The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
BLM sites are protected unincorporated public lands that offer camping, recreational activities, and glimpses into the scenery and history of a particular natural area. Each place features different amenities and opportunities for exploration and adventure. To find out which sites offer camping, search for "BLM camping near me."
The Shooting Gallery, located near Alamo, Nevada, is a beautiful area in the Pahranagat Valley. This BLM site near Badger Mountain provides beautiful scenic views and many opportunities for wildlife viewing. Most people visit the gallery to explore the area's rich archeological history, including prehistoric campsites, hunting areas, and rock art.
This trail, which is open all year, offers beautiful views of the lake and is an excellent bird-watching area.
Length: 0.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
This beautiful trail offers gorgeous views, and hikers can also see some of the area's petroglyphs as they walk.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Walking this trail located in the nearby Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is a great way to take in the area's natural beauty and view some native animals.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
This secluded trail is generally quiet. It's one of the best trails in the area for viewing migratory birds.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail offers views of the lake and is a spectacular place to spot wildlife, including many of the area's bird species.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Upper Pahranagat Lake is a great spot for fishing, and anglers often catch crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass. Nesbitt Lake also has catfish and largemouth bass. The Eagle Valley and Echo Canyon Reservoirs are also good for rainbow trout fishing. Visitors to Echo Canyon Reservoir can catch largemouth bass and crappie, whereas those who explore Eagle Valley Reservoir often catch brown trout.
One of the best areas for rock climbing in the region is the Alamo Box Canyon, which offers many unique bouldering opportunities. The upper half of the canyon is the best spot for climbing.
The Shooting Gallery is a great place to view wildlife, but visitors can also explore the nearby Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. Species native to the region include mule deer, rabbits, desert tortoises, coyotes, mountain lions, and several species of snakes and lizards. The area is also a haven for migrating and native birds, including bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, tundra swans, sandhill cranes, peregrine falcons, Southwestern willow flycatchers, osprey, and golden eagles.
There are several great picnic areas throughout the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. These designated areas include covered picnic tables, and there are also bathrooms. The Cathedral Rock Picnic Area also has many picnic tables, as well as beautiful scenery.
The area around the Shooting Gallery and Alamo offers some excellent RV camping options. Picketts RV Park is one of the most popular options. It has full hookups, bathrooms and showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station. RV campers can also enjoy free camping throughout the nearby Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.
Bureau of Land Management free camping options in the region around the Shooting Gallery include Upper Lake Campground, which is located in the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. The campground is open all year, seven days a week, and every site is free. There is also a visitor center where you can get more information about the area. Desert Pass Campground also offers free camping, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
Temperatures in the region around the Shooting Gallery are usually mild and pleasant from October through May, but they climb as the season turns to summer. However, even on the warmest days, nights can be very cold. The temperature drops quickly, so be prepared for cold weather if you plan to stay out late or go BLM RV camping in the area. The region is also very dry, which makes for beautiful weather but can also lead to dehydration. Scout out areas where you can refill your water supply and always carry plenty of water while enjoying recreational activities.
It's common for people visiting the area around the Shooting Gallery to spot snakes, and some of these snakes can be venomous. Keep an eye out for any snakes sunning themselves so that you can avoid them. If you encounter a snake, give it space and allow it to move away peacefully. Never try to move or disturb a snake.
Policies change from BLM site to site, so it's always a good idea to check ahead as you plan your trip. Some sites limit how long you can camp in an area. For example, most sites limit stays to 14 days, but some sites have a limit of ten or even seven days. Other sites are designated as day-use-only areas. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All natural areas, including Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, deserve respect and protection. Leave No Trace policies help to enforce this. Don't litter — always throw away any trash — and if you see litter, pick it up. Stay on the trails or roads in the area so that you don't disturb the local flora and fauna. Watch animals from a distance. Make sure the fire danger rating is low before you start a fire, and only build a fire in a designated, contained space.
From Alamo, drive about 9.5 miles west on Repeater Road. At Hilltop Road, turn north and continue for about .25 miles until you see the parking area for the Shooting Gallery.
Ready to visit Shooting Gallery? 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.
