At that point, you walk into the on-site ranger station, and buy one. The only permit required is if you plan to ride your OHV on the sand dunes. It’s all dispersed camping, you’re on your own. There’s no reservations, there’s not even first-come, first-serve. Second, the Border Patrol can be seen driving the border. For one, California has had a wall since the 1990s. They’re not here looking for opportunities.ĭespite being located right on the Mexican border, there are no illegal border crossings here. But from the looks of it, everyone here is looking for recreation. We only stayed for one night, so we can’t judge what it’s like long term. Safe or Sketchy?Ĭamping here seems pretty safe. However, Interstate 8 is right next to you, and that can be noisy too. On the weekends, it’s very noisy with OHV riders everywhere. We found no flying insects, saw no rats or mice scurrying about, no coyotes wandering, no raccoons. Insects, Pests, & WildlifeĪlmost no pests here. There is also a rest area located right at Buttercup Sand Dunes, which has a single potable water faucet. The closest dump station is in Felicity, at the fuel station along Sidewinder Rd, costing $20.00 to dump. There is no dump station here, nor any potable water. There is a cell phone tower located nearby that also carries AT&T. Otherwise, the closest town with amenities is Yuma, AZ, about 20 miles to the east. Pros: Super-easy access, right off the Interstate, plenty of room during the week, excellent Verizon 4G signal, completely free, no flying insects, rats or mice, quite clean despite how popular it is.Ĭons: Very busy on weekends, some noise from the Interstate, only advisable you camp here during the week Amenitiesīuttercup Sand Dunes offers trash dumpsters, and pit toilets. This area is largely used during the Winter.īuttercup Sand Dunes is part of the greater Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area which covers sand dunes as far north as Ocotillo Wells and all the way south to Buttercup. Temperatures get really hot here during the Summer, routinely into the 100s. You can also see one of their radar stations in Buttercup. Border Patrol can be seen patrolling the border. You can see it from where you’re camping. The wall (yes, California has had a border wall since the 1990s), is only a 1/4 mile away. In fact, this the closest you can boondock to Mexico. You’re also very close to the Mexican Border. Imagine how bumpy that must have been? Located here at Buttercup Sand Dunes is an area that’s fenced off holding the last remaining section of planks. Before we had pavement, automobiles had to cross the California desert on wooden-planks. It’s all paved and you can literally pull off the road, and you’re on firm, flat ground.Įven better yet, is the fact you can see the area from the Interstate, and be able to determine if its too crowded or not.īuttercup is also home to the last-remaining section of wooden plank road. There’s no driving for several miles, and there’s no washboarded roads. It’s literally just get off the freeway, and you’re right there. What actually makes Buttercup Sand Dunes such a popular place for overnight boondocking is that it’s so very close to Interstate 8. Buttercup Sand Dunes, Winterhaven, California
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