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BLM Camping

Lake Abert and Abert Rim

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

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Lake Abert and Abert Rim

BLM sites are areas of unincorporated public lands that a government agency, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), sets aside and preserves for visitors to enjoy. Some sites have historic or environmental importance while others offer recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, or wildlife viewing. To find out more about locations close to you, search for "BLM camping near me."

One fantastic place to go BLM RV camping is Abert Lake and Abert Rim in south-central Oregon. Abert Lake is the only saltwater lake in Oregon, and it attracts many species of birds and other waterfowl. Abert Rim stands 2,500 feet over the lake, and it’s the longest exposed fault scarp, which is an extremely deep cut or erosion in a slope or hillside, in North America. Lake Abert and Abert Rim offers excellent photography and wildlife viewing opportunities plus plenty of hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking options. The closest national parks to the area are Crater Lake National Park, two and a half hours to the southwest, and Lassen Volcanic National Park, three hours and 33 minutes to the southwest in California.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Bullard Canyon Trail

This trail is located in Lakeview, which is a half-hour southwest of Abert Lake and Abert Rim, and it offers beautiful views of the landscape.

Length: 4.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Cottonwood Meadows Trail

This peaceful trail, an hour southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim, meanders through both woods and meadows and is a great way to view wildlife.

Length: 3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Guano Creek Trail

This trail offers a quiet, secluded hike through a more remote region of the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.

Length: 4.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Abert Rim Trail

This trail can be a bit steep, but it offers stunning views of both the surrounding landscape and the wildlife at Abert Lake.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Hard

Fishing and Boating

Since Lake Abert is a saltwater lake, it’s not ideal for fishing. However, fishing enthusiasts can stop at the nearby Campbell and Deadhorse Lakes, both of which offer excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Brown and rainbow trout are some of the most commonly caught fish in the area.

Wildlife Viewing

There is a designated Watchable Wildlife Area not far from Lake Abert and Abert Rim on Route 395. This area is perfect for observing migratory birds. The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is also located near Abert Lake. Visitors to the area can spot antelope but also cranes, Canada geese, bighorn sheep, ducks, mule deer, and sage grouse.

Picnicking

Chandler State Wayside, located just 12 minutes southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim, is a quiet spot for a picnic. There are a few picnic tables, and the wayside is conveniently located on the way from Lakeview to Lake Abert. Visitors can also picnic at the Abert Lake Watchable Wildlife Area, although there are no tables or fire rings.

Snowmobiling and Skiing

During the winter months, many snow activities are popular in the region. Snowmobilers can ride along any wide trail, and cross-country skiing is popular along many of the local hiking trails.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are several excellent options for RV camping near Lake Abert and Abert Rim. Oregon Outback RV Park, which is 10 minutes southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim, offers full hookups and a dump station plus a laundry facility. Ana Reservoir RV Park, an hour northwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim, also has large spots, beautiful views of the scenery, full hookups, and a laundry facility. Junipers Reservoir RV Park, which is 40 minutes to the southwest, offers a laundry area, a dump station, and spacious areas for picnics that include grills and fire pits.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is permitted in Lake Abert and Abert Rim as there are numerous pullouts on US Route 395 where you can park your RV. Be advised that, as with most Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, there are no restrooms or drinking water available. Ten minutes southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim is Chewaucan Crossing Campground. There are five campsites, each with a fire ring and picnic table, and a vault toilet. Another free place to stay is Cox Pass Trailhead, 34 minutes southwest of Lake Abert and Abert Rim.

RV Rentals Near Lake Abert and Abert Rim Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Lake Abert and Abert Rim BLM trip

The Lake Abert and Abert Rim area mostly experiences mild weather during the spring, summer and fall months. Summer temperatures can reach the mid-80s, but because the area is so arid, the nights can become chilly very quickly, even after a warm day. Winter temperatures usually dip below freezing, but daytime highs can be in the 40s even in December and January. If you’re planning on BLM RV camping in the area, however, it’s always a good idea to dress in layers and pack for varying temperatures.

Lake Abert is relatively remote, and there are few amenities. The area doesn’t provide any water, so make sure to always carry everything you need with you.

Whenever you plan to go Bureau of Land Management camping, it’s a smart idea to double-check policies before you head out. Most BLM campgrounds allow for stays of up to 14 days within a month. And, usually, two tents and up to eight people can stay at one site, but this can vary from location to location. Most BLM sites don’t take reservations, so call ahead to make sure there’s enough space. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

If you’re staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or exploring a natural area, it’s crucial to leave as little trace as possible in order to protect those wild spaces. There are few amenities available at Lake Abert and Abert Rim, so take all your trash with you when you leave if a trash can isn’t available. Only camp or make fires in designated areas, and only make fires when the fire danger is low. It’s always best to disturb the plants and animals in the area as little as possible, so observe animals from a distance, and don’t take any plants or rocks home with you.