The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
A federal government division controls the Bureau of Land Management camping on public lands. There is a nominal charge to use these campgrounds on public land. Roadrunner Campground is one of more than 20 Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at the Imperial Sand Dunes near the border of Mexico, California, and Arizona. The site is known for its great off-roading activities and appearing in movies such as "The Return of the Jedi" and "Dune." The dunes rise to a height of 300 feet in some places, and away from the recreation zones of the area, there is the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness. It covers 26,000 acres. The area offers solitude, and you can hike or ride horses therein. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is only 100 miles away, making it a good day trip.
There are zero trails in the Imperial Sand Dunes area. About 18 miles up the road in Niland, however, you will find a geothermal peninsula of mud volcanoes. Unfortunately, the ground around the trail is treacherous, and you must be extremely careful not to stray from the posted safe routes. Length: Two miles one way, four miles round-trip Intensity: Easy About four hours' drive away in the direction of Scottsdale, Arizona, there is Lake Pleasant Regional Park. It contains the following three trails:
This trail has a floating bridge that connects two parts of the trail when the nearby river floods. Length: 3.8 miles, round trip Intensity: Easy
This trail connects the Discovery Center to the boat ramps and two picnic areas. Length: 3 miles, round trip Intensity: Easy
This leisurely walk with interpretive signage connects the Roadrunner Trail to the Discovery Center. Length: 0.5 miles, round trip Intensity: Easy
Once a haven for free angling, the Salton Sea has been designated a wildlife refuge because of the adverse effects of the reduction in flow from the Colorado River. The water is now more than twice as salty as seawater, killing all the fish in the lake. However, because of their resistance to salt water, unusual tilapia species have survived in number. There are special restrictions on fishing now, so you need to check with the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge staff to find out where, when, and how much you can fish. While the lower water level limits the kind of boats you can take into certain areas, the Salton Sea remains a good boating destination. Because the water's surface is 228 feet below sea level, the wind conditions are unlike most other lakes you will encounter in North America. Also, the water is quite shallow these days, so fierce winds will create dangerous waves that make taking out small boats impossible. The only notice that the winds are going to pick up to hazardous levels will usually be a gathering dust cloud, so it's an innovative idea to head for shore immediately if you see one. Always wear a life jacket while boating on the Salton Sea.
Other than at your campsite, you can have picnics in the designated areas outside of Roadrunner Campground.
The banded gecko is the most common animal near the Roadrunner Campground. But, if you're lucky, you might see an actual roadrunner. These birds are two feet long, and while not as fast as their cartoon cousin, they can easily outrun a human being. Other wildlife residents of the area include vast numbers of insects, unusual species of birds, rabbits, and ground squirrels. The geckos are one of the only groups of lizards who can make sounds. Because they're nocturnal, you'll hear them talking away at night. However, their most active period is spring when they use their voices to attract mates.
The dunes are five miles wide and about 15 miles long. Aside from the surrounding Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and the Dunes Wilderness, the entire area is a playground for folks riding OHVs, or off-highway vehicles. The most popular cars are four-wheeled ATVs. In addition, there are races throughout the year within the dunes. To ride, you need a recreation permit. You also must fly a safety flag from the back of your OHV. These flags must be at least eight feet from the ground. While riding on sandy highways to get to certain areas, you may not exceed 15 mph. You must be at least 16 years old to ride an OHV alone in the area, and helmets are mandatory. Children who are 14 or 15 years of age may do so if supervised by at least one parent or guardian. Everyone who rides must also have a valid safety training certificate.
BLM RV Camping is possible at the 20 or so campgrounds similar to Roadrunner Campground. Roadrunner Campground has just one road going through it. The cost of camping there is included in the permit fee. Roadrunner Campground has two vault toilets but no running water. During spring and summer, an ice cream vendor visits the campgrounds surrounding the Imperial Sand Dunes.
There is no Bureau of Land Management free camping within the Imperial Sand Dunes, but about 40 minute's drive to the north, you can camp freely in and around Mundo, California. You can also camp freely just 20 miles distant near Date City, California, surrounding the hot springs.
As with all Bureau of Land Management camping areas, you're limited to 14 days to stay in any one location before moving to your next location. It's also not allowed to return to your previous site until at least an additional 14 days have transpired. Remember not to leave anything unattended for any length of time. Anything left for more than 24 hours will be removed and thrown out in day areas. In other areas, the limit is 72 hours. If you're at Roadrunner Campground from late spring to early autumn, the temperature can rise to more than 100 F. You need to bring your drinking water to the site because there is no running water in either Roadrunner Campground or other campgrounds. At 100 F, you will need two gallons per person per hour while doing strenuous activity in the heat. It would also be a promising idea to refresh your knowledge of how to treat heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke before venturing into the dunes.
There are no hiking trails in the area. Instead, hikers usually go into the dunes from one of the various parking lots in the area. These lots don't usually ticket you for a stay of fewer than two hours, so short hikes through the dunes are possible. Be sure to bring loose clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen of at least SPF 50. Sunglasses are also necessary while on the dunes. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
"Leave No Trace" involves minimizing your effect on the area's ecosystem. Don't leave anything behind that you brought with you. Also, don't remove anything from the site. Finally, clean up after yourselves and your pets while staying at Roadrunner Campground.
From Brawley, California, "BLM camping near me" is just East on Route 78 for about eight miles to 5777 Route 78, which is the address of the Imperial Sand Dunes area. The latitude and longitude are 32.97321, -115.17314. Roadrunner Campground is therein. Ready to visit Roadrunner Campground? 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 to 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.
