Camp RZR has evolved over the past decade, becoming a hub for fans devoted to embracing the RZR Life. We attended this year to see what it’s all about.
The sand dunes in Glamis, California are an oasis. A place that creates mystic. They are an ever changing playground. And it is no surprise that Polaris continues to make a city in the middle of sand ever year for Camp RZR.
What is Camp RZR? Glad you asked.
Camp RZR is a one of a kind event because you can literally bring your side-x-side and ride the dunes all day with literally thousands of other side-x-side enthusiasts in a family-friendly environment. Polaris literally builds a city for a couple of days a year where sand sits the other 360 days.
The weekend affair, running Oct. 28-29 this year, marks the unofficial opening of the season — right on time for desert temps to fall to a comfortable range.
With over 40 miles of dunes you’re never going to run out of room to ride. Glamis is a great place for all off-road enthusiasts of all backgrounds and the more experienced riders can race up Oldsmobile Hill all day long and take in the Sand Drags at dusk or cruise “Sand Highway” if you are fairly new at riding the dunes.
If you are considering purchasing a side-x-side, Camp RZR is the perfect opportunity to test drive the latest RZR models during their demo rides offered each day. Polaris supplies demo units to give anyone that wants to experience the power and comfort of their machines. What better place to demo these machines than the exact terrain that they were made to shine in. Aside from testing out new rides, Camp RZR also allows you to get service done on your RZR if you already own one. Bring your RZR and have it serviced by one of the very knowledgeable Polaris technicians, all at the cost of free.
The Mystical Glamis Sand Dunes
The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is considered one of the largest off-highway vehicle locations in the U.S. The Glamis Dunes, where the event takes place, stretches over 150,000 acres.
The sheer size of Glamis makes it a dream playground and adult sized sandbox for UTV riders. What makes Glamis so unique are the constantly shifting winds of the Imperial Valley. The winds push the sand around and build beautiful slopes and bowls for every skill level and they change daily often times, the landscape changes before your eyes.
Making Sure You Enjoy The Ride
In the sand dunes, stuff (your machine) breaks. It is just part of life, a few mechanical failures will happen because of the number of machines roaming the desert.But at Camp RZR, being broken down does not mean your weekend is over.
All for the fun of recreation and UTV community.
Photo: Garth Milan
What You Don’t See Unless You Are There
Camp RZR literally hosts thousands of guests creating family-friendly weekend of fun in the dunes, because in off road recreation, it is all about family. Aside from being able to demo new RZR models, including the game changing RZR Pro R and RZR Turbo R, attendees get the opportunity to meet top Polaris RZR racers and ambassadors, including Tanner Foust, RJ Anderson, Casey Currie, Blake Wilkey and Heavy D who unveiled a custom RZR at the event. Camp RZR’s Vendor Village provides riders access to their favorite off-road brands and the ability to purchase their latest product offerings and food, they even built a ferris wheel, in the middle of the desert.
Heavy D Dave Sparks gives a demonstration during Polaris' Camp RZR at the sand dunes in Glamis, California on Friday October 28, 2022. | Photo: Tyler Tate/T Squared Sports Media
Heavy D Dave Sparks gives a demonstration during Polaris' Camp RZR at the sand dunes in Glamis, California on Friday October 28, 2022. | Photo: Tyler Tate/T Squared Sports Media
Polaris Pro and Turbo R
While the team at Action Sports Today has seen the Polaris Pro and Turbo R RZR up close, until Camp RZR we had never had a chance to get behind the wheel. When we were done, impressed is an understatement.
When you set out to tame the desert, it helps to have the strongest, smartest suspension ever developed by Polaris. Stamped steel construction, innovative geometry and a massive 29" of useable travel all work together for unprecedented confidence and control.
The addition of DYNAMIX DV, the next generation of the off-road’s most advanced suspension control, is a game changer. The system was developed by Polaris and gathers data over 200 times per second, automatically adjusting each shock to firmly planted. It’s the only system smart enough to independently control compression and rebound and offers a more optimized ride and handling modes so you can change on the fly whether you are climbing rocks, riding the sand dune wave, riding trails or just driving for fun.
Behind all of the engineering to create a better ride is the industry’s first 2.0L engine. This engine is a beast that delivers an astounding 225 horses of ultra-responsive power. The moment you hit the gas, you best be buckled up tight.
By far the Pro and Turbo R RZR’s have set a standard that when you try them out, you cannot see yourself in a different machine unless you have different goals for off roading then maybe try a GENERAL or RANGER.