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BLM Camping

Dumont Dunes OHV Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Dumont Dunes OHV Area is located outside Baker, California, not far from the Mojave National Preserve and the Hollow Hills Wilderness. The dunes are a playground for all types of OHV riders, and the area also offers many options for peaceful camping, hiking, and photography. Visitors can travel in their OHVs from the dunes along a corridor that passes through the Kingston Range Wilderness. There are also trail options for passing through the Amargosa Wild and Scenic River area. When traveling on either path, riders must stay on designated routes, but there are many areas within the dunes for open riding.

Locations like the Dumont Dunes OHV Area are protected and cared for to offer visitors a glimpse into the landscape and beauty of a particular place. To find sites like this that offer camping, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Lava Tube Trail

This short hike in the Mojave National Preserve offers gorgeous views of the nearby mountains.

Length: 0.5 mile

Intensity: Easy

Spooky Canyon Trail

The road leading to this trail can be a bit rough, but hikers will be rewarded with sights of gorgeous rock formations and a small creek.

Length: 7.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Pyramid Canyon Trail

This secluded trail offers a peaceful hiking experience and is a great place to view wildlife.

Length: 4.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Owl Canyon Trail

This trail offers beautiful views. Hikers will encounter a large wall near the end of the trail and can either climb over it and continue on or turn back for an easier hike.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rainbow Basin Dry Falls

This trail offers views of fascinating rock formations, and it’s a good option for hiking or mountain biking.

Length: 1.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Fishing enthusiasts can head to Big Bear Lake, which is just south of Baker. Rainbow trout are plentiful, and anglers can also catch channel catfish, panfish, and largemouth bass. The lake is also a great place for boating.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can often spot native wildlife, including snakes, lizards, bats, coyotes, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, squirrels, rabbits, quail, hawks, eagles, and bobcats in the Dumont Dunes OHV Area. The nearby Mojave National Preserve, Kingston Range Wilderness, Amargosa Wild and Scenic River, and Hollow Hills Wilderness also offer many locations that are ideal for viewing or photographing wildlife.

Picnicking

Chet Huffman Park in Baker offers shaded picnic areas and clean restrooms, plus a playground and open grass areas. Visitors can also stop at the picnic area outside the World’s Tallest Thermometer.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Both standard and BLM RV camping are available around the Dumont Dunes OHV Area. The Shady Lane RV Camp offers a quiet, charming camping experience. The sites have full hookups, and the park is known for its friendly, helpful staff. Owl Canyon Campground offers a more rugged camping experience. The campground has 22 sites and provides spectacular views, but there are no hookups. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table, and vault toilets are available. There is no dump station at the campground. The Barstow/Calico KOA Holiday is another excellent RV campground option. The park offers large parking spaces, and restrooms and showers are available.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available anywhere within the Dumont Dunes. Campers are welcome to set up a dispersed site but are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 14 consecutive days. There are very few amenities, so bring everything you need including food, water, and emergency and medical supplies.

RV Rentals Near Dumont Dunes OHV Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Dumont Dunes OHV Area BLM trip

To ride in the Dumont Dunes OHV Area, you must have a pass. Different passes are available at varying costs for holiday and non-holiday times. Riding is not allowed in any federally designated wilderness areas except along specific corridors, so check your map frequently. All riders, including out-of-state riders, must comply with California rules and regulations. This includes wearing a protective helmet, observing posted signs, riding only in designated areas, and ensuring that all vehicles are registered to operate within the state. Every OHV must have an approved muffler and spark arrester and must be adorned with a flag for visibility.

No fireworks, glass containers, or firewood containing metal objects such as nails are allowed within the Dumont Dunes OHV Area. Pets are welcome, but they must remain leashed. The speed limit for OHVs is 15 mph near campsites, people, and animals.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, OHV areas, hiking trails, and any other wild locations require care and maintenance, and hikers and campers can help by following Leave No Trace practices. Remember that the dunes are a very dry area, and fires can sometimes be dangerous, so only start fires in designated areas, and check for any fire restrictions before doing so. Pick up any trash you see, and always dispose of your own trash properly. Limit your impact on the plants and animals in the area by staying on trails. Do not take any plants home, and never attempt to touch or disturb any wild animals.