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 maintains nearly 22 million acres of land in Utah, which accounts for around 42% of the state. In Utah, the BLM maintains various environments, including deserts, forests, mountains, canyons, and river corridors. These environments support a wide range of plant and animal species and different recreational options for RVers. BLM RV camping in Utah allows visitors to enjoy the beauty and wildness of the state's public lands. Most of Utah's BLM campgrounds are first come, first served. However, some require reservations. When RV camping, a free overnight permit is required for dispersed camping outside designated campgrounds in Utah. In addition, you are asked to use existing camping spots and fire rings if they are present. The Topaz Internment Camp BLM Site, located near Delta, Utah, monumentalizes the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The site serves as a reminder of a sad chapter in American history. Topaz Internment Camp has a desert climate, with hot summers and chilly winters. The Great Basin National Park, and Fishlake National Forest are among the region's most popular attractions.
The Swasey Peak Trail is about 49 miles west of the Topaz Internment Camp. It offers a challenging hike up to an overlook, then a more gradual incline to the last leg to the summit of Swasey Peak. Length: 4.1 miles Intensity: Moderate
Notch Peak Trail is popular for birding, hiking, and rock climbing. The trail starts with a gentle incline and involves some rock scrambling in the middle. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding area and Wheeler Peak in the distance. The trailhead is approximately 48 miles southwest of the Topaz Internment Camp. Length: 8.8 miles Intensity: Challenging
Gunnison Bend Reservoir offers boating and fishing about 15 miles southeast of the Topaz Internment Camp. It is a popular local spot for anglers to try their luck catching bass and catfish. The public park features a boat dock and restrooms.
Besides fishing and boating, Gunnison Bend Reservoir is a great spot to view wildlife. Several types of migrating waterfowl use the reservoir as a resting spot, including ducks, egrets, cranes, and geese. Alternatively, you may spot a coyote, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and antelope at the Topaz Internment Camp or while exploring the surrounding area.
Delta City Park has several picnic tables in the shade and restrooms. There is also a playground and a creek running through the park with a small rock waterfall.
If you want more amenities than BLM RV camping in the area offers, there are several campgrounds near Delta. Buckhorn RV Park and Resort is a family-friendly campground with big pull-through RV spots and full hookups. There are also shower facilities, a playground, and a laundry. Portal RV Resort and Oak Grove Campground are good options with similar amenities.
There is Bureau of Land Management free camping available near the Pahvant Valley Heritage Trailhead, which is located on the northern outskirts of Delta. You can locate other BLM sites once in the area by searching "BLM camping near me" on your device.
You may want to plan a visit to the Topaz Internment Camp Museum in Delta before going to the actual BLM site. The museum has models, videos, media displays, and artifacts designed to show you what daily life was like for Americans of Japanese ancestry at Topaz. None of the people held at Topaz were ever convicted or even charged with a crime, yet were confined, some for four years, in camps surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards. The museum is 16 miles southeast of the BLM site and is open every day except Sundays. The Topaz Internment Camp and the campgrounds in the surrounding area are in an arid environment, so bringing along plenty of water is essential. It is recommended that you have a gallon of water per person available per day. Having a hat and sunscreen to protect your skin is also a good idea. If you plan to take advantage of dispersed camping in the area, it is also necessary to check the local fire regulations beforehand to know if it is okay to have a campfire before setting up camp. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near the Topaz Internment Camp are located in rural places away from the bustle and noise of city life. They provide a tranquil and secluded camping experience. The campsites also offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy your vacation. However, it takes careful planning to stay comfortable at dispersed campgrounds without amenities. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
RVers and other outdoor enthusiasts can use "Leave No Trace" guidelines to enjoy public lands while minimizing environmental impact. On BLM lands, be mindful of the surroundings and the wildlife by packing out everything you packed in and leaving your campsite in good order.
Travel southwest from Nephi on Highway 132 for approximately 34 miles to the village of Lynndyl and the junction with Highway 6. Continue south on US Highway 6 for around five miles before turning west onto US Highway 174. Drive 37 miles northwest on Brush Wellman Road to the designated dirt road leading to the Topaz Internment Camp BLM site. LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 39.709429, -112.7729 Ready to visit Topaz Internment Camp? 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.
