. Take exit 81B to North Rainbow Boulevard for 1.3 miles, then turn right onto West Charleston Boulevard and drive 6.6 miles. West Charleston Boulevard turns into Red Rock Canyon Road, which will take you into Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. Latitude / Longitude: 36.1355, -115.4279 Ready to visit Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area? 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.
