Description

California, El Mirage Off Highway Vehicle Area

Directions:

From Los Angeles, take the I-15 east.  Exit at highway 395 North.  Proceed northeast to the city of Adelanto.  Turn left onto Chamberlain Way and proceed for approximately 2 miles.  It dead ends at Koala road.  Turn right on Koala Rd and proceed approximately one mile to El Mirage road.  Turn left on El Mirage road.  Go approximately 10 miles to Mountain View Road and turn right.  You are there.  NOTE: there are several other routes to this location.  Take a look at the map before you depart to this desert area.

Latitude: 34.616236 Longitude: -117.542934

Comment

El Mirage Off Highway Vehicle Area.  El Mirage is operated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 

This is an open area with dry camping only.  It's a wilderness area in the high desert but, cellular service and data cellular service is still good in the area.  There are approximately 10 spots that have a covered picnic table, fire ring, and grill.  However, most of the camping is in an open area along the side of the dry lake that can accomodate thousands of vehicles.  There is an information center at the dry lake.  The information center sells books and has a limited amount of food and drinks.  Big rigs of any size can be accommodated.  Campbase has a short El Mirage Dry Lake Video here.

The dry lake off road area is busiest during the fall, winter, and spring.  Most campers don't visit here during the summer due to the high heat, wind, and dust.  

The dry lake is approximately 10 miles long and vey flat and smooth. 

There is a Pay Station at this location.  MAKE SURE YOU PUT IN THE EXACT AMOUNT.  IT DOES NOT RETURN CHANGE.

RESTROOMS: There are two brick outhouses at the south end of the dry lake.  In addition, there is one restroom available at the information center when it's open.  Approximately 10 other restrooms are scattered throughout the park.  Showers are not available.

In addition to off road vehicles, the lake bed is also used for land sailing, and also as an aircraft landing area.  Ultra lite aircraft use the lake regularly.

it is illegal to bring or burn pallets at El Mirage.  Wood with nails or screws is also illegal.  The nails remain on the lake bed for decades and cause flat tires on off road vehicles.  All glass containers are illegal.  

Because of the high speed off-road vehicles, Campbase recommends leaving your pets at home.  

The park does not have any dumpsters.  You will need to pack all the trash out. 

The Southern California Timing Association also hosts land speed racing events at this location.  Please visit their website to see a schedule of events planned at El Mirage.  http://www.scta-bni.org