Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park Feasibility Study

The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting a study to find the best location for the County’s first off-highway vehicle (OHV) park.

San Diego County has many off-highway vehicle users, and the number continues to grow each year. However, there are only a few legal places for these vehicles to be used, which has led to more people riding in areas where it's not allowed.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is looking for ways to offer more opportunities for recreation, including park design that can safely accommodate off-highway vehicle use, while also protecting environmental resources and local habitats. This study is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to provide safe, accessible parks for all residents.

UPDATE

Tier 2 Assessment – January 2025

The Tier 2 assessment involved a more in-depth study of the 21 potential locations listed in the Tier 1 assessment. Nine of the 21 sites were found to have potential and further evaluated based on their:

Recreational benefits
Economic value
Current biological and cultural values

Map and Analysis of nine sites:

Complete Tier 2 Assessment: OHV Tier 2 Assessment

WHATS NEXT?

A final report is being developed to capture all the information we have collected during our analysis and will also include concept plans for example OHV parks. Staff anticipates the final report to be available to the public in Winter 2025/26.

For any project questions, please contact Park Project Manager Emmet Aquino at Emmet.Aquino@sdcounty.ca.go v or (619) 318-6929.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

On Feb. 10, 2021, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors authorized the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for a grant from the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. The grant is funding a study to explore possible locations for an off-highway vehicle park. With Board support, California State Parks approval, and grant funding in place, project managers are working with a consultant to help find potential locations for a park in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Through this process staff has also gathered valuable public input from the community on OHV park features, locations and sizes.

About Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)