The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
For anyone who enjoys adventure and spending time in nature, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping is worth trying out. The BLM administers a variety of diverse natural areas all over the United States, each of which has something unique to offer visitors. Things you'll find at BLM sites include peaceful campgrounds, unique landmarks, beautiful scenery, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. If you're interested in checking out some of these sites, you can discover the ones in your area by searching online for "BLM camping near me."
Located in northwestern Utah, the California National Historic Trail (NHT), Bidwell-Bartelson Route is one of numerous BLM-protected locations in Utah. The scenic trail is located roughly 90 miles northwest of Salt Lake City, UT, with the massive Great Salt Lake situated in between. The hiking trail at the site is a landmark with a fascinating history, and visitors can also enjoy nearby opportunities for primitive camping, biking, wildlife viewing, and other activities.
The White Pine Lake Trail is a breathtaking out-and-back trail near Logan, UT. The route takes hikers through lush woodlands and offers wonderful views and a peaceful environment. The best times to visit are between July and October, and you can bring your dogs with you as long as they stay leashed.
Length: 7.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Another excellent trail near Logan is the Wind Cave Trail, which features a scenic canyon hike and a variety of unique rock formations. The route isn't overly difficult to navigate, but there is a fair bit of climbing required. This trail can become muddy after significant rainfall, so it's wise to check the weather forecast ahead of time. The ideal times to explore the Wind Cave Trail are between March and November.
Length: 4.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located in the Mount Naomi Wilderness, the Temple Fork Sawmill Trail is a beautiful out-and-back trail suitable for hikers of all ability levels. In addition to hiking, the route is a popular spot for trail running and bird watching as well. The area features a river, colorful wildflowers, and a variety of wildlife species.
Length: 5.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
If you travel southeast of the Bidwell-Bartelson Route BLM site, you'll find several bodies of water that are ripe for fishing and boating. One great option is to head to Willard Bay State Park, where you'll find the warm waters of Willard Bay. There, you can spend your day boating, swimming, waterskiing, or fishing for catfish, black crappie, bluegill, wiper, and smallmouth bass.
If you're a climbing enthusiast, one of the best options in the region is the City of Rocks National Reserve, which is located in southern Idaho near the Idaho-Utah border. The gorgeous area features wonderful granite formations and many routes for both traditional and sport climbing. There are routes in the area suited for a variety of climbing skill levels, and the views are spectacular.
If you're a birding enthusiast, you'll definitely want to visit the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, which is located east of the Bidwell-Bartelson Route BLM site. The refuge is home to a variety of awesome avian species, including the American avocet, cinnamon teal, black-necked stilt, white-faced ibis, tundra swan, long-billed curlew, American white pelican, and many others.
Although there may not be any picnic tables or shelters found at the Bidwell-Bartelson Route BLM site, there should be plenty of suitable areas to lay out a picnic blanket along the trail. One great option is to set up your picnic at the trailhead and enjoy your lunch before the hike. Alternatively, you could take a break at the halfway point and have some food to replenish your energy. Either way, you'll be eating in a scenic, serene environment.
You can partake in BLM RV camping around the California NHT, Bidwell-Bartelson Route, but the site doesn't feature any official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. So you can either set up a primitive campsite or travel to one of the area's modern RV campgrounds. One of the nearest RV parks to the BLM site is the Earp & James Hitching Post RV Park, which offers full-hookup campsites for only $35 per night.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is an excellent option at the Bidwell-Bartelson Route BLM site. The area features quite a bit of open space, but if you travel a bit north of the area, you'll find hills, mountains, and woodlands that offer more opportunities for secluded dispersed camping.
When you're planning a trip to the California NHT, Bidwell-Bartelson Route BLM site, you should plan for the remote location of the site. Located out in the deserts of northwestern Utah, the trail is quite far from any significant towns. There also aren't any services or amenities offered at the site, so you'll need to come prepared with drinking water, food that's simple to prepare, and any other supplies that you anticipate needing during your trip.
Because of the site's remote location, there also may be limited or inconsistent cellphone service in the area. Let your friends or family know where you'll be traveling beforehand and plan for not being able to contact anyone while you're in the area. You should also bring along a first-aid kit and emergency supplies to prepare for the possibility of getting stranded or lost. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While you're visiting the California NHT, Bidwell-Bartelson Route, make an effort to minimize your impact on the natural land. You won't find any trash receptacles around the trail, so if you produce any garbage or food waste, take it with you when you leave the site.
To reach the California NHT, Bidwell-Bartelson Route BLM site from Salt Lake City, travel north on Interstate 84 until you reach exit 5 for Curlew Junction. Take the exit; then, head west on SR 30. When you reach Dove Creek Road, turn toward the southeast, and that will take you to the BLM site trailhead.
Ready to visit California National Historic Trail (NHT), Bidwell-Bartelson Route? 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.
