El Mirage OHV Recreation Area: Wide‑Open Speed on the Mojave Lakebed

The First Run

The Dirt: Why We Rip Here

• You’ll find the lakebed at the center of everything — a massive, flat surface where riders stretch their legs, test builds, and run wide‑open without worrying about rocks or ruts. It’s one of the few places where speed feels limitless.
• Once you’ve had your fill of the flats, hit the hills. Rocky climbs, sandy pockets, and open desert give dirt bikes and SxS crews all the room they need to rip.
• You never know what you’ll see out here. Land yachts, ultralights, gyrocopters, model rockets, and RC aircraft own the sky while OHVs tear up the ground below.
• There’s even an ATV technical course tucked away—a perfect spot to dial in your skills before blasting into the open desert.
• A lot of folks love the freedom to camp anywhere and ride straight from camp: no gates, no designated loops, open Mojave terrain in every direction.
• You can expect the lakebed to close after rain — the surface needs to stay smooth, and wet conditions can tear it up fast. When it’s dry, it’s one of the fastest surfaces in the state.
• The wind out here is no joke. One minute you’re cruising with clear views, the next you’re punching through dust walls rolling across the flats.

Basecamp: Facilities & Camping

• Drop your tent or park your rig wherever you want—just don’t block a road. This is real open-desert camping, no sites, no limits.
• RVs line up on the lakebed edge or out in the desert, but don’t expect hookups—bring your own water, power, shade, and whatever else you need.
• Staging happens wherever the riders gather. Most folks pick the lakebed edge—flat, open, and easy to roll in.
• Showers? Forget it. You’ll find a few vault toilets scattered around, but no water, no trash service, and nothing fancy.
• Night riding flips the script—the lakebed turns into a dark, endless runway. Most folks stay close to camp unless they’re ready for real-deal desert navigation after dark.
• Land-speed racing is the soul of El Mirage. When SCTA events roll in, racers and crews treat the lakebed like sacred ground.

The Damage

• Bring cash—every vehicle needs a pass: daily ($15), weekly ($30), or annual ($90). No exceptions, all year long.
• Card readers can be hit‑or‑miss at the on‑site fee machines, and they require exact change when paying cash. Buying ahead at the Barstow Field Office is the safest move.
• A towed vehicle doesn’t need a pass unless it’s driven in or out of the area. Once it touches the ground under its own power, it needs its own permit.
• Event weekends might close the lakebed for weather or racing prep, but the fees don’t change.
• Federal passes don’t work here—not Senior, not Veterans, not America the Beautiful. El Mirage runs its own passes.

Trail Rules & Safety

• Helmets are required for all ATV riders and strongly recommended for everyone else — the lakebed may be flat, but the speeds make mistakes unforgiving.
• Spark arrestors are mandatory on all OHVs, and BLM enforces this hard during fire season.
• Alcohol stays in camp — drifting, donuts, and spins are banned, and enforcement is strict on the lakebed.
• Keep the throttle‑happy moments out on the trails, but stay alert. Aircraft, ultralights, and RC craft share the airspace, and riders must yield to non‑motorized users.
• Pets must be leashed, and the desert heat can be brutal — bring shade and water for them too.
• Glass containers and pallet wood are prohibited — nails and broken glass destroy tires and wildlife habitat.
• Fireworks and shooting are banned across the entire OHV area, including BB guns and paintball markers.
• The lakebed closes when wet — riding on a soft surface can destroy it and trap vehicles.

Final Throttle

The Specs

• Official Website
• Official Facebook Page
• Phone: BLM Barstow Field Office — (760) 252‑6000
• Location: 20471 Mountain View Rd, Adelanto, CA 92301