The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Ivanpah Lake is a 13-square-mile dry lake bed in San Bernardino County, California and borders the state of Nevada. The lake is famous for being a dry bed created from the dumping of radioactive water waste into the lake, which was a result of rare earth element mining during the 1980s. Between 1984 and 1998, it was estimated that at least 60 radioactive spills had occurred in the lake, and, after the mining operation had shut down, the company that had been mining deep earth materials around the lake was fined and ordered to drain and clean the lake. Today, the dry Ivanpah Lake experiences higher than usual wind conditions, and this mixed with the flat land of the lake bed makes it popular with land sailers.
The Ivanpah Dry Lake East location is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) area that includes an informational kiosk about land sailing in the dry lake. This area also includes a parking lot for visitors, and the lake itself is open for the public to use for free. BLM sites like this one provide land for public recreation and other pursuits. Many also offer campgrounds with free or low-cost campsites.
The Kelso Dunes Trail in California is a moderately challenging trail that leads trail users to a spread of dunes that measure over 600 feet tall.
Length: 2.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Plenty of rock formations created by ancient volcanic activity are available to see on the easy, but lengthy, Monolith Garden Trail.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Full of amazing mountain views and trailside quartz stones, the Badger Trail in Nevada is a moderately challenging out-and-back hike or bike.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
San Bernardino County is home to an array of wildlife, and there are many animal species that are spotted in and around Ivanpah Lake often. Some of these species include bald eagles, peregrine falcons, bighorn sheep, bobcats, mule deer, and tule elk. The wildlife may be hard to see up close if there are many wind sailers on the lake, but you can hike around the lake's edges if you'd like a better chance at seeing the local animals.
If you'd like to stop for a picnic nearby the Ivanpah Dry Lake East area, check out Chet Huffman Park, which has a picnic site and restrooms plus a playground. You can also stop by Rex Bell Jr. Trail Park, which has picnic tables, hiking trails, and interpretive signs on the local flora.
Land sailing, or wind-powered vehicle driving, is the most popular activity at Ivanpah Lake. In 2009, a world record for the fastest wind-powered drive was set in this dry lake at 126.1 miles per hour. Kite buggying and windsurfing are other popular activities at the lake, and adventurers new to these sports can take a local land sailing class or tour on the dry lake. International wind sailing championships have been held at Ivanpah Lake in the past, and other large wind sailing group events occur at the lake often. In order to keep the lake bed smooth for sailing though, the BLM closes the lake for wet seasons.
When you're looking for BLM camping near me but want full hookups, consider staying at a privately owned campground since most BLM campgrounds have no hookups. You could go RV camping at a place like the Needles KOA Journey, a top-rated campground with a pool, free Wi-Fi, and full hookups. You could also consider staying at Crazy Horse Campgrounds, which is located south of Needles, California and has the same hookups plus a heated pool.
Although BLM RV camping is not permitted on Ivanpah Lake to keep the lake preserved for wind sailers, you can still visit nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds when you want to stay near the lake. You can stay at the BLM-managed Lovell Canyon Campground across the Nevada border, which is a campground with dispersed camping spots. You can also check out the Oatman Boondock BLM Site, another Bureau of Land Management free camping area with dispersed campsites that you choose yourself. Both of these campgrounds are primitive, meaning they have no hookups or restrooms for you to use.
When you plan on going to Ivanpah Lake, be sure to visit during the dry season when the lake is open for public use. You may want to pack items like drinking water and sunscreen to use at the lake since it provides little shade, and consider bringing a light jacket since the high winds can make the temperatures feel as if they are fluctuating quickly.
If you are planning on staying at a Bureau of Land Management campground, be sure to pack all the water you will need for drinking and washing plus things like fire equipment, cooking supplies, and food. You will also need to bring trash bags to use since there are often no dumpsters at BLM campgrounds. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
It's important that Ivanpah Lake visitors follow the BLM's Leave No Trace guidelines, which aim to help keep the lake clean and safe for everyone to use. You can comply with these rules by simply picking up after yourself, keeping your distance from any wildlife you encounter, and not using motorized vehicles on the lake.
To access Ivanpah Dry Lake East, take I-15 South from Primm, Nevada. Exit the interstate at Exit 291 for Yates Wells Road. Take Yates Wells Road for 1.5 miles, and then turn left onto the unmarked BLM road. Travel two miles, and then you will reach the parking lot and kiosk for Ivanpah Lake East.
Ready to visit Ivanpah Dry Lake East? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
