Tumey Hills Box Canyon provides dispersed camping near Firebaugh, California on public BLM land. The area sits in the western San Joaquin Valley, with elevations ranging from 500-1,500 feet in the surrounding hills. Recent conservation measures have affected accessibility, with some users reporting seasonal closures related to habitat protection for native species.
What to do
Morning exploration: The hills surrounding Tumey Hills offer hiking opportunities during cooler morning hours. Genesis C. notes, "Took us about 15 min to drive to where we camped. There is no water or bathrooms so bring a jug from Lowe's with a spicket!"
Overnight stops: Boondocking - Coalinga serves primarily as a convenient overnight location. Jackson D. describes it as a "Basic pull off area that is good for a nights rest. There are a couple of gas stations and fast food restaurants nearby. The parking area is relatively quite and there is a good amount of room to park and sleep."
Wildlife viewing: During spring months when hills turn green, wildlife viewing opportunities increase. One camper at Tumey Hills Box Canyon shares, "This was such a beautiful spot. It had the greenest hills. It was very peaceful at night."
What campers like
Accessibility: The relatively flat terrain makes for easy vehicle access. James D. mentions, "I like this place because the angle of the sun should give some extra time in the morning to break down. I always like a free spot and I was like a spot that's quiet."
Convenience to amenities: The proximity to Interstate 5 means supplies remain accessible. Kenny T. appreciates the location, stating, "Easy overnight BLM spot, we stayed overnight on the way to San Jose - easy to navigate, find & park. Close by amenities gas stations, mcdonald's & freeway about 10 mins out."
Evening quiet: Despite daytime activities, evenings tend to be peaceful. Dan M. confirms, "After the shooting stopped, about 8:30 PM, it was amazingly quiet. For us, needing only a stop-over, it was perfect."
What you should know
Conservation status: Current environmental protection measures affect availability. Jason B. reports, "The nature minder people closed this down and Panoche hills down due to environmental concerns regarding the decrease in population of a lizard."
Cleanliness concerns: Prepare for potentially poor ground conditions. Natalie T. warns, "Problem is the ground is covered, literally, with all the casings, glass, human trash everywhere. These pics are the cleanest spot I could find."
Limited amenities: The location has minimal facilities. One traveler notes the site has only "a port-a-potty, (bring your own TP) and sparse camping spots. One picnic table sat in a day use area, and that gravel parking area is where we set up."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Some visitors have reported safety concerns. Stephanie F. shares her experience: "As a solo camper didn't look safe with the people that were there hanging around, it didn't even look like there was that many places to camp. Look dirty too and people shooting in the area leaving trash."
Timing your visit: Weekdays typically see fewer visitors engaged in target shooting. James D. notes, "There's no one else here during the week. To be honest, there are gun shell casings everywhere but I think that's probably a weekend thing."
Alternative locations: For families seeking more developed facilities, consider other options. At Momyer Creek Trail 1E06, visitors should check access status before planning a trip, as one reviewer mentions, "This pulls up to three closed gates that all look to be private properties."
Tips from RVers
Level parking: The main area provides stable parking for overnight stays. "It was perfectly flat and level. We didn't even unhook the trailer," reports one RVer about their experience at Tumey Hills.
Self-contained setup: The lack of services means RVers must be fully self-contained. Bring sufficient water, disposal capacity, and supplies for your entire stay. No hookups or dump stations are available on site.
Overnight options: Several reviewers recommend using the area strictly as an overnight stop rather than an extended stay location. One camper describes it as "Easy overnight spot" while another notes it serves well for "needing only a stop-over."
