Click here for up-to-date information on changes to closures, facilities and
services at this LTVA.

Tamarisk LTVA is the smallest of the three LTVAs managed by the El Centro
Field Office. Surrounded by tamarisks, this campground is also the most
secluded of the three LTVAs. Due to the remote location, Tamarisk LTVA is
quiet and peaceful.

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/site-page/blm-california-covid-19-updates#LTVA" rel="nofollow">
Click here for up-to-date information on changes to closures, facilities and services at this LTVA.</a>
Tamarisk LTVA is the smallest of the three LTVAs managed by the El Centro Field Office. Surrounded by tamarisks, this campground is also the most secluded of the three LTVAs. Due to the remote location, Tamarisk LTVA is quiet and peaceful.

Bird's eye view of the park

Tamarisk Long Term Visitor Area

Click here for up-to-date information on changes to closures, facilities and
services at this LTVA.

Click here for up-to-date information on Imperial County public pools COVID
guidelines.

## Overview

Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and
recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs),
where visitors can camp for as long as seven months. The Hot Springs LTVA is
known for it's historic and still active hot spring attracting both local and
winter visitors. Fee season September 15-April 15 $180, $80 4-week stay, $40
2-week stay; 14 day camping free April 16-September 14.

## Permits

Thank you for visiting the Hot Spring LTVA managed by the BLM El Centro Field
Office. You must have a permit to camp in a designated LTVA between September
15 and April 15.

**To purchase your permit you will need to take one of the following
actions:**

  * You can purchase your permit with the campground hosts at the site or at Pilot Knob LTVA. The Pilot Knob LTVA is located approximately 35 miles east of this location on Interstate-8. Take the Sidewinder Road exit and continue south.
  * If you wish to purchase online, visit recreation.gov to pay for the permit. You will receive a voucher that can be exchanged at the BLM Yuma Field Office 50 miles East from the campground on Interstate-8. 
  * To purchase at the BLM El Centro Field Office please visit during business hours (Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:30pm). The Field Office is located at 1661 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA.

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/site-page/blm-california-covid-19-updates#LTVA" rel="nofollow">Click here for up-to-date information on changes to closures, facilities and services at this LTVA.</a>

<a href="https://www.icphd.org/environmental-health/covid-19-guidance-and-safety/" rel="nofollow">Click here for up-to-date information on Imperial County public pools COVID guidelines.</a>

<h2>Overview</h2>

Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs), where visitors can camp for as long as seven months. The Hot Springs LTVA is known for it's historic and still active hot spring attracting both local and winter visitors. Fee season September 15-April 15 $180, $80 4-week stay, $40 2-week stay; 14 day camping free April 16-September 14.

<h2>Permits</h2>

Thank you for visiting the Hot Spring LTVA managed by the BLM El Centro Field Office. You must have a permit to camp in a designated LTVA between September 15 and April 15.

To purchase your permit you will need to take one of the following actions:

<ul>
	<li>You can purchase your permit with the campground hosts at the site or at Pilot Knob LTVA. The Pilot Knob LTVA is located approximately 35 miles east of this location on Interstate-8. Take the Sidewinder Road exit and continue south.</li>
	<li>If you wish to purchase online, visit recreation.gov to pay for the permit. You will receive a voucher that can be exchanged at the BLM Yuma Field Office 50 miles East from the campground on Interstate-8. </li>
	<li>To purchase at the BLM El Centro Field Office please visit during business hours (Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:30pm). The Field Office is located at 1661 South 4th Street, El Centro, CA. </li>
</ul>

Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area

Heber Dunes SVRA

## ISDRA is open and accessible – Recreate Responsibly

Responsible outdoor recreation is a great way to keep your mind and body
healthy during COVID. While the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA)
remains open, it is important visitors are responsible and protect themselves
and others from the virus by observing safe mitigation measures.

When visiting ISDRA, remember to **keep your distance – if you see a crowd,
turn around**. Always **ride safe & prevent unnecessary hospital visits** and
remember to **use hand sanitizer and a face covering – don’t leave camp
without them**.

**Please see the frequently asked questions below for more information
regarding COVID safety.**

### Remember, your COVID compliance helps keep ISDRA open!

* * *

## Overview

Located in the southeast corner of California, the Imperial Sand Dunes are the
largest mass of sand dunes in the state.

Formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, the dune system extends
for more than 40 miles in a band averaging 5 miles wide. Dunes often reach
heights of 300 feet above the desert floor, providing outstanding
opportunities for recreation. A favorite place for off-highway vehicle (OHV)
enthusiasts, the dunes also offer fabulous scenery, opportunities for
solitude, and a home to rare plants and animals.

With most of the off-road action taking place in the recreation area south of
Highway 78, the open areas allow all types of vehicle recreation. Limited
areas surround the dunes require vehicles to travel on designated routes.
Closed areas prohibit motorized vehicle use entirely. Information and maps for
all of these areas are available at the ranger stations.

The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness offers a tranquil alternative to the
fast-paced action of the main dunes. This wilderness encompasses more than
26,000 acres, with the largest and tallest dunes located in the central area.
Visitors are welcome to walk or ride horses in this remote area. The
wilderness is closed to all vehicles and mechanized use.

## Fees and Permits

Permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are
$35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits
are $150. **Buy your weekly or season permits online.**

Click here to see how your seasonal fees are spent to maintain the Imperial
Sand Dunes Recreation Area.

## Rules and Regulations

Visiting the Imperial Sand Dunes? Before you go, make sure you know the
**Rules and Regulations**.

## FAQs:

**What is open at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA)?**  
ISDRA is currently open for responsible recreation and the BLM strives to keep
your public lands open. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), BLM, state and
county guidance all emphasize COVID mitigation through good hygiene, staying
home when sick, and social distancing to include the wearing of face
coverings. The BLM is committed to providing safe and responsible outdoor
recreation opportunities. ISDRA visitors are asked to observe all CDC, BLM,
state and county COVID mitigation measures. Before you leave home, make sure
you know the ISDRA Rules and Regulations.

**Are Oldsmobile and the other gathering spots open?**  
Yes, all of the ISDRA is currently open for responsible recreation and the BLM
strives to keep your public lands open. To avoid future area closures in the
ISDRA, all visitors are asked to voluntarily comply with the CDC, BLM, state
and county COVID guidelines for good hygiene, staying home when sick, and
social distancing to include the wearing of face coverings. The BLM is
committed to providing safe and responsible outdoor recreation opportunities
to include the implementation of emergency closures in high-risk areas due to
crowding or other factors.

**Why did BLM close Osborn and Gecko last season when outdoor recreation is
supported by the CDC?**  
Gecko Road and Osborne Overlook are high visitation areas and were closed in
the spring of 2020 to reduce the spread of COVID. To avoid similar closures in
the future, all ISDRA visitors are asked to comply with the CDC, BLM, state
and county COVID guidelines of good hygiene, staying home when sick, and
social distancing to include the wearing of face coverings.

**Will all of the ISDRA be open through the season?**  
BLM staff are working closely with Imperial County to monitor the local
impacts of COVID and are meeting regularly with county representatives to
review and discuss COVID updates and conditions. Should COVID related
conditions change, BLM staff will remain flexible and will work with the
county to address any resurgence of cases, or improvements in conditions, in
the local area. This webpage is the latest ISDRA information is available,
check back often as ISDRA and COVID related updates will be posted here.

**Will permits be required if parts of the dunes are closed?**  
Yes, permits are required throughout the season because BLM services will
continue to be provided to include road clearing, campground maintenance,
trash collection, law enforcement, and emergency medical services despite any
possible future partial closures. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50
per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are available and are $150.

**Will there be vendors?**  
Yes, BLM staff will work with vendors who comply with CDC, BLM, state and
local COVID requirements. In addition to their normal operations plan, vendors
this year will also be required to provide a COVID mitigation plan addressing
safety measures the vendor will take to prevent the spread of COVID while
interacting in ISDRA. COVID mitigation plans will be reviewed by BLM staff to
ensure the prescribed measures meet the current requirements of the CDC, BLM,
state, and county.

**Will there be any impact to services (restrooms, trash, camping access,
permit sales, law enforcement)?**  
The BLM anticipates no impacts to trash, camping access, permit sales or law
enforcement. Beginning Friday, October 16, both Cahuilla and Buttercup Ranger
Stations will be open and staffed from 9:00 – 5:30 Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday. The restrooms at ISDRA are closed due to additional COVID cleaning
mitigation measures. Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly and
bring hand sanitizer as restrooms do not have running water.

**Could I get a ticket for not wearing a mask or not social distancing?**  
BLM law enforcement and Imperial County Sheriffs will support the laws and
requirements regarding the wear of face coverings and social distancing. BLM
strongly encourages safety and responsible recreation.

<h2>ISDRA is open and accessible – Recreate Responsibly</h2>

Responsible outdoor recreation is a great way to keep your mind and body healthy during COVID. While the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) remains open, it is important visitors are responsible and protect themselves and others from the virus by observing safe mitigation measures.

When visiting ISDRA, remember to keep your distance – if you see a crowd, turn around. Always ride safe & prevent unnecessary hospital visits and remember to use hand sanitizer and a face covering – don’t leave camp without them.

Please see the frequently asked questions below for more information regarding COVID safety.

 

<h3>Remember, your COVID compliance helps keep ISDRA open!</h3>

 

<hr/>
<h2>Overview</h2>

Located in the southeast corner of California, the Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in the state.

Formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, the dune system extends for more than 40 miles in a band averaging 5 miles wide. Dunes often reach heights of 300 feet above the desert floor, providing outstanding opportunities for recreation. A favorite place for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, the dunes also offer fabulous scenery, opportunities for solitude, and a home to rare plants and animals.

With most of the off-road action taking place in the recreation area south of Highway 78, the open areas allow all types of vehicle recreation. Limited areas surround the dunes require vehicles to travel on designated routes. Closed areas prohibit motorized vehicle use entirely. Information and maps for all of these areas are available at the ranger stations.

The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness offers a tranquil alternative to the fast-paced action of the main dunes. This wilderness encompasses more than 26,000 acres, with the largest and tallest dunes located in the central area. Visitors are welcome to walk or ride horses in this remote area. The wilderness is closed to all vehicles and mechanized use.

<h2>Fees and Permits</h2>

Permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. <a href="http://isdpermits.net/" rel="nofollow">Buy your weekly or season permits online. </a>

<a href="https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/FY%202019%20Fee%20Report2_saa508.pdf" rel="nofollow">Click here to see how your seasonal fees are spent to maintain the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.</a>

 

<h2>Rules and Regulations</h2>

Visiting the Imperial Sand Dunes? Before you go, make sure you know the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/imperial-sand-dunes/rules-and-regulations" rel="nofollow">Rules and Regulations</a>.

<h2>FAQs:</h2>

What is open at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA)? 
ISDRA is currently open for responsible recreation and the BLM strives to keep your public lands open. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), BLM, state and county guidance all emphasize COVID mitigation through good hygiene, staying home when sick, and social distancing to include the wearing of face coverings. The BLM is committed to providing safe and responsible outdoor recreation opportunities. ISDRA visitors are asked to observe all CDC, BLM, state and county COVID mitigation measures. Before you leave home, make sure you know the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/imperial-sand-dunes/rules-and-regulations" rel="nofollow">ISDRA Rules and Regulations</a>.

Are Oldsmobile and the other gathering spots open? 
Yes, all of the ISDRA is currently open for responsible recreation and the BLM strives to keep your public lands open. To avoid future area closures in the ISDRA, all visitors are asked to voluntarily comply with the CDC, BLM, state and county COVID guidelines for good hygiene, staying home when sick, and social distancing to include the wearing of face coverings. The BLM is committed to providing safe and responsible outdoor recreation opportunities to include the implementation of emergency closures in high-risk areas due to crowding or other factors.

Why did BLM close Osborn and Gecko last season when outdoor recreation is supported by the CDC? 
Gecko Road and Osborne Overlook are high visitation areas and were closed in the spring of 2020 to reduce the spread of COVID. To avoid similar closures in the future, all ISDRA visitors are asked to comply with the CDC, BLM, state and county COVID guidelines of good hygiene, staying home when sick, and social distancing to include the wearing of face coverings.

Will all of the ISDRA be open through the season? 
BLM staff are working closely with Imperial County to monitor the local impacts of COVID and are meeting regularly with county representatives to review and discuss COVID updates and conditions. Should COVID related conditions change, BLM staff will remain flexible and will work with the county to address any resurgence of cases, or improvements in conditions, in the local area. This webpage is the latest ISDRA information is available, check back often as ISDRA and COVID related updates will be posted here.

Will permits be required if parts of the dunes are closed? 
Yes, permits are required throughout the season because BLM services will continue to be provided to include road clearing, campground maintenance, trash collection, law enforcement, and emergency medical services despite any possible future partial closures. <a href="https://isdpermits.net/" rel="nofollow">Permits</a> are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are available and are $150.

Will there be vendors? 
Yes, BLM staff will work with vendors who comply with CDC, BLM, state and local COVID requirements. In addition to their normal operations plan, vendors this year will also be required to provide a COVID mitigation plan addressing safety measures the vendor will take to prevent the spread of COVID while interacting in ISDRA. COVID mitigation plans will be reviewed by BLM staff to ensure the prescribed measures meet the current requirements of the CDC, BLM, state, and county.

Will there be any impact to services (restrooms, trash, camping access, permit sales, law enforcement)? 
The BLM anticipates no impacts to trash, camping access, permit sales or law enforcement. Beginning Friday, October 16, both Cahuilla and Buttercup Ranger Stations will be open and staffed from 9:00 – 5:30 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The restrooms at ISDRA are closed due to additional COVID cleaning mitigation measures. Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly and bring hand sanitizer as restrooms do not have running water.

Could I get a ticket for not wearing a mask or not social distancing? 
BLM law enforcement and Imperial County Sheriffs will support the laws and requirements regarding the wear of face coverings and social distancing. BLM strongly encourages safety and responsible recreation.

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area had over 80,000 duners visiting for Halloween 2016!

Tamarisk Long Term Visitor Area

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area

Heber Dunes SVRA

Imperial Sand Dunes