Safety
Check Local Regulations
- Permits required in windshield for all street-legal vehicles (available for purchase at the ranger station, local businesses, or at https://isdpermits.net ).
- Safety Flags mandatory on all vehicles, including motorcycles. (Minimum of 6×12″, attached within 10″ of whip tip, and extend minimum 8 ft. from the ground.)
- 15 mph speed limit on sand highways, near campgrounds, and people. Always drive safe for the conditions.
- All vehicle operators must be 16+ or directly supervised.
- Seat belts and proper seating required where applicable.
- All ATV/UTV riders must wear helmets. Any operator under 18 requires safety training.
- No passengers on ATVs unless they are designed for two.
- OHVs prohibited on roadways except at safe 90° crossings.
Driving in the Dunes: Visibility & Awareness
- Crest cautiously by approaching dunes at an angle.
- Scan constantly.
- Uphill traffic has the right-of-way.
- Adjust your speed based on traffic, visibility and skill.
- Avoid getting stuck by airing down your tires (5-15 PSI, depending on tires and conditions), maintaining momentum and using low gears. You may need to dig yourself out and use recovery gear.
- Minimize impact by staying in open dune areas, avoid vegetation/wildlife habitats/conservation zones.
Equip Your Vehicle
- Use sand-ready vehicles with sand tires, high clearance and or 4WD.
- Install whip flag (min of 8 ft. high.)
- Double-check your seatbelts, helmets (for ATVs/UTVs), and lights, and top off essential fluids (oil, coolant, and fuel) before hitting the dunes
Bring Essentials
- Recovery gear like tow straps, recovery boards, tools and a shovel.
- Extra water, food, first aid kit. You never know what the day will bring.
- GPS/map and communication device (radio/satellite phone).
Travel in Groups
- Ride with others for safety.
- Signal number of trailing group members with your fingers when passing other riders.
- Stop to check on lone riders.
Camping Rules
- No saving spaces.
- No parking/camping within 10 ft. of Gecko Road pavement.
- Unattended property beyond 24–72 hrs may be towed.
- All rigs have a 14-day limit.
- No hazardous burning. No burning of pallets & construction debris with nails.
- Fire permit required before lighting your fire. https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org
- No glass containers ever and no alcohol while driving/riding; no alcohol for anyone under 21.
- Quiet hours 10 pm–6 am.
- Organized events require BLM authorization.
Respect for Others
- Be courteous, wave to other groups, be patient and help less experienced riders.
- Slow down near campsites to limit dust and noise.
- Never throw your cans in the fire.
- Your mom’s not here to clean up after you. Pack out what you pack in.
Disclaimer: This guide is for reference only. Visitors are responsible for following all official BLM and California laws while at ISDRA.