Indian Valley Management Area
Bureau of Land Management, California.
Indian Valley Management Area
North of Highway 20, on the eastern edge of Lake County, the Indian Valley Management Area offers an abundance of recreational possibilities. Rolling chaparral covered hills dotted with oak and pine make an ideal setting for hunting, camping, bicycling, hiking, and equestrian use. Popular game animals include blacktail deer, black bear, quail, dove, and wild turkey. For wildflower enthusiasts, pockets of the rare Indian Valley Brodiaea and Adobe Lily can be found within the area. 
The nearby Indian Valley Reservoir provides an excellent locale for fishing, boating, and swimming, although the water level can drop quite low in the summertime, and boats are limited to 10 MPH on the lake (5 MPH within 200 yards of shore). Yolo County offers a for-fee RV campground near the dam. For specific information about the reservoir and campground, contact Yolo County at (530) 662-0265. Indian Valley Management Area is part of the Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument administered by BLM's Ukiah Field Office.
Know Before You Go
- Walker Ridge Road is a graded gravel road
- There are limited off-highway vehicle (OHV) opportunities, however Walker Ridge Road affords many scenic vistas and access to the Mendocino National Forest
- Best time to visit is September - May
Camping
There is no fee for camping. All sites are on a first-come first-served basis.
Blue Oaks Camp offers 6 campsites with picnic tables, fire pits and vault toilets. No hooks-up. No potable water. 1.6 miles from Indian Valley Dam.
Camping is allowed throughout the recreation area, however all vehicles must remain on designated routes and trails. The campgrounds afford level parking, barbeques, fire pits and picnic tables. Camping near springs or guzzlers isn’t permitted to protect the water source and to allow access to wildlife. To insure you do not displace wildlife, camp at least 300 yards from any water source. No potable water is available within the recreation area.
Camping at one or more campsites at any one campground in a recreation management area for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive-day period is prohibited without the written permission of the BLM Ukiah Field Office Manager.
Campfires are allowed within Indian Valley provided you have a current campfire permit. Seasonal fire restrictions may prohibit campfires during periods of high fire danger. To check on fire restrictions or to obtain a campfire permit, call BLM Ukiah Field Office at (707) 468-4000.
Directions: From Highway 20, go north on Walker Ridge Road 5.4 miles to "T" intersection. Turn left and proceed 2.4 miles to campground.
Hunting, Fishing and Hiking
Hunting is permitted on the BLM lands. Since there are many private property inholdings in the area, be aware of the boundary lines. For hunting regulations, contact California Department of Fish and Game at (916) 358-2900.
Shooting within 150 yards of a developed site or dwelling, including campgrounds, and shooting across or within 150 feet of any road or trail is strictly prohibited.
Since this area hosts a wide range of recreation uses, you should familiarize yourself with the area, and be sure of your target and background.
You must carry out all litter, including expended cartridges, shot shells and targets.
Yolo County manages Indian Valley Reservoir which is home to large and smallmouth bass, kokanee salmon, crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill and catfish. Brown trout can found in the North Fork Cache Creek above and below the reservoir. Refer to current California fishing regulations.
Off Highway Vehicle Regulations
Visitors are responsible for knowing area rules and regulations. The regulations are enforceable under U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and violations are punishable with fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for not longer than 12 months.- Vehicle use is limited to roads and trails designated by fiberglass sign posts and stickers showing vehicles allowed on the route. Please do not ride on routes that are not signed.
- All off road vehicles must have a CA Green Sticker, Red Sticker or be legally registered in another state.
- All off road vehicles must be equipped with a properly installed U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor that is not modified.
- It is illegal to ride or drive under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs.
- State law requires the use of helmets while riding ATV's and motorcycles.
- State law does not allow passengers on ATV's unless the ATV was specifically designed for two or more people.
All vehicles must meet state and federal noise standards. Appointments can be made to test your OHV or motorcycle for sound compliance. Appointments may be scheduled based on staff availability. Please call the Ukiah Field Office at (707) 468-4000 to check appointment availability and to schedule an appointment.
Operation and maintenance of the facilities, roads and trails within the Indian Valley Management Area are funded in part, by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.
For more information or to review current and past grants visit: California State Parks.
For information about ATV safety visit: ATV Safety Institute.
For safety information or Recreational Vehicle training visit: Recreational Off-highway Vehicle Association.
For more OHV opportunities, visit these other BLM Managed Off-Highway Vehicle Areas located in Northern California and Nevada:
Knoxville Recreation Management Area
South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation Area
Fort Sage OHV Area
Dry Valley OHV Area
Chappie-Shasta OHV Area
Rice Canyon OHV Area
Emergency Information:
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1
Colusa County Sheriff (530) 458-0200
Lake County Sheriff (707) 272-4200
PRIVATE LANDS
Some sections of trail pass through private lands. Please obey signs and stay on the trails. Please respect the rights of private land owners and signs posted in these areas.Nearby Activities
- Camping
- Fishing
- Historic & Cultural Site
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Off Highway Vehicle
- Recreational Shooting
- Water Activities
Directions
Located about 27 miles west of Williams or 14 miles east of Clearlake Oaks on Highway 20. Turn north on Walker Ridge Road, a graded gravel road, into the recreation area.
