Dumont Dunes - SoCal Van Life

Overview

Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area is located in the middle of nowhere and a perfect place for van and RV nomads who love off-roading. The main activity here is off-roading on the dune. The dunes here have big bowls, steep climbs, and flowing transitions perfect for the hardcore off-road enthusiast.

Adventure

A visit to Dumont Dunes is well worth it for any van and RV nomad who’s into off-roading and riding dunes. The recreational area encompasses 7,620 acres of public land located about 40 miles north of Baker, CA.

The dunes are large, steep, intimidating, and a load of fun. Bordered by steep volcanic hills and the Amargosa River, the region is easily recognized from a distance by these distinctive dunes. The elevation here varies from 700 feet, at the river, to 1200 feet at the top of Competition Hill, the tallest of the dunes.

Brochure: BLM Dumont Dunes Map

Most of the dunes are incorporated in the Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area, administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a recreational area for off-road vehicle sports, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and rock collecting.

Camping

Camping is permitted anywhere within the open area of Dumont but is limited to a maximum of 14 consecutive days.

There is a BLM Fee to use and stay at the dunes. A season pass (Oct. 1 -Sept. 30) is $90 non-holiday and $120 with holidays or a weekly pass is $30 non-holiday and $40 with holidays. Seven-day permits are available from the onsite machine attendant. (See picture above)

Note: Season passes are not available online or from the on-site machines at Dumont. They are available from the Barstow BLM office (760-252-6000) or from vendors in Baker ( K&Y Country Store, Grewal Travel Center, or Valero Service Station), Pahrump (Parker Kawasaki), Las Vegas (Johnnie Walker RV, Carter Powersports), and Shoshone, CA (Shoshone General Store)

A few vendors have had them available at vendor row on busy holiday weekends in the past, but availability isn’t guaranteed.

Directions:

The Dumont Dunes Open Area is located south of the Amargosa River and east of Highway 127 off Dumont Dunes Road, a dirt road that follows and crosses the river, leading to the main field of large dunes. It’s about 31 miles north of Baker, California.

The Little Dunes staging and camping area is directly off Highway 127 and located one mile south of Dumont Road.

References and Other Adventures:

Exploring

Zzyzx Road

Zzyzx Road is a great out-of-the-ordinary adventure for any van or RV nomad driving to/from Las Vegas. ZZYZX is just west of Baker California on I-15 and is an old resort called Soda Springs. The resort is long gone, but remnants of it are still here and fun to explore. The California University System also has its Mojave Research Center here too, but that is closed to the public.

January 10, 2021 No Comments

Camping

Afton Canyon Campground

Afton Canyon is one of the hidden gems for spring and fall camping in the Mojave desert and perfect for any van or RV nomad looking to spend time in the desert.

December 12, 2020 No Comments