California SVRA Park History

A Little Backstory on California SVRA Parks

California has a long history of adding offroad places to ride. In 1971 Governor Ronald Reagan signed the Chappie Z'berg Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Law which laid the foundation for the current OHMVR program. This vital, self funded program helps designate and maintain areas for offroad use.

Since the 70's California has designated nine State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs). All are open year-round and most (except Clay Pit and Prairie City) offer camping for a small fee. Most campsites come with shade gazebos, picnic tables and fire rings.

• Hollister Hills - Established 1975. Hollister Hills attracts over 48,000 visitors a year and offers 180 miles of trails, an area set aside for 4x4s and motocross tracks.


• Carnegie - Established 1980. Over 66,000 people visit Carnegie every year. This property has 1,300 acres of marked trails, several motocross tracks plus a 4x4 obstacle course.


• Hungry Valley - Established 1980. Over 100,000 people a year visit Hungry Valley. The park has 130 miles of marked and rated trails, several motocross tracks and two ATV tracks. The property also borders the Los Padres National Forest, which has an additional 200+ miles of ATV and dirt bike trails.


• Clay Pit - Established 1981. Almost 19,000 people a year visit Clay Pit. This small riding area offers 220 acres of novice friendly trails. Shade gazebos with picnic tables and a vault toilet are provided.


• Ocotillo Wells - Established 1981. At roughly 85,000 acres, this is the largest SVRA. Over 400,000 people visit this Ocotillo Wells annually.


• Oceano Dunes - Established 1982. 1,500 acres of beaches and dunes attract over a million people a year.


• Prairie City - Established 1989. About 43,000 people visit this area. The park offers trails, motocross tracks, 4x4 obstacle course and beginner areas for ATVs and dirt bikes.


• Heber Dunes - Established 2007. Over 6,000 people visit this dune area. Amenities include picnic tables, BBQ grills, spray wash station, water fountains and coin operated showers.


• Onyx Ranch SVRA - Established 2014. 26,000 acres surrounded by Dove Springs, Jawbone Canyon and the Sequoia National Forest.