December 12-13 weekend is Buggy Roundup 8! This year will be a little different due to the flu that is going around and CDC guidelines, but we are still a go!
Calling all sandcars! Come join us at Dumont Dunes for our 8th Annual Buggy Roundup. The Buggy Roundup is an annual Dumont trip when all the sandcar people are invited to come out and camp together as a group. We'll be camped together across from bathroom 10, just off the right side of the entrance road. This trip gives the buggy guys and girls of Dumont a chance to meet each other and run the dunes together for a full weekend without the crowds. So don't be a stranger. Every year we have new people join the camp and end up leaving as friends.
There is no set schedule of events, but Saturday will likely go something like this...
8:00 AM -~10 AM: Sandcars and Coffee: Pull your car into the center of camp. (Or park it there the night before) Grab some coffee, say good morning to everyone, and check out all the buggies.
Saturday Afternoon: The rest of the day will involve duning, maybe another buggy weigh-off, dune trivia, and more group dune runs!
There will be no taco night this year due to the social distancing restrictions in place.
Want in? Here's what you need to do.
1) On the event page, click GOING...
2) Bring your buggy to Dumont and join in on the fun. Don't be a stranger. Park with the group. If you don't know anyone, just ask for PETE.
COVID-19 Guidelines we must follow this year
Stay home if you are sick
Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer
Cover your nose & mouth when coughing or sneezing
Regularly clean common touched items
Wear a face mask when in high risk areas such as indoors (RVs) with members of other households or outdoors when 6 feet of distancing is not possible or within close proximity of each other.
Please limit gatherings of people in close proximity within camp. Social distancing of 6 feet or more
There will be no central campfire and each RV will have their own fire.
Should anyone get sick during the event, they should leave Dumont Dunes so as to reduce the exposure potential to others at the event.
Thanksgiving is here and Dumont is open! In addition, the annual Dune Master and Sand Piper Old School Buggy Sand Drags and Hill Climbs are on for 2020.
The drag races will be Friday, November 27th starting at 10am on the flats on the way to the North Pole.
The hill climbs will be held on Saturday, November 28th also starting at 10am on the big hill just to the left of comp hill.
Spectators are welcome. Social Distancing and other Covid safe practices are encouraged. Sorry, Participants are limited to Club members only due to BLM permit and insurance requirements.
October is finally here and that means dune season is about to start! This year I think many people are excited to get back out to the dunes even more than ever. With all the problems in the world right now and with 2020 being one of the biggest turd years of all, some sand therapy is much needed for everyone. Although there are still some new guidelines like social distancing that we must all follow this season, let's not forget the basics of dune etiquette & safety as well. Stay alive this year by wearing your safety equipment, having a spotter when jumping, watch out for each other, and put the keys away if you have been drinking. Those are just the basics. Dumont can be a dangerous place, but with a little common sense and responsibility, even one of the busiest weekends can be accident free. Please don't forget to keep your camp clean and pack out anything you bring in. Dumont does not have trash collection and a little housekeeping is everyone's duty.
Get in the Halloween spirit and decorate your camp!
Passes: Every vehicle entering Dumont Dunes needs to display a weekly or season pass. More info.
Vendor Row: There will be NO FOOD VENDORS since the San Bernardino County Health Department is not allowing or issuing food vending permits at this time. Social distancing will be strictly enforced. Vendor row will be reconfigured from what you are used to seeing to allow for social distancing.
Fires: As of October 13th, the fire ban is lifted, so campfires & BBQs are allowed with fire permit. Click here to get your fire permit for free. This is not something that is heavily or usually enforced, but technically its the law. Its best to get one just in case.
Trick-or-Treating: In normal Dumont tradition, camp to camp trick-or-treating will likely still happen on Halloween night. Be prepared and stock up on candy. The Trunk or Treat is also still scheduled to take place at the south end of Vendor Row on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 6 to 8pm. More info. Please follow the CDC guidelines and be responsible.
Camp and Dune Responsibly: This includes staying home if you don't feel well, recreating/camping with only your household members, practicing social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of space between you and others using the site, regularly disinfecting frequently touch items, not sharing equipment unless it has been disinfected between users, and washing hands regularly/using hand sanitizer. There is plenty of space at Dumont for folks to stay socially distanced. This is very important this season. Dumont CAN get closed down if duners do not follow the guidelines. That actually happened at El Mirage earlier this year. Understand that the BLM is a government agency that manages Dumont Dunes and they must closely follow and enforce the CDC guidelines. So cut them some slack and don't take it out on them or the rangers. We're all dealing with this together and looking forward to a fun, safe dune season!
With dune season approaching during this COVID-19 pandemic, questions are on the rise as well as the rumors. Everyone is eager to get back out to the sand and they're gearing up for Halloween weekend. But many of you have concerns. Will Dumont be open? Will there be a Vendor Row? Some people heard rumors that Dumont is closed for Halloween. We spoke with the BLM and they confirmed Dumont is still open.
Dumont passes: You can soon buy your season pass from vendors who sell them. The passes are being distributed to them this month (Sept). You can find a list of those vendors on our passes page. Weekly passes can be purchased on site via the fee machines with a credit card. Although the Barstow public room is remains closed to the public, a telephone message can be left at 760-252-6000 stating desire to purchase a pass and the telephone call will be returned with a credit card payment accepted. Another option is to mail request with payment via check to BLM Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311.
Vendor Row Update: There will be NO FOOD VENDORS since the San Bernardino County Health Department is not allowing or issuing food vending permits at this time. Social distancing will be strictly enforced. Vendor row will be reconfigured from what you are used to seeing to allow for social distancing.
Camp Responsibly: This includes staying home if you don't feel well, recreating/camping with only your household members, practicing social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of space between you and others using the site, regularly disinfecting frequently touch items, not sharing equipment unless it has been disinfected between users, and washing hands regularly/using hand sanitizer. There is plenty of space at Dumont for folks to stay socially distanced. This is very important this season. Dumont CAN get closed down if duners do not follow the guidelines. That actually happened at El Mirage earlier this year. Understand that the BLM is a government agency that manages Dumont Dunes and they must closely follow and enforce the CDC guidelines. So cut them some slack and don't take it out on them or the rangers. 😆 We're all dealing with this together and looking forward to a fun, safe dune season!
UPDATE 10/6/2020
As of October 13th, the open flame fire ban is lifted and fires & BBQs are allowed at Dumont.
Note: Campfire Permits are required for open fires, such as campfire, barbecues and portable stoves on federally controlled lands. Click here to get your campfire permit online for free. It only takes a couple minutes. Campfire permits are not something that is heavily or usually enforced at Dumont, but technically its the law. Its best to get one just in case.
On Oct 13th, Dumont enters the Stage I restriction, allowing campfires and all open flames.
This year's Halloween Trunk or Treat, presented by the Friends of Dumont Dunes, will take place at the south end of Vendor Row on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 6 to 8pm. Arrive at 5pm to setup your OHV and get the best parking spot.
Everyone is encouraged to come in a costume and to decorate their ride. Bring extra candy to hand out as well as a bucket or bag for the kid's to trick-or-treat with. Social distancing is extremely important so please abide by the CDC guidelines so the event and DUMONT doesn't get closed down.
A note from FoDD...
Friends of Dumont Dunes is always thankful for your donations that allow them to put these events on. Please take a moment to contribute anything you can via the PayPal link below. Thank you for your support!
Jason Ardenski - President
Friends of Dumont Dunes
https://www.paypal.me/impactsignsonline
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dumontduneriders
According to some fellow duners, a sandrail with two male occupants (two brothers) was going up Comp Hill around midnight over the weekend of May 2-3. The driver must have misjudged the top and drove off the top. The sandrail crashed on the back side and landed upside down. One of the occupants suffered two broken legs. The younger brother pulled the older one out and they laid there until the next morning when help finally arrived. The male with broken legs underwent surgery and it expected to recover and walk again.
There's no doubt that we're living in some crazy times right now. Because of the Coronavirus and COVID-19, many businesses have been told to close and people have been laid off. Although it is a scary time, there is no need to panic. This will pass and everything will eventually be back to normal. If your stuck in your house and find yourselves extremely bored with an abundance of free time on your hands, you might be thinking of getting out of town and self-distancing yourselves at Dumont. It's the perfect place to turn off the media and get away from the craziness.
All of California's parks and developed recreation areas have closed, however Dumont is not a park. It is a dispersed camping and OHV area and is remaining open! We have confirmed this with BLM and we will update the website of anything changes, but we were told Dumont will remain open and fees are not waived like some other OHV and park areas. The bathrooms are still open and being cleaned/ disinfected by Lynn Construction, but this may change without notice and they could be closed/locked.
So get out there and feel normal again. Just remember there are no services on off-weekends and to be extra careful. Bring plenty of supplies and still continue to take normal steps to protect yourself and prevent the spread of this virus. If you are feeling sick, stay home! Stay in the habit of washing your hands, keeping surfaces clean, distancing yourselves 6 ft from others, and covering coughs and sneezes. Keep your camp and group size limited. Most importantly...have some fun in those dunes, clear your mind and enjoy this great weather we have had lately! Share your photos/ stories with us by posting a dune report or tagging us on Instagram.
photo by bigeyes10
April 17 Update- DUMONT IS STILL OPEN. There are no plans to close at this point and we will update the site if anything changes.
BLM CALIFORNIA COVID-19 UPDATES
The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the Bureau of Land Management. In accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and with the Governor’s shelter in place order, the BLM will temporarily close all developed campgrounds and developed recreation sites in California, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
The closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as conditions allow for safe use of the recreation areas. While developed recreation sites are closed, dispersed camping and trails remain open and available to the public.
Visitors may continue to enjoy BLM-managed public lands in a safe and responsible manner. We recommend visiting areas close to home while avoiding very popular or crowded locations where social distancing may be difficult and limiting group activities to members of your household. Please note that existing rules and regulations apply. Entrance fees have been waived. Other fees, such as cabin rentals, group day use, and use of special areas will remain in effect.
The BLM urges visitors to do their part when visiting your public lands as some visitor services may be limited due to limited staff availability in some areas.
We recommend:
bringing your own supplies such as disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper
packing out your trash
reducing the handling of cash by paying recreation fees through Recreation.gov or with a check, where available
Follow local, state, and CDC guidance:
maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups
limit your group to 10 people or less
wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; or use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands
avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
stay home if you feel sick
*** Please note that the BLM will be responsive to changing circumstances, and this information may change at any time. We will do our best to update this information but recommend that you also contact local offices.***
Dumont Visitor Center
The BLM is temporarily restricting in-person public access to visitor centers and public rooms in our California offices.The Dumont visitor center is closed.
Dumont Restrooms
The restrooms are still open and being regularly cleaned by Lynn Construction.
Above info from https://www.blm.gov/site-page/blm-california-covid-19-updates
FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO RIDE DURING “SOCIAL DISTANCING” – SOME GUIDELINES
National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council recently drew your attention to U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service guidance, indicating that opportunities to continue dispersed recreation may remain during the current reality we are all facing as a result of COVID-19. It is possible to abide by social distancing and other recommended guidelines while getting outdoors and engaging in all sorts of recreation – including OHV recreation. But, ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if getting outdoors is the right thing to do.
NOHVCC always believes in safe and responsible recreation – this is the core of NOHVCC’s ethic; however, safety is even more important than ever if you choose to ride in the near future. Many hospitals are at or near capacity. This may not only make it difficult for you to get the care you need should you get injured, you may also turn the attention of hospital staff away from focusing on addressing the needs of other patients.
Please carefully consider the potential implications should you hit the trails. Make decisions that make sense for you and your family and that abide by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and other federal, state, and local agencies and governments.
Some general guidelines, should you choose to engage in OHV recreation during this situation:
Contact the riding area in advance – they may be closed.
Visit cdc.gov for information on the latest recommendations and guidelines – follow them!
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact, especially with people who are ill.
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
As ALWAYS – wear all appropriate safety gear. For ATVs, ROVs, and dirt bikes this includes: a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
Ride or drive on trails that do not challenge your skill level – now is not the time for technical obstacles.
Ride or drive at significantly reduced speeds. Enjoy the scenery. Stop for lunch and take in the fresh air and sounds that come with being outdoors.
Abide by social distancing recommendations. Ride in pairs or small groups. Keep in mind that others you come across on the trail may stay farther away than normal and may not want to engage in conversation.
Experience nearby trails. This is not the time to load up the truck and try a riding area that you’ve always wanted to try but is 1,000 miles away. Comply with recommendations to stay near to home.
If you are at all uncomfortable for any reason about getting out on the trail – DON’T GO!
If you feel sick – DON’T GO!
Recreation is an important part of life – studies show it makes us happier and healthier. However, we are experiencing a unique reality right now. NOHVCC encourages you to make good decisions, comply with mandates and guidelines from relevant authorities, and to stay safe.
Info from https://www.nohvcc.org/for-those-who-choose-to-ride-during-social-distancing-some-guidelines/
As we get closer to the end of the season, that means it's time to give back to our precious sandbox and do a quick sweep of the dunes. Friends of Dumont Dunes & the Barstow BLM will host the 18th annual Dumont cleanup on Saturday, March 14th. Volunteers who come out will get a free pass for the weekend (13-15th) as well as a free lunch. It's a fun community effort and a great way to get out and enjoy the nice weather with others that care about Dumont. Sponsors who wish to donate this year should Contact Jason Ardenski by phone or email (listed on flyer below).
If you've been to Dumont Dunes, chances are you've been to the North Pole. It's one of the most popular spots out there. Over the years, the North Pole has seen some weather, abuse, and vandalism. It has been rebuilt several times. A few years ago a large second pole was installed next to the original North Pole. It was a "super sized" North Pole and everyone loved it. It became a Dumont monument where duners would hang items of importance and visit while on run through the dunes.
Late Friday night of MLK weekend, it was set on fire. Duners first noticed the burned pole down Saturday morning as it was still smoldering. The remaining little bit of pole was propped back up with rocks by the duners.
Everyone was outraged. Social media blew up and the community was pissed. A few Vegas guys quickly came together with a plan for a new pole. They were welcomed with applause and cheer when they arrived out there. Everyone came together and helped erect the new North Pole. The old memorials and items were salvaged and placed on the pole before it was put in the ground. A flag and solar lights were also installed.