The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area is about 100 miles north of Petrified Forest National Park. This 800-acre Bureau of Land Management site is close to Farmington, New Mexico where the landscape offers plenty of trails and roads for OHV drivers and hikers to explore. OHVers have been enjoying the Dunes OHV area for five decades and counting.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency responsible for the care of beautiful public lands around the US. The agency manages campgrounds and allows Bureau of Land Management free camping on many of its grounds.
The Kinsey - Seven Sisters Loop is a trail taking hikers and bikers through the Glade Run Recreation Area. The trail takes a moderate rise of just over 600 feet as it moves along the loop. New Mexico's moderate climate makes the trail an impressive one to visit at any time of year.
Length: 8.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Sheriff's Posse Outer Loop is difficult in places. The loop trail takes in views of the nearby lake and is open year-round, giving hikers and horseback riders views stretching across Farmington.
Length: 6.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Animas River is one of the most impressive rivers in New Mexico for fishing and paddling. This river is full of trout and bass that anglers can fish for along the shore. Farmington Lake is an impressive location for boating and fishing to the north of the Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area. Navajo Lake State Park is located to the Northeast of the Dunes OHV Area, with plenty of fishing and boating opportunities year-round.
The Dunes OHV Area doesn't contain high peaks for climbing, but it does include scrambling opportunities along its rolling hills. For climbing in the Dunes OHV Area of New Mexico, the Chuska Mountain range is the best place to go. It's home to at least 10 peaks above 9,000 feet, with Roof Butte standing above 9,800 feet.
There are plenty of animals that RV drivers traveling to the Dunes OHV Area might see, including herds of mountain sheep and goats. Wildlife like pronghorn antelopes and mountain lions make their way into the borders of the Dunes OHV Area. You might also spot bobcats and elk.
The Dunes OHV Area does not contain picnic tables and designated areas, but there are plenty of beautiful spots for RV drivers to spend some time out of their vehicles there. There are several trailheads at the Alien Run and Alien Loop trails in nearby Aztec, NM that have picnic tables.
Off-road driving is the main thing to do at Dunes OHV Area. The driving opportunities include trails and roads passing through the 800 acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area does not have dedicated campgrounds for RV drivers, but the site has several options for Bureau of Land Management free camping. BLM RV camping is not readily available close to the Dunes OHV Area. Instead, there are several options in the city of Farmington. Bluffview RV Park provides drivers with all the amenities that they could need, including sewer and electric hookups. Farmington is close to Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area, so Sundowner RV Park can be a good base for all drivers to enjoy.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds can take many forms. The agency allows visitors to enjoy primitive and dispersed camping. Camping options are available along the trails of the Dunes Off-Highway Vehicles Area. The free camping options must be completed away from designated campgrounds for a true return to nature. If you'd like to discover more camping options wherever the road takes you, simply do an online search for "BLM camping near me."
Basing a trip at an RV park in Farmington provides you with access to all the needed pharmacy and grocery store services. Heading into the Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area means RV drivers need to stock up on water and food supplies before leaving Farmington. You can get fuel for your OHV in Farmington or another settlement.
Dressing appropriately for the weather in New Mexico is important. Days can be warm and sunny, with temperatures plummeting at night. During the winter months, frost and chilly temperatures can be a problem in desert areas. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The Leave No Trace program requires all visitors to Bureau of Land Management camping areas and locations to limit their impact on the environment. Removing all trash and choosing a campsite that limits the damage to the site is important. All waste should be disposed of properly when taking part in dispersed and primitive camping.
To travel to the Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area, take NM 371 southwest of Farmington. Travel 1.5 miles beyond the city limits of Farmington and follow the signs for the Dunes OHV Area from 371.
Ready to visit Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area? 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.
