Click here for up-to-date information on changes to closures, facilities and services in California in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
BLM California COVID-19 Updates
The BLM continues to work with local, state, and federal officials to support responsible recreation on public lands throughout California. Because the safety of our visitors and employees is our top priority, some areas including developed campgrounds, restrooms and other facilities may be temporarily closed. We encourage visitors to check the list of temporarily closed sites and amenities below before planning their visit.
Additionally, the BLM is temporarily restricting in-person public access to visitor centers and public rooms in our California offices. Please check with individual offices regarding specific facilities and services available. Visit https://on.doi.gov/38ZT5OI for a complete list of BLM California contact information.
Despite facility closures, millions of acres of BLM-managed public lands across California remain open to enjoy, as long as you do so responsibly and safely. Click here for more Responsible Recreation tips.
Here’s how you can explore opportunities to recreate responsibly:
✅Find a recreation site that matches with what you want to do. Do you want to hike? Go fishing? Camping? https://www.blm.gov/visit
✅ Next, make sure that site is currently open by checking our COVID-19 closure list below. We will remove sites from the list as they re-open.
✅ Finally, check this interactive map to see if there are any fire or target shooting restrictions: https://go.usa.gov/xwRdk
Remember to plan ahead, be responsible, be safe and above all, have fun!
Northern California District
The following areas in the Northern California District are temporarily closed.
Eagle Lake Field Office
Redding Field Office
Central California District
The following areas in the Central California District are temporarily closed.
Bakersfield Field Office
Bishop Field Office
Note: Horton Creek Campground and Crowley Lake Campground are currently closed for the season and will remain closed.
Mother Lode Field Office
Note: South Yuba Campground is currently closed for the season and will remain closed.
California Desert District
The following areas in the California Desert District are temporarily closed.
Barstow Field Office
- Borehole
- Desert Discovery Center
- Sawtooth Canyon Campground
- Owl Canyon Campground
- Afton Canyon Campground
El Centro Field Office
- Hot Springs Day Use Area (including parking lot, tubs and pool)
- Lark Canyon Campground (both upper and lower areas)
- Cottonwood Campground (both east and west areas)
Needles Field Office
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
Ridgecrest Field Office
Long-Term Visitor Areas
The Bureau of Land Management in California is planning to offer normal services and facilities at the Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVA) for the upcoming winter season. The season will begin on schedule on September 15 at the following LTVAs:
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
- Midland
- Mule Mountain
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, permits are available by appointment only. Please call (760) 567-4191 to schedule an appointment. When arriving on-site, select a site which provides adequate social distance from other visitors and recreate responsibly.
El Centro Field Office
- Hot Springs (The Hot Springs Tub area will remain closed to implement Imperial County guidance)
- Pilot Knob
- Tamarisk
BLM staff will continue monitoring COVID-19 guidelines from state and local health officials, and we will adjust operations as needed to comply with those guidelines.
While we plan to maintain facilities and services as we do each year, LTVA visitors can be best prepared by bringing their own sanitation supplies such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer. We remind our visitors to follow the CDC’s guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including maintaining social distancing, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and staying home if you feel sick.
We continue to keep most BLM public lands in California accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing the public to have a place to be socially distant, together. We appreciate our visitors’ cooperation in making this winter’s LTVA season a successful one.
Recreate Responsibly
Be Prepared
- Plan ahead and be prepared to change your plans.
- Check with local offices for current conditions, including closures and changes in service, before visiting popular areas and visit blm.gov for operating status updates.
- Choose dispersed camping where possible instead of developed campgrounds, where social distancing may be difficult.
- Please “pack it in and pack it out” as trash collection may be limited.
- Bring soap, water and hand sanitizer with you and have patience as we continue to transition our operations.
Be Flexible
- Have a backup plan to avoid crowded high-use areas. If you find an area to be crowded, turn around.
- Avoid congregating at trailheads and popular areas, and maintain group sizes consistent with federal, state, and local guidance.
- Visit public lands during non-peak hours whenever possible. Consider visiting public lands during a weekday.
Be Respectful
- Do your part -- practice social distancing and recreate responsibly. Be considerate of others enjoying the outdoors by giving them as much space as possible in parking lots, at trailheads, and out on public lands.
- Avoid unnecessary risks while recreating to prevent overwhelming medical facilities.
- Know the rules and regulations to help prevent resource damage.
- Please respect closures that have been implemented for public safety. Violating a closure order could result in fines or imprisonment.
Stay Safe
- Stay home if you don’t feel well or have recently been sick.
- Follow guidance from local, state, and federal authorities.
- While the BLM will do its best to manage public lands for public health and safety, you are responsible for deciding what is safe. Take responsibility for your safety and wellbeing.