By:
Submission
The approximately 63,500 acre Beaver Dam Wash NCA is located in the southwestern corner of Washington County, Utah, along the state lines of Nevada and Arizona. The landscape provides an interesting ecological transition zone between the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin.
Its creosote bush, white bursage, and other desert shrubs grow at lower elevations and provide habitat for desert bighorn sheep and the Mojave Desert tortoise, a threatened species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Joshua trees and dense stands of blackbrush cover the slopes of the Beaver Dam Mountains, which rise along the eastern boundary of the NCA. Surface water flows in the upper reaches of Beaver Dam Wash, but rarely travels all the way through the NCA. Riparian vegetation along the stream channel is important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. At this time, there are no developed recreation facilities in the NCA.
Dispersed camping is free in designated areas (see map). Cell service good for att and Tmobile. My Verizon shows good bars but no data. Main road old hwy 99 is paved so access is good. Dispersed camping is off hwy on dirt gravel spurs. Joshua trees scattered over the landscape. Two stars because camping areas in the one I visited are trashy and vegetation is all beat down by livestock.
I have never driven through this part of the land. They are doing massive construction in the arizona strip/gorge from st george to littlefield and i didnt want to wait an extra hour or so in standing traffic. So i took a side route that goes around the canyon gorge. It was very beautiful desert drive. I found a lot of neat places. Part of the stretch is through Piute Indian reservation but there is a gas station near the end of the road that you can stop for drinks. I was happy i found this route with such beautiful scenery.
Great camping for spring or fall. Not a lot of trees/shade. We stayed off black warrior road, campground 3. It was quiet & peaceful. We had fun hiking the area and hanging around camp.
If you have never seen The Joshua Trees take the time to do so, the desert is truly a beautiful and wonderful place to see and enjoy. The spring is when the trees bloom along with the cactus!! and it's not so hot!!!
Great spot to get out of the car and stretch your legs. There is dispersed camping sites here and there are no amenities. This is not a scenic spot as you can hear cars from the highway below in most areas
