By:
Submission
Camping in undeveloped campsites is allowed in previously used or disturbed sites outside of the "day-use-only" areas. In most cases these sites include a rock or metal fire ring; not all sites contain a fire ring. All fires must be in a fire ring or fire pan; new fire rings cannot be constructed. Camping tramples vegetation and disturbs soils. By reusing existing sites, you help protect the desert from further damage. Practice Leave No Trace principles, including burrying human waste at least six inches deep.
Careful planning and knowledge of camping guidelines and regulations will help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for you, future visitors, and the fragile desert environment.
Wow! Huge soft sand dunes + amazing sunset + bright stars at night! I wish I could go back more often, we had so much fun! (Beware of kangaroo rats when wearing sandals + making food after dark, they make it pretty obvious that you should be sharing 😅 P.S. I did not share)
Pretty amazing dunes that are quite tall, although the overall area they cover is relatively small compared to other places. Be warned the road to them can be in rough shape, especially after the increased rain fall SoCal seems to be getting these days. Passable in 2WD, but just have good tires. Definitely worth the trip if you want some peace and quiet. I love how secluded they are. A lot more peaceful than Glamis.
This place is stunning. Some people say it's just sand, but boy is it beautiful.
The hike to the top is not that easy. The sand is loose and you may slide down. Plus it adds significant resistance to your strides. Not a child friendly nor elderly friendly hike if your kids aren't active. That being said, there were some kids at the top running up and down like nothing, so it's doable for active kids.
I took a board to slide down and it's fun. Warning, don't smile, don't open your mouth, wear at least sunglasses, bring plenty of water for you and your dogs, and an extra change of clothes. Sand will get everywhere.
To get to the kelso dunes you drive through Mojave a bit then have to drive on a well maintained dirt road all the way to the dunes. I know it looks cool and fun in the pictures, but the hike to the dunes is no joke. Would not recommend going during the summer. It probably takes 20-30 minutes to get to the skirts of the dune. And is probably a 2 hour hike to the top of it. This hike is no joke. The dunes are very steep and is extremely tiring just to make 10 yards of progress. The reward and views at the end are absolutely worth it though. Jumping or rolling down a huge sand dune is a part of the reward on the way back.
