Gunshots echo through the canyon most days at Tumey Hills Box Canyon, a free BLM dispersed site outside Mendota where the land doubles as an informal shooting range. The open terrain sits at the end of a three-mile access road off I-5, paved for the first half and well-graded dirt the rest of the way. No hookups, no water, no trash service. A port-a-potty marks the day-use area, and campers report a single picnic table nearby. The gravel parking area is flat and level enough that at least one visitor set up camp without unhooking a trailer.
The shooting activity is the defining variable here. Firearms use tends to run through the day and typically winds down by evening, after which the site grows noticeably quiet. Weekday visits tend to be far less busy than weekends. The ground is scattered with spent casings and, depending on when you arrive, other debris left behind by previous visitors. One reviewer described searching the area to find a clean patch to set up on. Campers who pack out more than they bring in help keep the site usable for others.
Spring visits have produced the most favorable impressions, with reviewers noting the hills turn green in that season. Dan M. sums up the utilitarian appeal well: "for us, needing only a stop-over, it was perfect." Gas stations and fast food are roughly ten minutes out, making resupply easy. Cell service is listed as available. The nearby Tumey Hills BLM Dispersed off Panoche Road provides another option in the same general corridor, and those exploring campsites near BLM Land — Central Coast Field Office will find additional dispersed choices in the region.
This site makes the most sense for self-sufficient travelers who need a free, no-frills overnight stop along the I-5 corridor and can work around the noise and litter that come with the territory.
Description
Sign in front with gate closed says “closed to motorized vehicles April-October”
Look closely at the ground you will find evidence of the vast inland sea that once covered the Tumey Hills. The light porous rocks are composed of diatoms, the tiny, bleached, shell-like skeletons of sea algae. Annual grasslands are lovely in springtime, with beautiful wildflower displays. Rarely seen federally-protected San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rats make their homes in these hills. Visitors enjoy a day use facility with parking, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets and an interpretive kiosk with a map and information about the area.
Reservation Info
Sign in front with gate closed says “closed to motorized vehicles April-October”
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTumey Hills Box Canyon is located in California near Mendota
Dispersed CampingDirections
From Interstate-5, take the Panoche Road exit. The first Tumey Hills access point is located roughly 3 miles from the Interstate. Be aware that Panoche Road is not paved after the first mile. The second Tumey Hills access point is about 5 miles beyond the first access point. The Tumey Hills are closed to vehicle access with the onset of fire season.
Coordinates
36.616121 N
120.655637 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 9/12/26
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/12/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/12/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 9/12/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/12/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/12/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Pets
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Tumey Hills Box Canyon needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 8 min from Merced, CA
- 1 hr 13 min from Hanford, CA
- 1 hr 42 min from Salinas, CA
