Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Located in Washington County, Utah, Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area is a massive mountain and desert area that spans over 63,000-acres of land. It is a beautiful and picturesque area maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. Visiting this area will soon show you why people come from all over to vacation here. There are plenty of fun activities to do here, such as horseback riding, rock climbing, and ATV riding.
Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area has plenty of camping spots nearby if you want to spend a weekend there in your RV. This area is a perfect spot if you're looking to escape the chilling temperatures of winter and spend some time in the warm desert. Getting there is a breeze for many visitors since the conservation area borders multiple states including Arizona and Nevada.
The Beaver Dam Wash itself is considered a seasonal stream and it gets its name from the several beaver dams that were once built on the water. There are a variety of different plants and wildlife that can be found in the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area. You'll likely find an array of different types of cacti, along with critters such as the desert tortoise and Mojave rattlesnake.
RV Rentals in Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area
Transportation
Driving
Getting to Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area it's fairly easy because it is located in the southwestern corner of Utah, bordering Nevada and Arizona. Being so close to three states makes it much easier for visitors from all over to visit the conservation area. If you're coming from the St. George area, take Highway 18 north to get to Beaver Dam Wash Conservation Area. If you're coming from any area around the borders of Nevada or Arizona, you'll be able to hop onto Old US Highway 91. This will bring you straight into the national conservation area.
The surrounding roads are paved and easy to access by all types of vehicles. There are plenty of brown road signs to help guide you to the conservation area entrance throughout the route there. You might encounter a few tight curves along the way. If you have a larger vehicle, such as RVs, you may need to take it a little slower than a standard sedan or SUV.
Even though this is in the desert, the mountains are surrounding the area. This could present traveling difficulties if you're coming from St. George, Utah or the northwestern corner of Arizona. Be sure to check online before your trip to see if there are any active road closures.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area
Campsites in Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area
First-come first-served
Beaver Dam State Park
Beaver Dam State Park is actually located in both Utah and Nevada. It is open all year round and offers a beautiful environment to enjoy the great outdoors. Each campsite has its own fire pit, picnic table and parking available for one vehicle and a small trailer. There are no reservations, campers are able to get a spot on a first-come, first-served basis.
The campsite offers vault toilets for campers and drinking water is only available from April until November. Each campsite is far enough away from the other that you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature surrounding you.
There is a maximum stay of 14 days per month. They also offer a group area campground that has yard games such as horseshoes, table space for over 50 people, and a picnic pavilion. There are many activities for campers to take part in such as hiking, fishing, picnicking, and more.
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
Another beautiful BLM campground is the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. This is an 11 site campground that is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Many campers enjoy going hiking, rock climbing, checking out historical sites, and even looking at dinosaur tracks from many years ago. Camping is relatively inexpensive and there is plenty of room for everyone.
If you decide to go camping in the summer, be aware of extreme temperatures, as it can get incredibly hot there. This campground does offer potable water, flushing toilets, vault toilets, and even horseback riding. Each campsite has a picnic table for your convenience. If you're camping in an RV you may need to know that there are no hookups available.
Even though the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and Campground is relatively close to the freeway, you will still feel rather secluded in nature. You will be next to Quail Creek and surrounded by beautiful large bluffs and cliffs.
Baker Reservoir Recreation Area
Baker Reservoir Recreation Area and Campground is an absolutely stunning place to spend a few nights on vacation. You'll be surrounded by mountains in the distance as well as water close by. Campers who stay here enjoy fishing in the reservoir picnicking on summer days, and hiking around to see the beautiful scenery up close.
There are 16 campsites available to campers in RVs, trailers, and tents. There are picnic tables available at each campsite at Baker Reservoir Recreation Area, as well as toilets. There are no hookups for RVs, but pets and campfires are allowed. This is one of the smaller BLM campgrounds, but that just makes it all the more peaceful and relaxing.
Camping is available from April through December at Baker Reservoir. It may be important to note that there is an RV maximum size of 25 feet allowed there. Overall, this place is a must-see when visiting Utah and makes a great place to camp.
Seasonal activities in Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area
In-Season
Climbing
If you're interested in rock climbing, visiting Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area will give you the opportunity to take part in the sport. One of the more popular rocks that people climb is Kelly's Rock.
There are more than 20 bolted named routes here and the surface consists of solid limestone. Be sure to plan your rock climbing adventure with specific times in mind, as knowing the angle of the sun can greatly benefit your experience.
Hiking
There are several hiking trails all around Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area. You can brave West Mountain Peak and climb to an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet.
If you plan on doing so, make sure you bring the proper gear with you such as hiking sticks and hiking boots. With that being said, there are paved roads and less intense trails for people who are looking for a less vigorous walk in the desert.
Horseback Riding
Another popular activity is horseback riding. If this sounds like a fun activity to you, make sure you bring your own horses, as there are none to rent nearby. Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area has specific areas for horseback riding including plenty of trails.
Since this is the desert, make sure you're not taking the horses out for a ride when it's far too hot, and know that they can safely drink from the seasonal stream.
Off-Season
OHV Riding
Speaking of trails, there are plenty of OHV and ATV riding trails available to guests of Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area. There are a few rocky parts that may be a little tough to get through, but this can also add to the fun.
There are paved roads, unimproved roads, and natural terrain to ride your OHV or ATV. Since the conservation area is in the middle of the desert, make sure that kids are being watched closely and that everyone is wearing proper safety gear. Since this conservation area is in the middle of the desert, make sure that kids are being watched and that everyone is wearing proper safety gear.
Biking
Extreme biking is a unique sport that not a lot of people know about. There are plenty of amazing spots all throughout Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area to explore on two wheels. Because the terrain can be rocky and uneven, it is important to wear a helmet and padding.
This is a great way to get around outdoors and see the scenery of this national conservation area. If extreme biking isn't your thing, rest assured knowing that there are plenty of casual paths and trails that you can take advantage of.
Wildlife Watching
Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area is the perfect place to see animals that you may not see in your hometown. There are several different types of lizards, snakes, insects, mammals, and birds in the Mojave desert to view.
You may want to bring a pair of binoculars with you on your trip so that you can better see the different types of birds along with other types of animals. Depending on where you're staying, you may even be able to see desert tortoise or rattlesnakes. These can be found in the lower elevation areas.
