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Frequently Asked Questions

The BLM decided not to renew their contract with the private company that owned the pay machines, so the machines were removed. BLM has contracted the Imperial County Sheriff's Office to sell and enforce the required non-commercial special recreation permits related to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, ISDRA. The Sheriff's Office is looking to replace the pay machines for the 2006-2007 season.

If I arrive after-hours, where and when can I purchase the required permit(s)?

 Until permit dispensing machines can be installed at the ISDRA permits can be purchased at any of the participating permit vendors in and around the ISDRA.  If the vendors are closed, visitors are required to obtain their permits first thing the next morning. 

Can I wait and get my permit(s) on the way out?

 No.  Law enforcement will issue violation citations for primary vehicles that are not in compliance under the Imperial County Codified Ordinance 10.32.010.  Waiting to get a permit will dramatically increase the chance of receiving a citation.  Why wait?  Why take the chance?  

What do I do if I get a citation?

     For California residents dial 1(800)273-6488.

     For Out-of-State residents dial (714)432-6166.

Can visitors still wait until the Sheriff’s Office sales personnel drive into our camp before purchasing a permit? 

Don’t wait for drive-up sales service.  Once the anticipated self-dispensing permit machines are in place at the ISDRA permit personnel will not be offering drive-up service.  The responsibility of purchasing and maintaining a non-commercial special recreation permit will lie solely with the visitor.   

 What is considered a "primary vehicle"?

 A primary vehicle is any street legal vehicle used for transportation to the recreation site: i.e. motor homes, trucks, SUV’s, passenger cars.  A permit is required at all times while in the fee area and will be required to exit the area.

Best Advice: Keep your permit until you have completely left the ISDRA fee area.

We have heard that vehicles have been broken into and permits were being stolen.  We keep our permit inside our vehicles glove box and show it to law enforcement when they come by.  Is that okay?

No.  Permit must be displayed at all times.  During the 2005-2006 permit season there was only one reported case of a permit being taken from a vehicle and the vehicle had been left unlocked while the owner was out on a ride.  Ramped vehicle break-ins and permit theft is nothing but an unsubstantiated rumor and excuse for failing to comply with the requirements for having and displaying the required permit.   

Best Advice: Secure displayed permits so they do not blow away in the wind and keep the vehicle locked.

 Will I need a permit for the vehicle that I tow in?

 A registered street legal vehicle that is towed or trailered to the dunes is exempt from having a non-commercial special recreation permit AS LONG AS the vehicle remains off all roadways (Gecko Road. Hwy 78, I-8 freeway, ect…) and utilizes the OHV authorized areas and routes only.  If a towed-in vehicle uses any of the on-highway roads, BLM will consider it as a primary vehicle and will require a permit.

 No. Beginning Oct. 1, 2006, the start of the 2006-2007 season permits will no longer be replaced.  A non-commercial special recreation permit has a value.  When a permit is carelessly lost, forgotten or misplaced the price of having to buy another one or receiving a citation becomes an unwanted expense.   It is important (and the visitor’s responsibility) to secure the permit inside the vehicle making sure it is properly displayed at the same time.  

Hint:  keep vehicle windows rolled up and doors locked at all times.

Can my friend or relative drive their car out to visit with me at the dune without having to buy a permit?

No.  It is the simple responsibility of the visitor to have, display and secure their permits.  

If I forget to bring, lose or damage my permit can I use my receipt as a permit while at the dunes?

 No.  BLM requires that all primary vehicles have and display a non-commercial special recreation permit.

How long is my permit good for?

 There are only two types of permits:

Seasonal permit is good from Oct. 1^st thru Sept. 30^th of the following year.  Cost:  $90

Weekly permit is good for 7 days from purchase: Cost:  $25

B.L.M. has a 14-day camping limit on all of its lands.

 Where and when can I buy the required permit?

 At this time, permits can be obtained through participating permit vendors in and around the ISDRA, Sheriff’s Office sales personnel (not law enforcement deputies), a toll free permit hotline (800-278-0165) or the ISDRA website: www.imperialsanddunes.org.  

Are there discounts given to Senior citizens, military, law enforcement or any other organization(s)?

 No.  BLM does not offer any discounts for its non-commercial special recreation permit related to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area, ISDRA. 

 No. Golden Access/Age/Eagle passports only apply to "entry" and "use" fees. Golden Access/Age/Eagle passport discounts do not apply to the "non commercial special recreation permit fees" which are charged in this off-highway vehicle area. Please see the back of your Golden Access/Age/Eagle passport for more details.

Can I convert my weekly permit into a seasonal permit?

 No.  All sales are final.  Credit to upgrade permits is not available.

For Additional FAQ’s please visit the BLM El Centro website at http://www.blm.gov/ca/elcentro/ImperialSandDunes/dune_faqs_9-2-03.html