Free dispersed camping at the base of a large sand dune system, accessible via Valley View Boulevard off US-95 south of Beatty, puts Big Dune Recreation Area on the radar for desert campers passing through southern Nevada. The BLM manages this no-cost site with minimal infrastructure: a few picnic tables and an information board at a flat gravel lot about two miles in, and nothing else. Campers can pull off along the main road or continue to the lot, though the access road runs washboard-rough for most of its length, and soft spots make four-wheel drive worth considering.
The dunes draw a steady OHV crowd, so campers who aren't there for ATV riding should set up well back from the active trail areas. Dispersal is wide and privacy is generally easy to find. Cell service is reported as reliable. Night skies and sunset sightlines are among the details reviewers mention most, with Ariel & John W. noting "beautiful night sky and sunsets" as a highlight of the stay.
Nearby BLM dispersed options in the corridor include BLM Dispersed off US 95 near Big Dune to the northeast and White Hills BLM Dispersed near US 95 to the north, both along the same highway stretch. Resupply is straightforward: Martell Market sits roughly seven minutes south and stays open until 10pm, while Amargosa Valley to the east has gas and propane. Bring extra water, as there are no water hookups or potable sources on site.
Description
These relatively undiscovered sand dunes offer an ideal recreation area for ATVs. These hills are a well-kept secret and mostly used by locals, but expect to find plenty of other off-roaders on the weekends. The Big Dunes cover five square miles and tower about 500’. Big Dune is home to sensitive plants and animals.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Dune Recreation Area is located in Nevada near Amargosa Valley
Directions
From Las Vegas, travel north on US-95 for approximately 95 miles. Turn left onto Valley View Road and travel approximately 2.2 miles. Turn left onto a dirt road and travel until you reach the dune.
Coordinates
36.6473785 N
116.58497727 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Big Dune Recreation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 18 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 2 hrs 57 min from St. George, UT
- 4 hrs 15 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 5 hrs 18 min from Visalia, CA
