Recently, I had the opportunity to camp on some land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that`s open to a diverse group of users. The area is the El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area in the Mojave Desert on the western edge of California’s San Bernardino County.
The wide open spaces of the El Mirage region. Photo by AnimAlu
Why is El Mirage so Unique?
The geological feature of El Mirage that differs from other off-road areas is the six-mile El Mirage Dry Lake Bed. Not only is it open to the standard assortment of off-road vehicles, but it’s open to many off-road and recreational vehicles including:
- Wind Powered Vehicles, which includes land yachts and kite buggies
- Aircraft, including ultra-lights, gyrocopters, parasails and even conventional airplanes.
- Remote controlled model airplanes, model rockets and drones.
Most importantly, it’s open to RVs. They are welcome to camp almost anywhere within the 24,400 acres. If you have ever wondered how fast your RV can go, head onto the smooth, flat dry lake surface. It has no speed limit and RVers can just put the “pedal to the metal.” This is where high-performance vehicles have been clocked at more than 300 mph by the Southern California Timing Association!
El Mirage welcomes Rvers who enjoy the more adventurous side of camping.
Additionally, less adventurous RVers may choose quieter places. These include one of the many shade armadas, fire rings and grills that are in the area. The site can be a home base to enjoy off-roading or other activities for the day.
Explore More in El Mirage
Those without motorized toys are also welcome to the stroll the area. There`s varied terrain and desert vegetation, which includes creosote bush, rabbit brush, Joshua trees and some species of cactus. As it is the desert, its wise to stay clear of dangerous desert plants that are specific to the dry, arid, region.
Further, non-motorized activities also include rock hounding, rock scrambling and wildlife watching. El Mirage also contains desert tortoises and its wise to be aware of rattlesnakes that commonly inhabit the area.
Entry fees are $15 per day (until noon the following day) or $30 per week. Plan a stop at El Mirage during your next RV trek and enjoy this multi-use public land!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
What did it become a rule seemingly that Open Desert BLM camping involves a fee?
Do we old guys with America the beautiful passes pay Half?
Thanks. I often. Drive down the nearby state route 138 but have never explored El Mirage.
The area became too popular with weekend warriors arriving from the LA area, so they instituted a fee a number of years back. Since it is operated by the BLM, I would think your pass would be valid. I would contact them to be sure. Another BLM area nearby you can enjoy ORVs and camp for free is Stoddard Valley just south of Barstow.