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, or BLM, oversees and administers public lands in the United States. Initially built as a stock and irrigation pond, the 530-acre Chickahominy Reservoir is the main attraction of the Bureau of Land Management's Chickahominy Recreation Site in Oregon. The BLM public land is particularly famous for fishing, but you can also engage in hiking, seasonal camping, boating, and wildlife viewing. For guests who want to camp, Chickahominy Recreation Site Campground on the reservoir's banks offers incredible BLM RV camping opportunities. Even though Chickahominy Recreation Site is a Bureau of Land Management free camping site, guests must pay a small fee to access the public land. The area has plenty of amenities and is well-kept to enhance the camping experience. After having fun at this public land, you can head over to Crater Lake National Park, which is about 200 miles south. Search "BLM camping near me" to find other amazing Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the region.
Idlewild Loop Trail is a single-track hiking and biking trail near the Chickahominy Recreation Site. Generally considered an easy route, the trail is open for pets, but they must be on a leash not longer than six feet. Length: 3 miles Intensity: Easy
Myrtle Park Road Trail is an amazing hiking trail at the Malheur National Forest that cuts through ponderosa pines and across various stream banks. A small picnic area is along the trail with a picnic table and a fire ring. Length: 8 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Misery Ridge Trail is another great hiking trail near the Chickahominy Recreation Site. Since it's closed to mountain bikers and equestrians, this trail offers a quiet hiking experience along a river with beautiful views of the famous Smith Rock. The steep path has been stabilized with stairs added to the trail, but they undergo considerable erosion, so watch your step. You can either turn around from the summit and head back down or continue down the back end of the summit for a 3.7-mile loop that goes along the river. Length: 1 mile Difficulty: Moderate
Fishing is the most common recreational activity for RVers who visit the Chickahominy Recreation Site. The reservoir, which is one of the best fishing places in Oregon, is abundant with rainbow trout. You can do some ice fishing if you visit this BLM site during the winter months. There is a fish washing station on site for safe cleaning and disposal of waste. Boating is possible in the vast waterbody, especially during warm months. No boat rentals are on the site, so you will have to bring yours or rent one privately.
Wildlife viewing at this site is possible at any time of the year. The lands surrounding the Chickahominy Recreation Site are home to multiple wildlife species including coyotes, Columbian white-tailed deer and jackrabbits. If you're lucky, you may also see black bears and river otters. Local birds include bald eagles, burrowing owls, and great horned owls.
Chickahominy Recreation Site is a magnificent place for picnicking. The area has two picnic areas fully packed with shelters, picnic tables, and fire grills. Guests do not need to make reservations because the shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The best place for organized RV camping when you visit this area is pet-friendly Chickahominy Recreation Site Campground. The campground includes 29 sites, all of which accommodate RVs. Aside from having picnic tables and fire grills, the campsites can access water collection points and toilets. While camping is technically free, the BLM requires guests to pay $8 per vehicle per night at each site, and the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can drive to the Palomino Hills Wilderness Study Area for free camping opportunities. The 5,700-acre BLM public land is open for dispersed camping all year round. At this site, you will have to carry water and other necessary supplies because the Bureau of Land Management free camping zones are primitive and lack important amenities.
Proper planning is critical to enjoying your BLM camping trip to the Chickahominy Recreation Site. Because of its remote location, this site experiences poor phone service, so be sure to have a backup plan. Leave your itinerary with friends or family, and consider carrying a satellite phone. The region often experienced strong winds all year round, regardless of the season, so be ready to tie everything down. The climate of Chickahominy Recreation Site can be very cold, so carry warm clothing. Pack enough food, drinking water, and cookware if you are planning to stay for a few days. Also, carry flashlights, a first aid kit, and insect repellant. Do not forget to get all the required licenses and permits to enter this BLM site. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors to Chickahominy Recreation Site must respect this BLM site by leaving no trace. Bury human and pet waste far from water bodies and trails. Collect trash and put it in a designated garbage bin once you leave. Do not interfere with animals and plants. Explore the area responsibly and always be considerate of other guests. You will help preserve resources in this beautiful recreation site by following these guidelines.
You can easily reach the Chickahominy Recreation Site from Burns, Oregon. From the city, take Highway 20 West for about 32 miles to milepost 100; then, go right onto Chickahominy entrance road. Address: Bureau of Land Management Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hine, Oregon 97738 Ready to visit the Chickahominy Recreation Site? 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.
