Weekend warriors and Off-Highway Vehicle lovers, we have the perfect place for you. The Imperial Sand Dunes is the largest OHV sand dune recreation area in the United States. The crown jewel of this beautiful expanse of desert are the Glamis dunes. The Imperial Sand Dunes are located on BLM land in southeast California and draw over 100,000 visitors every Thanksgiving weekend. The area is known as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. It also serves as the recognizable backdrop for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI). The rolling dunes act as a playground for off-roaders, and visitors bring everything from ATV’s and buggies to funky, one-of-a-kind contraptions.
Here are some key things to know about the Glamis Dunes:
Location
The Imperial Sand Dunes, or the Algodones Dunes, are located 160 miles east of San Diego and 51 miles west of Yuma, accessible by Highway 78 via Interstate 8 from either direction. The recreation area is split up into two sections, North and South. While popular Glamis is situated in the North, RVers can find a similar experience in the Southern section in Buttercup and Dune Buggy Flats. Each area has options for RV camping and putting around the dunes. If you’re looking for a quieter, more slow-paced experience, the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness offers a more relaxing alternative.
Environment and Weather
Before tripping to the Dunes, it’s important to be aware of its setting. The desert area brings in mass amounts of visitors per year, most of whom bring off-road vehicles. Big crowds and revving engines make up much of the noise at Glamis, making for lots of fun and minimal quiet time. Next to Thanksgiving, the busiest times at Glamis are Halloween, New Year’s, President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Easter. The entertaining dunes and warm temps alike bring in large numbers of visitors, with winter averages in the 60s to 70s and spring averages in the 70s to 80s. Although its presence in the desert is rare, keep an eye out for rain in the forecast. Desert areas can be subject to flash flooding! Moreover, the desert does have its vengeance in the summer with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, so plan accordingly.
Prepare to Boondock
Dry camping is a big part of the Glamis experience, so prepare in advance by keeping an eye on your water supply, generator, and other boondocking necessities. As mentioned above, the big crowds and desert toys generate lots of noise, so you can use your generator without worry. Be ready to socialize, as many “duners” are friendly. Community is a key part of the experience. However, if you’re seeking a bit more comfort and quiet, consider checking out this Harvest Hosts location in Frink, CA. Nestled near the famed Salton Sea, this attraction is less than an hour from the Glamis dunes. Here, you can spend the night in an RV up to 45 feet in length.
Permits, Fees, and Rules
It is very important to know that there are required permits for all who stay in the dunes fee area. Weekly permits are $50 and season permits, valid from October 1 to March 31, are $150. You can purchase the permit online, onsite at Glamis, or at a permit retailer. Park rules require that visitors display safety flags on any and all OHVs, operate only properly registered vehicles, and do not use glass beverage containers. You can review the BLM’s official rules and regulations here.
We hope you enjoyed these Dunes “must-knows” and can experience all that the California desert has to offer. Where is your favorite weekend recreation destination? Let us know in the comments below!
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