A jeep overlooks a sea of dunes at sunset

El Centro Field Office

The Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office manages approximately 1.4 million acres of public lands spread across two counties: Imperial and San Diego. 

Approximately 95% of the public lands lie within Imperial County.  The area is bordered by the U.S./Mexico International border to the south and the Riverside County line to the north.

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Public Room

Visit our public room to find maps, brochures and BLM California programs.
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Fire Restrictions

Find the latest fire restrictions for the El Centro Field Office.
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Purchase Passes

Purchase passes online for Imperial Sand Dunes.
Formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, the dune system extends for more than 40 miles in a band averaging 5 miles wide. Dunes often reach heights of 300 feet above the desert floor, providing outstanding opportunities for recreation.
Imperial Sand Dunes
Formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, the dune system extends for more than 40 miles in a band averaging 5 miles wide. Dunes often reach heights of 300 feet above the desert floor, providing outstanding opportunities for recreation.
Three riders exploring a series of dunes
Located in the McCain Valley Resource Conservation Area in San Diego County, the Cottonwood Campground is an excellent starting point for day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, and equestrian use.
Cottonwood Campground
Located in the McCain Valley Resource Conservation Area in San Diego County, the Cottonwood Campground is an excellent starting point for day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, and equestrian use.
Cacti and desert brush frame a trail that leads into a wide canyon
Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs). The Hot Springs LTVA is known for it's historic and still active hot spring attracting both local and winter visitors.
Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area
Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs). The Hot Springs LTVA is known for it's historic and still active hot spring attracting both local and winter visitors.
A stream flows into a palm oasis.
Approximately eight miles wide and 40 miles long, the Algodones Sand Dunes system is one of the largest dune complexes in North America.
North Algodones Dunes
Approximately eight miles wide and 40 miles long, the Algodones Sand Dunes system is one of the largest dune complexes in North America.
Colorful Desert Flora across a sand dune

Recreation Areas

Trails

Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting

Georeferenced Maps

Heading out for a remote adventure?  No cell coverage?  No problem. The BLM has developed georeferenced maps compatible with any georeferenced map mobile application. Click here for more information and instructions.

Brochures

Leadership

Matt Lohr

Field Manager
Phone:
760-337-4400
Fax:
760-337-4490
Email:

Carrie Sahagun

Associate Field Manager
Phone:
760-337-4400
Fax:
760-337-4490
Email:

Latest News

Contact

Address:
1661 S. 4th Street
El Centro, CA 92243
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 760-337-4400
Fax: 760-337-4490
Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

TTY/Relay System

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Notices

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is temporarily closing the Cement Flats area in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area to camping and recreational use for no more than 18 months starting September 8, 2026, to serve as a temporary ranger station during construction of the new Cahuilla Ranger Station. View order and map.

West Mojave OHV Routes Update
A federal court order requires the BLM to close desert tortoise and Lane Mountain milk-vetch critical habitats to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation in the West Mojave (WEMO) planning area. 
 
The BLM is taking steps to comply with the order. Beginning March 24, 2026, and until further notice:
  • All routes in desert tortoise and Lane Mountain milk-vetch critical habitat are closed to OHV recreation (view map).
  • A free permit is required for OHV recreation in Rand Mountains Management Area (download here).
  • Designated county roads and highways, and all routes needed to provide access for established easements, administrative access, emergency access, and other permitted uses will remain open, but not to public OHV recreational use.
     

Osborne Overlook closed to overnight camping on select holiday weekends for public safety
The closure is necessary to maintain emergency access for law enforcement and medical personnel, including providing a safe landing zone for medical helicopters. View closure order and map.

The BLM has issued a temporary emergency closure order for a segment of the Walters Camp Road (BLM designated route 704) in eastern Imperial County for public safety concerns. The closure will protect visitors from a potential collapse of a section of the road due to erosion from Milpitas Wash. - View order and map.

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