The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located in western Nevada's Amargosa Valley, the Big Dune Recreation Area is one of the state's hidden gems. The site, which boasts rolling, sandy hills perfect for ATV riding, is a piece of federal land protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Although Big Dune isn't known primarily as a camping destination, many do choose to visit BLM-administered locations to camp out under the stars and surrounded by nature. If BLM camping is something you'd like to experience, do a search for "BLM camping near me."
Big Dune lies right beside the Nevada-California border, only a few miles east of Death Valley National Park and about 75 miles northwest of Las Vegas, NV. The Big Dune BLM site covers about five square miles and is primarily used for off-road vehicle riding. Although many travelers are unaware of the site's existence, those who make the trip are rewarded with an excellent destination to enjoy their ATV, golf cart, motorized scooter, motorcycle, or other off-road vehicles.
The Titus Canyon Narrows trail is a unique out-and-back trail found within the incredible Death Valley National Park. The trail is primarily a gravelly road surrounded by majestic canyons. In addition to hiking and trail running, many people use the Titus Canyon Narrows for scenic driving and off-roading. You'll find the hike to be relatively easy to traverse, but you should be prepared for extreme heat. There's virtually no shade in the area, so you may be wise to avoid visiting during the summer months.
Length: 3.0 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located near the town of Beatty, NV, the Coba Mountain Trail is a relatively challenging out-and-back route. The trail, which can get very hot and offers little shade, features mild elevation gain and colorful wildflowers. You can bring your pups along with you, but they'll need to remain leashed throughout the trail.
Length: 2.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
You'll find the beautiful Hidden Forest Trail within the Desert National Wildlife Refuge near Indian Springs, NV. As its name suggests, the long out-and-back trail will take you through a peaceful forested area. The area is somewhat of a haven for a variety of outdoor activities. In addition to the long, rewarding hike, many visitors to the trail partake in camping, horseback riding, and observing local wildlife. The trail is never closed, but you'll likely have the best experience possible if you visit between April and October.
Length: 10.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Big Dune Recreation Area lies in an extremely dry region of Nevada, so anyone looking for fishing or boating opportunities will need to travel a bit. The closest significant option for water-based recreation is likely beautiful Lake Mead, located just east of Las Vegas. Depending on the season, there are several different species of fish that you may be able to reel in at the lake. Bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and stripers are all known inhabitants of the sizable reservoir. Lake Mead is a popular destination for boating and watersports as well, and visitors will have several options for boat rentals and launches.
If you're an adventurous climber looking for a challenge, nearby Death Valley National Park offers several climbing destinations. One option is to summit the impressive Telescope Peak, which requires a seven-mile climb through pine forests and offers breathtaking views of the region. Alternatively, there are many remote canyons around the park that are available for technical descent.
Because the region surrounding Big Dune is so arid, many assume that very few animals can survive there. However, that isn't the case. Near the BLM site and within nearby Death Valley National Park, there are quite a few species that you might be lucky enough to see. One of the creatures the area is most known for is the tarantula, so you'll certainly want to watch your step when exploring the area. You might also spot large animals like bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, and bighorn sheep, or smaller mammals such as gophers, kangaroo rats, foxes, and badgers.
There's nothing quite like a desert picnic, right? If you don't mind enjoying your snack or lunch in a dry, sandy environment, you can lay out a picnic blanket anywhere among the rolling dunes of the BLM site. However, you most likely won't come across any picnic tables or shelters in the area.
At Big Dune, the most popular activity by far is OHV (off-highway vehicle) riding. In the large, open area, visitors are free to ride their off-road vehicles wherever they like. Many of the dunes are quite tall, providing quite a few inclines and descents to add to the off-roading fun. Keep in mind that your OHV of choice must be registered and equipped with a spark arrestor. Additionally, remember to wear all necessary safety gear.
Although there aren't any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds found at Big Dune, you do have the option of RV camping. However, you'll have to do so without the use of any established campsites, RV hookups, services, or amenities. Alternatively, if you travel northwest to the Beatty area, you can stop by one of the nearby RV parks to enjoy electrical hookups and various other conveniences. A couple of the closest such options are Death Valley RV Park and Beatty RV Park.
Bureau of Land Management free camping will be your primary option at the Big Dune BLM site. The dry, sandy area is a relatively harsh environment for dispersed camping, but you should have numerous choices when it comes to selecting a spot to make camp. There are a couple of small bodies of water to the south of the site that you may want to gravitate toward.
If you're heading to Big Dune, you should know that the area is designated by the BLM as an area of critical environmental concern. The native desert tortoise and several species of beetle are in serious danger of extinction and protected in the area. During your visit and while riding your OHV, be extremely careful not to harm any of these or any other creatures you encounter.
With the site's proximity to Death Valley National Park, there is potential for extreme heat during summer. At times, the temperature in the area can reach as high as 110 degrees. If you can, avoid visiting between June and August. Regardless of the season, bring along with you plenty of water and anything needed to protect you from the harsh sun. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
During your visit to the Big Dune BLM site, treat the natural land with care and respect. If possible, avoid leaving behind any trace of your stay. To do so successfully, you'll need to refrain from removing anything from the site, other than any garbage or waste that you produce. You'll also need to plan ahead as much as possible and keep a safe distance from any wildlife you come across. It's also important that you treat your fellow OHV riders with respect and courtesy.
The Big Dune BLM site is located on Valley View Road in Nevada's Amargosa Valley.
To reach Big Dune from Las Vegas, head north on US-95 and follow it for about 95 miles. When you reach Valley View Road, turn left, then stay on it for approximately 2.2 miles. You then must turn left onto a dirt road, which will take you to the site.
Ready to visit Big Dune? 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.
