The Imperial Sand Dunes located in Southern California are the largest sand dune formation in the United States. Stretching across 40 miles and over the border into Mexico, this is one of the best places you can go for off road recreation. At the southern most tip of the dunes, just south of Interstate 8, is a campground known as Buttercup O.H.V. Park. Run by the Breau of Land Management, this giant sandbox turns into a small city nearly every weekend between October and April each year. Drawing people from across our beautiful country for one reason: TO SLING SOME SAND! These dunes stretch for as far as the eye can see with nothing to get in the way of your riding. Large bowls and razor back crests are just a couple of examples of the terrain you will cover. Known as a more “family friendly” place to camp than its big brother Glamis, Buttercup has riding for all skill levels. The dunes do cross the border with Mexico, so you need to be careful not to cross accidentally with out the appropriate paper work. There are only a few bathroom facilities, no water, no gas, and no dump station. So in other words, bring your toyhauler.

There is however one small oasis known as Pair-A-Dice on the north side of I-8. A small restaurant and bar usually packed with thirsty off-road fanatics wanting some food and a cold drink. There are plans to have a ranger station built shortly that will house all the local authorities. There are some closures currently in place at Buttercup that will hopefully be overturned shortly, but until then, please be aware and respect the closed areas. There are several points of interest that make for nice day trips and with the appropriate directions and paper work you can go to Mexico. There are several web sites available for information regarding Buttercup. You can find more information online at www.duneguide.com

 -THM