North Algodones Dunes Wilderness
Approximately eight miles wide and 40 miles long, the Algodones Sand Dunes system is one of the largest dune complexes in North America. Still, only a relatively small section north of State Highway 78 has been designated Wilderness, while the rest hosts an abundance of outdoor recreational vehicle traffic. The Wilderness lies divided into two distinct zones: the primary dunes on the west side and the secondary dunes on the east. The former are taller and larger, and composed of noticeably coarse sand. The latter are smaller, made up of finer sands that are periodically shifted even farther east by prevailing winds.
Description from Wilderness Connect (wilderness.net).
| Designation | Wilderness |
| Managed by | Bureau of Land Management |
| State | California |
| Size | 25,895 acres |
| Designated | 1994, by Congress |
| Center point | 33.03° N, 115.18° W |
| Night sky | Very dark ground, a faint glow at most (Black Marble reading 36) |
Boundary map
Boundary, simplified to about 0.005 degrees Federal campground
The outline is the agency boundary simplified for display, so small parcels and inholdings may not show. The agency page has the authoritative map.
Weather by month
Large units span more than one climate. The station stands in for the center point, and the outer parts of the boundary can be warmer or colder.
Where to camp
None of the 3 federal campgrounds within ten miles sit inside the boundary. Nearest first. Distances are from the campground point to the boundary edge, from the Campsite Atlas index.
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Reference
Questions people ask
How big is North Algodones Dunes Wilderness?
25,895 acres.
Source: Wilderness Connect
Who manages North Algodones Dunes Wilderness?
The Bureau of Land Management.
Source: Wilderness Connect
What state is North Algodones Dunes Wilderness in?
California.
Source: Wilderness Connect
When was North Algodones Dunes Wilderness designated?
Congress designated it in 1994.
Source: Wilderness Connect
Can I camp at North Algodones Dunes Wilderness?
Camping inside a wilderness is usually allowed away from roads, with no facilities, and the managing agency page has the permit rules. The federal campgrounds within ten miles are listed under Where to camp.
Source: Where to camp
How do I get to North Algodones Dunes Wilderness?
A point inside the boundary is at 33.032° N, 115.182° W. The official page carries directions and the office address.
Source: Wilderness Connect
Sources
- Boundary, name, acreage, designation year, states and description: Wilderness Connect.
- Campgrounds: the Campsite Atlas index of federal campgrounds, matched to this boundary at build time.
- Trailheads and sites: the Forest Service Recreation Opportunities layer, points inside the boundary.
- Night sky: NASA Black Marble (VIIRS, 2016 composite) sampled at zoom 6 around the center point.
- Weather, alerts, air quality, river flow and earthquakes load live in your browser from NWS, AirNow, USGS and iNaturalist when you open the page.