Home > California > Copper Basin

Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Trail Map

Other Names

Havasu Sand Dunes, Parker Strip, Colorado River, Lake Havasu, Big Bend

Last Known Status

Open

This area boasts over 1,200 acres of open area with a variety of desert trails, shallow sand washes with patches of hard packed dirt and loose gravel, powerline roads plus isolated sand dunes, making this an excellent choice for ATV and UTV riders. There are some nice views of the Colorado River that can be found on top of the dunes, but you cannot ride all the way to the water.

Amenities include paved parking, loading ramps, a vault toilet, informational kiosk with a basic trail map, one picnic table and BBQ grill. Overnight parking is not permitted, but lodging can be found at the RV resort directly across the road, which also has a small market, boat ramp and some nice waterfront camping (reservations are recommended for all RV resorts on the Parker Strip, especially during the fall and winter months).

Another option is Crossroads Campground, which is located about 5 miles south off Parker Dam Road. The campground features 26 sites, each with a picnic table, BBQ grill and excellent views of the river. Sites are first come, first serve, and there is a self pay kiosk. Additional day use areas can be found just a couple miles north and offer some nice shady picnic sites and access to the river.

The dunes and trails are open year-round, but the best time to visit is between November through March since spring and summer daytime temps often go into the triple digits. Nearby Crossroads OHV Area and UTV rentals can be found a few minutes away.

OHV Area Map... Nearby ATV OHV Areas...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	Yes	CA OHMVR stickers required
Dates Open	Year-Round	CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round
Other ATV Stickers Accepted	Yes	Residents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY)
Spark Arrestor	Yes	A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise Limit	Yes (96 dB)	CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB)
Whip Flags	Not Required
Maximum Vehicle Width	No Restriction
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
ATVs	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
UTV & SXS	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Permitted	CA OHMVR stickers required
2 Stroke Engines	No Restriction	CA OHMVR restrictions apply
MX Helmet Required	Yes	helmets required by state law
Camping	Prohibited
Campfires	Prohibited
Night Riding	No
Trail Blazing	Permitted
Alcohol	No Restriction
Rule Enforcement	Few/Periodic	Jeep/SUV Patrol

TERRAIN

Approx Size	1,276 acres (2 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	15
Climate Type	Desert
Elevation	300 to 700 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt	Little
Hard Pack	Some
Sand	Mostly	paddle or sand tire recommended for best experience
Mud	None
Dust	Some
Rocks	Little
Trees	Few
Steep Hills	Some
Water Crossings	None
Small Jumps	Some
Large Jumps	Few
Berms	Some
Sand/Gravel Pits	Few
Single Track	Few
Roads	Some
Intersections	Some
Rider Traffic	Few
Shade	None
Ranges/Gunfire	Few
Hazards	Few	(hazards not marked)
Novice	Mostly
Amateur	Some
Expert	Little
Comment	mostly open area - ride anywhere

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails, Off-Road Dunes

Land

BLM

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	1-5 Miles (E)	Benders Market / RV Resort
Diesel	5-20 Miles (SE)	Parker
Water	1-5 Miles (E)	Benders Market / RV Resort
RV Hookup	1-5 Miles (E)	Benders Market / RV Resort
RV Disposal	1-5 Miles (E)	Benders Market / RV Resort
Campground	1-5 Miles (E)	Benders Market / RV Resort
Conv Store	1-5 Miles (E)	Benders Market / RV Resort

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	Yes Tent: $5.00 RV: $5.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 Crossroads Campground Fee

RATINGS

Pros	large open area, ride anywhere, southeast dunes offer views of the river, clean facilities
Cons	no camping, no day use ammenities such as picnic tables, no shade, hot in summer
Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	Full Day Fall - Spring
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Parker, AZ

Address

Parker Dam Road, Parker Dam, CA 92267

Trail Map

From: Phoenix, AZ
1) I-10 West to Exit 19 (Parker/Yuma)
2) Turn right (north) off the exit ramp into Riggles Ave, continue 1 block
3) Turn left (west) onto Main Street, continue 1 mile
4) Turn right (north) onto US-95, continue 22 miles
5) Turn left (north) to stay on US-95, continue 12 miles
6) Continue straight to stay on US-95, continue 1 mile
7) After crossing river, turn right on Parker Dam Road, continue 11.5 miles
8) OHV entrance is on the left (west).

Note: You can also access this area from the north, from Lake Havasu City, but you must cross Parker Dam, which is closed to RVs and trailers.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact Info

BLM - Lake Havasu Field Office
1785 Kiowa Avenue
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(928) 505-1200
blm_az_lhfoweb@blm.gov
www.blm.gov

Contact Info	Desert Experience Offroad Rentals 1201 Parker Dam Road Earp, CA 92242 (928) 466-6058 desertexperienceor.com
Comment	UTV Rentals

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Copper Basin OHV Area Photo

This is about as close as you can get to the actual water while riding in the OHV area, but there are multiple hilltops with great views of the lake.

Copper Basin OHV Area Photo

Terrain example at Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

This area was pure sand with some scattered vegatation but there are other types of terrain also.

Copper Basin OHV Area Photo

Scenery from Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

This is a good example of the mixed terrain in the area. Some hard pack and sharp rocks as well as deep fine sand dunes.

Copper Basin OHV Area Photo

Amenities example at Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

Benders Market and RV Resort sits directly accross the street from the main entrance. Behind this building there are numerous shoreline camping sites.