Access: Ocotillo Wells OHV area is located between Ana Borrego State Park on the west and the Salton Sea on the east. Easiest access from the LA basin is to proceed east on I-10 to Palm Springs, south on 86 to to the 78 west.
Activities: Most visitors ride motorcycles or ATVs, drive sand rails or tour the area in
four-wheel drive vehicles. Rangers often lead vehicle tours on weekend mornings. Check the nearest bulletin board, or visit the Ranger Station to find out about current activities. Ask to have your name placed on the park mailing list. You will receive issues of the Friends Of Ocotillo Wells Newsletter which includes special events, activities, and general information to help keep you involved with your park.
Rules and Regulations: Please remember, it is your responsibility to know the laws that apply at Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. If you have questions please see a Ranger or refer to the California Vehicle Code Section 38000 (available at any DMV office), and the California Code of Regulations Title 14 (State Park Regulations).
All vehicles must be registered (Sections 4000 or 38010 of the Vehicle Code). A current license plate or “green sticker” must be clearly displayed on your vehicle.
Within 50 feet of a campsite or group of people, the speed limit is 15 mph. It is illegal to drive an OHV at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent and in no event at a speed that endangers the safety of other persons or property.
Any OHV operated between sunset and sunrise must have at least one lighted white headlight and one lighted red taillight. Both lights must have a range of 200 feet.
Laws that pertain to driving under the influence of alcohol on the highway are exactly the same off the highway. Do not drink and drive.
All vehicles must have an adequate muffler as defined by Section 38365 of the Vehicle Code.
No loaded firearms are allowed.
All fireworks are prohibited.
You may build a fire, but you must bring your own fuel. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Please use existing fire rings.
Plants, animals, and all natural features are fully protected.
While operating a motor vehicle in a State Vehicular Recreation Area, unlicensed drivers must be under the immediate supervision of a licensed adult, and must be able to safely reach and operate all vehicle control mechanisms. Unlicensed operators are prohibited from operating a vehicle during nighttime hours. A person who has had their driver's license suspended or revoked may not operate a vehicle at any time.
Helmets required while operating ATVs.
Passengers are prohibited on all ATVs.
A minor may not operate an ATV unless he or she has received the safety course in this state or another state, or is under the direct supervision of an adult who has the appropriate safety certification (Section 38503 Vehicle Code).
An unlicensed minor or a youth under age 14 who operates an ATV must satisfy the requirements of Vehicle Code Section 38503, and must be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian at all times.
Fees: No fees are collected for camping or day-use.
Comments: Over 40,000 acres of magnificent desert are open for off-road exploration and recreation within the boundaries portrayed on this map. Outside the boundaries, to the south and east, large tracts of BLM land (U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management) are also open to off-highway vehicles. The western boundary and part of the northern boundary connect with the half-million acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which is closed to off-road recreation, but open to exploration by highway-legal vehicles along established primitive roads.
While the open space enjoyed by off-road enthusiasts for decades is shrinking elsewhere, it is expanding here. The process of acquiring an additional 12,000 acres to the north is underway. The rangers and staff of Ocotillo Wells are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable desert riding environment, and to ensuring that a quality experience remains available for future generations.
Managing Agency: California Dept. of Parks and Recreation
