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BLM Camping

North Algodones Dunes Wilderness

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

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North Algodones Dunes Wilderness

The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness spans over 26,000 acres in southwest California, offering incredible opportunities for visitors to explore the area's two types of sand dunes. The Algodones Outstanding Natural Area and the Sand Hills National Natural Landmark, both of which are located in the wilderness, are also excellent ways to view the area's scenery or observe plants and animals. Since the dunes are centrally located, visitors can also explore the nearby Salton Sea, the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Joshua Tree National Park. The closest town is Glamis.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites provide people with a way to access nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of more urban areas. The BLM, a government agency, manages one out of every 10 acres of U.S. land to preserve and protect wild animals, landscapes, or historic or culturally important areas. To find BLM sites that offer camping amenities, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Glamis/Oldsmobile OHV Hill

This trail in the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness is excellent for hiking or horseback riding, and OHV riding is permitted.

Length: 6.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Salton Sea Rock Hill Trail

Rock Hill Trail in the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, an hour and 12 minutes northwest of the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area, is one of the best locations for bird-watching, and the views are beautiful as well.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Easy

West Wetlands Loop

West Wetlands Loop is in West Wetlands Park in Yuma, Arizona, an hour and nine minutes southeast of the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area. It offers access to nearby swimming locations, and it is dog-friendly.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Painted Desert Trail

Located in the Imperial Refuge Wilderness, two hours northeast of the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area, the Painted Desert Trail presents many opportunities to view or photograph native animals.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Pilot Knob Mesa

Ideal for amazing views, this trail, which is an hour and three minutes southeast of the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area, also provides access to nearby rock-climbing locations.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Most people visiting the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness head to the Salton Sea, an hour and a half northwest of the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area, for fishing and boating. The sea has an abundance of tilapia available for anglers.

Wildlife Viewing

The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness is a fantastic place to spot wildlife. Commonly spotted animals include roadrunners, mule deer, owls, foxes, coyotes, cactus wrens, hummingbirds, jackrabbits, bobcats, and a range of snakes and lizards. For more wildlife viewing opportunities, visitors can head to the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, two hours and eight minutes to the northeast in Arizona; the Imperial Refuge Wilderness; or Joshua Tree National Park, two hours and 14 minutes to the northwest.

Picnicking

One of the best nearby spots for picnicking is Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park. The park is secluded and offers easy access to the dunes. A picnic table and restrooms are available.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Roadrunner Campground is a great spot for BLM RV camping, 38 minutes north of the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area. Although amenities are limited, the campground provides access to the Imperial Sand Dunes, and restrooms are available. Gecko Campground, also located in the Imperial Sand Dunes, is another excellent RV camping option. For more amenities, visitors can head to the Glamis North Hot Springs Resort, an hour and 25 minutes to the northwest. The resort offers extra-large RV sites, hookups, a pool, and helpful staff.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the nearby Keyhole Campground, which is 37 minutes to the south. The campground provides limited amenities but does offer plenty of space for RVs. Visitors can also stop at Glamis Flats. The area outside the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness allows visitors to set up dispersed camping sites anywhere they like.

RV Rentals Near North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your North Algodones Dunes Wilderness BLM trip

Like most wilderness areas managed by the BLM, the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness does not permit any motorized vehicle use inside the wilderness area except in specific, designated areas. This includes RVs, OHVs, dirt bikes, and nonmotorized mountain bikes. Instead, visitors are encouraged to hike or horseback ride through the area. If you plan to horseback ride, be prepared to clean up after your horse in any common areas.

The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness can be very dry and hot. Heatstroke, sunburns, and dehydration can all happen very quickly. Always shield yourself from the sun using sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing. Carry plenty of water, and ensure that everyone in your party drinks water regularly as you explore.

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 can always benefit from Leave No Trace guidelines, and wild areas, such as dunes, are especially delicate. As you enjoy the dunes, try to stay on trails, or attempt to only travel and camp on durable surfaces. Be aware of the plants around you, and try to avoid crushing any vegetation. Always dispose of trash in a trash or recycling bin. If a trashcan isn't available, pack out all your litter and waste with you. Fires can be extremely dangerous in dry environments like the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness, so always check the fire danger rating before building a campfire or using a grill. Keep all fires contained, and don't start a fire if there are any local bans.

North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Location

You can reach the wilderness from the nearby town of Glamis. From Glamis, take the Niland/Glamis County Road north. The road continues for about 10 miles and stretches along the eastern boundary of the dunes.

Ready to visit the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness? 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.