California
California is a large, diverse state with a plethora of attractions, activities, and lifestyles to suit any traveler. California is characterized by its stunning coastline, its rugged mountain regions, the dramatic deserts of the eastern side of the state, and its vibrant culture and cosmopolitan cities. California’s coast offers amazing beaches for soaking up the sun, surfing, scuba diving, and whale watching. The state also has numerous national parks, from Yosemite in the Sierra Nevadas, to Redwood National Park on the north coast. Inland, visitors can explore the Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest and driest places in the country, or take a road trip along the famous Route 66. The state’s vibrant culture is embodied in its numerous cities, from Los Angeles and San Diego on the coast, to San Francisco and Sacramento further inland. With its diverse population and buzzing nightlife, California has something for everyone.
California has a wealth of national forests with various landscapes among them. As California is one of the most biodiverse states in the US, the national forests in California are incredibly diverse. National forests in California offer lush meadows, snow-capped mountains, towering redwood forests, ancient sequoias, and wide open desert landscapes. Visitors can explore vast beaches and sand dunes, vast expanses of coniferous and oak woodlands, and still higher elevations filled with wildflower meadows. Recreational activities in the national forests include hiking, biking, rock-climbing, skiing, boating, and fishing. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for in nature, California’s national forests provide a wide range of opportunities.
The Angeles National Forest is a federally-protected forest covering more than 655,000 acres of rugged terrain in the San Gabriel Mountains, just outside of Los Angeles. The forest offers an array of activities including camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and sightseeing. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscape, visitors can explore deep canyons and high peaks, vast meadows, and dense forests. Enjoyable family attractions like Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Autry National Center are also located nearby. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles
Los Angeles Gateway District
12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342
(818) 899-1900
San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
110 N. Wabash Avenue, Glendora, CA 91741
(626) 335-1251
Vehicle Use Maps: (Angeles, West), (Angeles, East)
The Cleveland National Forest is the southernmost national forest in the United States, located on the coastal slopes of the Peninsular Ranges in Southern California. The terrain varies from deep canyons to towering peaks, ranging from deserts to subtropical forests. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mountain lions, bald eagles, mule deer, and endangered species such as the Pacific fisher, bald eagle, and California condor. Popular activities in the forest include camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, OHV riding, and mountain biking. This national forest also provides many opportunities for educational programs and events. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/cleveland
Descanso Ranger District
3348 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine CA 91901
(619)445-6235
Vehicle Use Map (Descanso & Palomar, South)
Trabuco Ranger District
1147 East Sixth Street. Corona, CA 92879
(951)736-1811
Palomar Ranger District
1634 Black Canyon Road, Ramona CA 92065
(760)788-0250
Vehicle Use Maps: (Descanso & Palomar, South), (Palomar, North)
The Inyo National Forest is a beautiful landscape boasting a wide variety of terrain including mountain peaks, plateaus, deep canyons, alpine lakes, towering pines, and sagebrush meadows. The Inyo National Forest is home to the highest peak in the continental United States, Mount Whitney. The Inyo National Forest is known for its breathtaking scenery, which includes great views of both the Sierra Nevada and White Mountains. It is a popular destination for hikers and other outdoor adventurers, and is home to a number of endangered and threatened species. There is also a variety of recreational activities available such as camping, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and kayaking. You can check out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/
Mono Lake Ranger Station
P.O. Box 429, Lee Vining, CA 93541
(760) 647-3044
Mammoth Ranger Station
2500 HWY 203, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 924-5500
Vehicle Use Maps: (June Lake & Mammoth, Front), (Mammoth, Back)
White Mountains Ranger Station
798 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514
(760) 873-2500
Vehicle Use Maps: (Bishop & White Mountains, Front), (Bishop & White Mountains, Back)
Mt Whitney Ranger Station
640 South Main Street, P.O. Box 8, Lone Pine, CA 93545
(760) 876-6200
No Vehicle Use Map
Additional Vehicle Use Maps:
(Bald Mountain & little Antelope Valley, Front), (Bald Mountain & little Antelope Valley, Back)
(Casa Diablo & Glass Mountain, Front), (Casa Diablo & Glass Mountain, Back)
(Big Pine & Inyo Mountains, Front), (Big Pine & Inyo Mountains, Back)
The Lassen National Forest is a sprawling mountain retreat located in northeastern California. It is home to the majestic Mount Lassen, which rises to an elevation of 10,457 feet. The surrounding national forest covers 1.2 million acres and is made up of volcanic peaks, expansive wilderness areas, and large, deep lakes. There are numerous hiking trails, campgrounds and recreational opportunities available in the forest, including fishing, boating and scenic drives. The forest is also home to abundant wildlife, and visitors may be able to spot many species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Find out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/lassen
Almanor Ranger District
900 E. Hwy 36, PO Box 767, Chester, CA 96020
(530) 258-2141
Eagle Lake Ranger District
477-050 Eagle Lake Road, Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 257-4188
Hat Creek Ranger District
43225 E. Hwy. 299, PO Box 220, Fall River Mills, CA 96028
(530) 336-5521
Los Padres National Forest is a protected forest in California, spanning more than one million acres in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey Counties. It is a diverse landscape of vast chaparral stands, rugged peaks, and over 1,000 miles of streams and rivers. The forest is home to a wealth of wildlife, including mountain lions, bears, bighorn sheep, bobcats, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can explore the landscape via hiking, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding. There are also opportunities for fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, and photography. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf
Monterey Ranger District
406 S. Mildred St., King City, CA 93930
(831) 385-5434 ext. 0
Vehicle Use Maps: (Monterey, South), (Monterey, North)
Santa Lucia Ranger District
1616 Carlotti Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 925-9538
Vehicle Use Maps: (Santa Lucia), (Navajo Flats)
Santa Barbara Ranger District
3505 Paradise Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 967-3481
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mt Pinos, Ojai & Santa Barbara), (Ballinger OHV Area)
Mt. Pinos Ranger District
34580 Lockwood Valley Rd, Frazier Park, CA 93225
(661) 245-3731
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mt Pinos, Ojai & Santa Barbara), (Ballinger OHV Area)
Ojai Ranger District
1190 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-4348
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mt Pinos, Ojai & Santa Barbara), (Ballinger OHV Area)
The Mendocino National Forest is a forest located in Northern California, primarily in Mendocino, Glenn, and Lake counties. This beautiful and diverse forest covers over a million acres, including nine permanently protected wilderness areas and seven major rivers. The Mendocino National Forest is known for its towering conifers and rich bio-diversity, with some of the largest stand of old-growth redwoods in their natural habitat in the entire country. In addition, the forest contains more than 50 different species of mammals, more than 200 species of birds, and a wide range of wildflower displays in the Spring and early summer. All of this natural beauty provides a wonderful backdrop for camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and many other recreational activities. You can check out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino
Upper Lake Ranger District
10025 Elk Mountain Road, Upper Lake, California 95485
(707) 275-2361
Grindstone Ranger District
825 North Humboldt Avenue, Willows, California 95988
(530) 934-3316
Covelo Ranger District
78150 Covelo Road, Covelo, California 95428
(707) 983-6118
Red Bluff Recreaation Area
1000 Sale Lane, Red Bluff, California 96080
(530) 527-2813
The Modoc National Forest is situated in the northeastern part of California. It is a stunning landscape of ancient lava flows and rolling meadows, and features seven designated wilderness areas. These wilderness areas contain pristine lakes, alpine meadows, and vast forests of pine, fir and juniper. Popular activities include camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, off-roading and wildlife viewing – especially for spotting bald eagles. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/modoc
Big Valley Ranger District
508 South Main Street PO Box 159 Adin, CA 96006
(530) 299-3215
Vehicle Use Maps: (Big Valley, North- East), (Big Valley, North- West), (Big Valley, South- North), (Big Valley, South- South)
Devil’s Garden Ranger District
225 West 8th Street Alturas, CA 96101
(530) 233-5811
Vehicle Use Maps: (Devil’s Garden, East), (Devil’s Garden, West)
Doublehead Ranger District
49870 State Hwy 139 Tulelake, CA 96134
(530) 667-2246
Vehicle Use Maps: (Doublehead, North), (Doublehead, South)
Warner Mountain Ranger District
710 Townsend St. PO Box 220 Cedarville, CA 96104
(530) 279-6116
Vehicle Use Maps: (Warner Mountain, North), (Warner Mountain, South)
The Plumas National Forest is a stunning area of northern California with over 1 million acres of mountainous terrain, dense forests, and beautiful alpine meadows. It’s home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, mule deer, bald eagles, and numerous species of trout. Visitors to the Plumas National Forest can enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and much more. Boating, kayaking, and hunting are also popular pastimes in certain parts of the forest. Check out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas
Beckwourth Ranger District
23 Mohawk Hwy, PO Box 7, Blairsden, CA 96103
(530) 836-2575
Feather River Ranger District
875 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville, CA 95965-4699
(530) 534-6500
Mt. Hough Ranger District
39696 State Highway 70, Quincy, CA 95971
(530) 283-0555
The San Bernardino National Forest is a sprawling 1,159,146-acre forest located in Southern California. It extends from Mile High Park in San Bernardino County, to the border of Riverside and San Diego Counties, and includes part of a National Scenic Byway. This forest includes Mount San Jacinto and many other peaks, lakes, and streams. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and OHV riding. The San Bernardino National Forest also features numerous nature trails and interpretive programs, as well as several designated wilderness areas. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf
Mountaintop Ranger District
P.O. Box 290, 41374 North Shore Drive, Highway 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909)382-2790
Front Country Ranger District
1209 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek, CA 92358
(909)382-2851
San Jacinto Ranger District
P.O. Box 518, 54270 Pinecrest, Idyllwild, CA 92549
(909)382-2921
Vehicle Use Maps: (San Bernardino, North), (San Bernardino, South)
The Sequoia National Forest is located in California’s southern Sierra Nevada mountain range, spanning on both sides of the majestic snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. This forest boasts a diverse collection of vegetation, fauna, and terrain. With its rolling hills, towering pines, and old-growth Sequoia groves, Sequoia National Forest offers spectacular views and unparalleled recreation opportunities. With over 800 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, visitors can enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities in this vast and spectacular forest. Its gentle and dramatic rivers and creeks are perfect for fishing and swimming, and its numerous glacial lakes are a great destination for boating and waterskiing. There are numerous campgrounds, providing visitors with a variety of camping experiences. Check out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia
Hume Lake Ranger District
35860 East Kings Canyon Road, Dunlap, CA 93621
(559)338-2251
Kern River Ranger District – Kernville Office
11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238
(760)376-3781
Vehicle Use Maps: (Kern River, South), (Kern River, North)
Kern River Ranger District – Lake Isabella Office
7158 Lake Isabella Boulevard, Lake Isabella, CA 93240
(760)379-5646
Vehicle Use Maps: (Kern River, South), (Kern River, North), (Lake Isabella)
Western Divide Ranger District
32588 Highway 190, Springville, CA 93265
(559)539-2607
The Shasta–Trinity National Forest is a vast and diverse outdoor playground located in the northern portion of California’s Cascade Mountains. It encompasses nearly two million acres of spectacular scenery, including alpine meadows, snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, immense lakes, wild rivers, and ancient forests. Recreational activities in the forest include camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, skiing, and river rafting. The forest is also home to numerous species of wildlife, including bears, birds, elk, deer, and bald eagles. There are many points of interest in the Shasta–Trinity National Forest, such as Shasta Caverns, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the Hat Creek Radio Observatory. Find out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf
McCloud Ranger Station
P.O. Box 1620, 2019 Forest Road, McCloud, CA 96057
(530) 964-2184
Vehicle Use Maps: (McCloud, South), (McCloud, North)
Mount Shasta Ranger Station
204 West Alma, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 926-4511
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mount Shasta, North), (Mount Shasta, East)
Hayfork Ranger Station
P.O. Box 159, (111 Trinity Street), Hayfork, CA 96041
(530) 628-5227
Vehicle Use Maps: (Hayfork and Yolla Bolla, North), (Yolla Bolla, South)
Weaverville Ranger Station
P.O. Box 1190, 360 Main Street, Weaverville, CA 96093
(530) 623-2121
Vehicle Use Maps: (Weaverville, North), (Weaverville, South)
Shasta Lake Ranger Station
14225 Holiday Road, Redding, CA 96003
(530) 275-1587
Vehicle Use Maps: (Shasta Lake, West), (Shasta Lake, South)
Sierra National Forest is an outdoor paradise, located in the western Sierra Nevada Mountains in central California. This 1.3 million-acre forest is an outdoor-lover’s paradise with its rolling hills, spectacular waterfalls, and groves of pine and cedar trees. The forest is home to more than 700 miles of trails, hundreds of miles of rivers, and dozens of pristine lakes. The scenery is stunning and there is abundant wildlife including bighorn sheep, black bear and more than 200 species of birds. Visitors can enjoy activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, and much more. So if you are looking for a magical escape into nature, Sierra National Forest is the place for you. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra
High Sierra Ranger District
29688 Auberry Rd, P.O. Box 559, Prather, CA 93651
(559) 855-5355
Vehicle Use Maps: (High Sierra, Kings), (High Sierra, Dinkey- West), (High Sierra, Dinkey- East), (High Sierra, Tamarack), (High Sierra, Kaiser)
Bass Lake Ranger District
57003 Road 225, North Fork, CA 93643
(559) 877-2218
Vehicle Use Maps: (Whiskey Ridge, Front), (Whiskey Ridge, Back), (Sierra Vista, East), (Sierra Vista, West), (Miami, Front), (Miami and Mariposa, Back)
Summer Offices:
Eastwood Ranger District
Highway 168 & Kaiser Pass Huntington Lake Roads
(559) 893-6611
Dinkey Creek Ranger District
53800 Dinkey Creek Rd, Shaver Lake, CA 93664
(559) 841-3404
High Sierra Visitor Information Station
Kaiser Pass Rd, Lakeshore, CA 93634
(559) 841-8323
Forest Service Oakhurst Office
40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 658-7588
Clover Meadow Wilderness Office
Located at Clover Meadow
(559) 877-2218 (ext. 3136)
Hoopa Valley Tribal National Forest is located in Northern California and is managed by the Hoopa Valley Tribe. It covers more than 42,000 acres of ancient forest lands that have been stewarded by the Tribe for many generations. The diverse landscape of Hoopa Valley Tribal National Forest includes old-growth forests, meadows, mountains, and streams. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including bald eagles and salmon. Visitors can explore the forest by hiking, camping, fishing, and more in a sustainable and culturally responsible manner. Check out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/srnf
Gasquet Ranger District- Smith River National Recreation Area
10600 Highway 199, Gasquet, CA 95543
(707) 457-3131
Vehicle Use Maps: (Gasquet, North), (Gasquet, South)
Orleans- Ukonom Ranger District
1 Ishi Pishi Road, Orleans, CA 95556
(530) 627-3291
Vehicle Use Maps: (Orleans, North), (Orleans, South), (Ukonom)
Lower Trinity Ranger District
580 Highway 96, Willow Creek, CA 95573
(530) 629-2118
Vehicle Use Maps: (Lower Trinity, North), (Lower Trinity, Central), (Lower Trinity, South- Front), (Lower Trinity, South- Back)
Mad River Ranger District
741 Highway 36, Bridgeville, CA 95526
(707) 574-6233
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mad River, North), (Mad River, Central), (Mad River, South- Front), (Mad River, South- Back)
The Stanislaus National Forest is a beautiful outdoor destination located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It offers a wide variety of recreational activities from hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. There are 11 wilderness areas within the forest, providing many secluded areas for visitors to explore. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife and visitors can often spot black bears, mountain lions, deer, and other species. The Stanislaus National Forest is also known for its picturesque views and alpine lakes, making it an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing. Check out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus
Summit and Mi-Wok Ranger District
Highway 108 Corridor
(209) 965-3434
**Mi-Wok Ranger Station is not open to the public, however the Summit Ranger Station is.
Vehicle Use Maps: (Mi-Wok, South), (Mi-Wok, North), (Summit, South), (Summit, North)
Calaveras Ranger District
Highway 4 Corridor
(209) 795-1381
Vehicle Use Maps: (Calaveras, Southwest), (Calaveras, Northeast)
Groveland Ranger District
Highway 120 Corridor
(209) 962-7825
Vehicle Use Maps: (Groveland, North), (Groveland, South)
The Tahoe National Forest is a stunning oasis in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is home to a variety of landscapes, including granite peaks, lush forests, rushing rivers, and fragrant meadows. Popular activities in the forest include camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and backcountry skiing. The region is a great destination for stunning views, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Find out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe
American River Ranger District
22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill CA 95631
(530) 492-5631
Vehicle Use Maps: (American River, Front), (American River, Back)
Sierraville Ranger District
317 So. Lincoln St./PO Box 95, Sierraville CA 96126
(530) 994-3401
Vehicle Use Maps: (Sierraville, Front), (Sierraville, Back)
Truckee Ranger District
10811 Stockrest Springs Road, Truckee CA 96161
(530) 536-0417
Vehicle Use Maps: (Truckee, North), (Truckee, South)
Yuba River Ranger District
15924 Highway 49, Camptonville CA 95922
(530) 362-8259
Vehicle Use Maps: (Yuba River, North), (Yuba River, South)
Hoopa Valley Tribal National Forest is located in Northern California and is managed by the Hoopa Valley Tribe. It covers more than 42,000 acres of ancient forest lands that have been stewarded by the Tribe for many generations. The diverse landscape of Hoopa Valley Tribal National Forest includes old-growth forests, meadows, mountains, and streams. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including bald eagles and salmon. Visitors can explore the forest by hiking, camping, fishing, and more in a sustainable and culturally responsible manner. Find out more information here! https://www.hoopa-nsn.gov/
Hoopa Valley Tribe
11860 State Hwy 96, PO Box 1348, Hoopa, CA 95546
(530)625-4211
No Vehicle Use Maps
The Eldorado National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. It is a lush and wild area, featuring mountains, rivers, lakes, peaks and deep valleys. Within its 1.2 million acres, visitors can explore alpine meadows, rugged mountain trails, crystal clear rivers and lakes, and ancient forests of pine and fir trees. There are over three hundred miles of maintained trails and roads. Popular outdoor activities include camping, fishing, mountain biking, backpacking, rafting, kayaking, skiing, horseback riding and birdwatching. Find out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado
Placerville Ranger District
4260 Eight Mile Road Camino, CA 95709
(530)644-2324
Vehicle Use Maps: (Placerville, Front), (Placerville, Back)
Georgetown Ranger District
7600 Wentworth Springs Road Georgetown, CA 95634
(530)721-6647
Vehicle Use Maps: (Georgetown, Front), (Georgetown, Back)
Amador Ranger District
26820 Silver Drive Pioneer, CA 95666
(209)259-3774
Vehicle Use Maps: (Amador, Front), (Amador, Back)
Pacific Ranger District
7887 Highway 50 Pollock Pines, CA 95726
(530)644-2349
Vehicle Use Maps: (Pacific, Front), (Pacific, Back)
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is a large area encompassing all of the watershed that drains directly into Lake Tahoe, as well as a few other nearby areas. The LTBMU is a picturesque region, boasting pristine mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, dense forests, crystal-clear alpine lakes and meadows, and sandy beaches. It is an extremely popular and desirable area for both recreation and making a home. The LTBMU is managed through a partnership between the US Forest Service, State of California, Nevada Division of State Lands, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Washoe County, and local governments and community organizations. The LTBMU is dedicated to protecting the unique and sensitive resources within its boundaries while providing outstanding recreational opportunities in a safe and healthy environment. Find out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
35 College Drive, So. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 543-2600
Vehicle Use Maps: (Lake Tahoe Basin, South), (Lake Tahoe Basin, North)
The Klamath National Forest is a large forested area in the western part of Northern California and a part of the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion. The forest spans 1.7 million acres and features breathtaking landscapes of towering forests and small lakes in the northern mountainous region. The forest provides a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including camping, fishing, hiking, rafting, and backpacking. There are many trails and roads available for motorized and non-motorized travel. Other attractions within the Klamath National Forest include scenic overlooks, vista points, panoramic views, and wild areas full of diverse wildlife. Check out more here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/klamath/
Goosenest Ranger District- Butte Valley National Grassland
37805 Highway 97, Macdoel, CA 96058
(530) 398-4391
Vehicle Use Maps: (Goosenest, North), (Goosenest, South)
Happy Camp- Oak Knoll Ranger District
63822 CA-96, Happy Camp, CA 96039
(530) 493-2243
Vehicle Use Maps: (Happy Camp, North), (Happy Camp, South), (Oak Knoll, North), (Oak Knoll, South)
Salmon- Scott River Ranger District
11263 CA-3, Fort Jones, CA 96032
(530) 468-5351
Vehicle Use Maps: (Scott River, North), (Scott River, South), (Salmon River, North), (Salmon River, South)
The BLM public lands in California encompass a wide variety of landscapes, including deserts, open grasslands, wooded mountains, and coastal areas. There are many opportunities for recreational activities, such as camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The BLM manages more than 15 million acres of public lands in California, including seven national monuments, five wild and scenic rivers, and over 350 wilderness areas. In addition, there are many areas of protected land, such as off-highway vehicle recreation areas, wild and scenic rivers, and scenic recreational trails.
The California Desert district encompasses over 10 million acres of public and private land, stretching from the Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona in the east to the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Central California in the west. It includes the vast majority of California’s deserts, including the Mojave, Colorado, and Anza-Borrego Deserts. This immense landscape provides a unique backdrop for amazing recreation opportunities, pristine wilderness, vibrant communities, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. From majestic mountains and beautiful wildflowers to primitive deserts and vast sand dunes, the area is a land of stunning beauty. The California Desert District is home to Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, and many other recreation sites that offer camping, hiking, biking, off-road vehicle adventures, and stargazing. Check out more information in regards to the California Desert District here! https://www.blm.gov/office/california-desert-district-office
Barstow Field Office
Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311 (mailing address)
(760)252-6000
Needles Field Office
1303 S. Highway 95 Needles, CA 92363 (mailing address)
(760)326-7000
Ridgecrest Field Office
300 S. Richmond Rd. Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760)384-5400
El Centro Field Office
1661 S. 4th Street ,El Centro, CA 92243
(760)337-4400
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760)833-7100
The BLM in the Central California district consists of over 8 million acres of public lands that offer ample outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors to the district will find an array of diverse landscapes to explore, including rolling hills, deep canyons, and wide open spaces. These public lands host a variety of native plants and wildlife, making them an ideal location for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and sightseeing. Off-highway vehicle users will enjoy the many motorcycle, ATV and 4WD trails maintained by the BLM. The BLM also offers a variety of educational and volunteer programs, so visitors can learn more about the cultural and natural history of the Central California district. Find out more information regarding the Central California District here! https://www.blm.gov/office/central-california-district-office
Bakersfield Field Office
35126 McMurtrey Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661)391-6000
Central Coast Field Office
940 2nd Avenue, Marina, CA 93933
(831)582-2200
Ukiah Field Office
2550 North State Street, Suite 2, Ukiah, CA 95482
(707)468-4000
Bishop Field Office
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100, Bishop, CA 93514
(760)872-5000
Mother Lode Field Office
5152 Hillsdale Circle, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916)941-3101
The Northern California District covers the entire region from the Oregon border to the Monterey Bay area, encompassing six counties including San Francisco, Sacramento, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo. The terrain is diverse with coastal plains, valleys, and mountains. The climate is moderate with temperatures ranging from mild to warm summers and cooler winter days. The area is home to some of the most renowned restaurants, attractions, and wineries in the world. There are also natural resources such as the world’s tallest trees, giant sequoias, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. You can find out more info on the Northern California District here! https://www.blm.gov/office/northern-california-district-office
Applegate Field Office
708 W. 12th St., Alturas, CA 96101
(530)233-4666
Eagle Lake Field Office
2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130
(530)257-0456
Arcata Field Office
1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521-4573
(707)825-2300
Redding Field Office
6640 Lockheed Drive, Redding, CA 96002
(530)224-2100
California’s grasslands are a diverse and unique ecosystem, known for their vast expanses of grasses and wildflowers. The grasslands cover much of the state’s Central Valley region, and are home to a variety of plant and animal species, including many that are endemic to California. The grasses are adapted to the Mediterranean climate of California, which features hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Many species of wildlife, including birds, rodents, and ungulates, call the grasslands home, and are an important part of the ecosystem. California’s grasslands are also important agricultural areas, with much of the state’s beef and dairy industry relying on the grasses as a source of forage for cattle. Despite their importance, California’s grasslands have been greatly reduced in size due to agricultural and urban development, making the remaining grasslands even more valuable as important habitats for native species.
Butte Valley National Grassland is a unique and beautiful grassland located in northern California. Covering over 18,000 acres, the grassland is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including pronghorn antelopes, tule elk, and many species of birds. Visitors to the grassland can explore the many trails that wind through the grassy hills and valleys, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The grassland is also home to several historic sites, including old homesteads and mining camps that date back to the 1800s. The grassland is popular among birdwatchers, as it is home to several rare bird species. Visitors can also enjoy camping and picnicking in the grassland’s many recreational areas. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/klamath/about-forest/?cid=FSEPRD494406
Gooseneck Ranger District
37805 Highway 97, Macdoel, CA 96058
(530) 398-4391
tips and tricks
Many beaches in southern California have free public outdoor showers! Definitely utilize these!
Know the laws and regulations – Study up on the laws in the area you’re in, such as parking restrictions, noise laws, and open burning laws. Most cities have different restrictions for living in a van full-time, so make sure you’re aware of them.
Embrace the outdoors – Taking in all that Cali has to offer while living in a van can be incredibly rewarding. From great surfing spots to stunning national parks, California is full of outdoor activities.
Keep it clean – Living in a van full-time can be a challenge when it comes to keeping the vehicle clean and tidy. Try to use the same few items so that you don’t accumulate too much clutter, and keep a regular rotation of domestic chores such as emptying the loo and giving everything a good mop through.
do’s and dont’s
Research the weather and pack accordingly, as California can have varying climates depending on the region and time of year.
Bring a jacket and an umbrella – even if it isn’t raining where you are, the weather can change quickly in California.
Don’t litter – California has tough penalties for careless waste disposal.
Dont underestimate traffic and travel time, especially in major cities during rush hour!
