Dumont Dunes

Description

Located in the Mojave Desert of Southern California, the Dumont Dunes OHV Area covers approximately 7,620 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Set about 31–40 miles north of the small town of Baker, California (via State Highway 127) and positioned south of the Amargosa River and east of the highway, the area offers an expansive off-highway vehicle (OHV) playground defined by steep sand bowls, shifting dunes, volcanic hill backdrops and wide-open desert spaces.

Terrain & Experience

This recreation area is especially popular among off-road vehicle enthusiasts: ATVs, UTVs, sand-rails, dirt bikes and 4×4 high-clearance vehicles come here to tackle steep transitions, high dunes, shifting sand surfaces and demanding climbs. The dunes themselves vary in elevation — from around 700 feet near the river up to roughly 1,200 feet at the top of “Competition Hill,” the tallest dune in the field. Remote, rugged and largely undeveloped, Dumont offers visitors a chance at “primitive” camping and riding — meaning fewer amenities, more self-reliance, and plenty of open space.

Camping & Access

Camping is permitted essentially anywhere within the open riding area (outside closed or restricted zones) for up to 14 consecutive days. There are staging and camping areas, including a “Little Dunes” area that offers somewhat gentler terrain suitable for families or novice riders. Visitors are responsible for bringing their own water, shade, emergency gear and support because amenities are minimal.

Access to the main dune field is typically via Dumont Road (a dirt road off Highway 127) that crosses or follows the Amargosa River to reach the larger dunes.

Fees & Regulations

A valid recreation pass is required for the “primary vehicle” entering the area — the pass must be printed and displayed on the dashboard. The fees (as of recent listings) are roughly $30 for a non-holiday weekly pass, $40 for a holiday week, or a season pass around $90 (non-holiday) up to approximately $120 (including holidays).

Other important regulations and safety notes:

Helmets are required for ATV operators and passengers; flags are required on UTVs for visibility.
Maximum speed for OHVs is 15 mph within 50 feet of a campsite, pedestrian, or animal.
Some areas are fenced off for sensitive plant or animal habitat and are closed to motor vehicles — riders must respect signage and map boundaries.
Fire risk is high; open-flame restrictions, burning bans, and waste/disposal regulations must be followed.

Best Time to Visit & Conditions

Because of its low-elevation desert location, summers can be extremely hot (100 °F to 120 °F). Winters can be cold overnight, with daytime highs more moderate. Winds are frequent and humidity is very low — adding to the remote, rugged feel of the place. For optimal riding and camping comfort, spring and fall tend to offer the best balance of temperatures and accessible conditions.

Why It’s Worth It

Dumont Dunes stands out because:

It offers a large, largely open area dedicated to motorized recreation in a dramatic desert setting — big dunes, volcanic hills and rugged terrain.
Its remote location means you’ll find more solitude and fewer crowds compared to more developed parks.
It’s managed with a “ride where you want (within open area boundaries)” ethos — fewer formal trails, more freedom.
It provides a mix of high-adrenaline riding for advanced users and more moderate terrain for families/newer riders (via the Little Dunes).

Important Considerations

Minimal shade, no full-service amenities; you must bring water, first-aid, recovery gear and know how to handle remote-desert conditions.
Soft sand and steep angles increase the risk of getting stuck or rolling a vehicle; prep your vehicle accordingly (flag, recovery gear, etc.).
Respect the environment: stay out of closed areas, adhere to speed limits near campsites/pedestrians, pick up your trash, be aware of fire risk.
Check weather, road access, and BLM-issued regulations beforehand (conditions can change).