Gecko Campground is the largest campground in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. It consists of a north loop and a south loop. These loops are paved roads and offer numerous vault toilets.

<p>Gecko Campground is the largest campground in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.  It consists of a north loop and a south loop.  These loops are paved roads and offer numerous vault toilets.</p>

Bird's eye view of the campground

Gecko Campground

Keyhole Campground

Roadrunner Campground

Overview

Located in the southeast corner of California, the Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in the state.

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. A favorite place for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, the dunes also offer fabulous scenery, opportunities for solitude, and a home to rare plants and animals.

With most of the off-road action taking place in the recreation area south of Highway 78, the open areas allow all types of vehicle recreation. Limited areas surround the dunes require vehicles to travel on designated routes. Closed areas prohibit motorized vehicle use entirely. Information and maps for all of these areas are available at the ranger stations.

The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness offers a tranquil alternative to the fast-paced action of the main dunes. This wilderness encompasses more than 26,000 acres, with the largest and tallest dunes located in the central area. Visitors are welcome to walk or ride horses in this remote area. The wilderness is closed to all vehicles and mechanized use.

Fees and Permits

Permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $55 per week in advance and $70 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $185. Buy your weekly or season permits online.

Rules and Regulations

Visiting the Imperial Sand Dunes? Before you go, make sure you know the Rules and Regulations.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Located in the southeast corner of California, the Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in the state.</p><p>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. A favorite place for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, the dunes also offer fabulous scenery, opportunities for solitude, and a home to rare plants and animals.</p><p>With most of the off-road action taking place in the recreation area south of Highway 78, the open areas allow all types of vehicle recreation. Limited areas surround the dunes require vehicles to travel on designated routes. Closed areas prohibit motorized vehicle use entirely. Information and maps for all of these areas are available at the ranger stations.</p><p>The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness offers a tranquil alternative to the fast-paced action of the main dunes. This wilderness encompasses more than 26,000 acres, with the largest and tallest dunes located in the central area. Visitors are welcome to walk or ride horses in this remote area. The wilderness is closed to all vehicles and mechanized use.</p><h2>Fees and Permits</h2><p>Permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $55 per week in advance and $70 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $185. <a href="http://isdpermits.net/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Buy your weekly or season permits online.</strong></a></p><h2>Rules and Regulations</h2><p>Visiting the Imperial Sand Dunes? Before you go, make sure you know the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/visit/imperial-sand-dunes/rules-and-regulations" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Rules and Regulations</strong></a>.</p>

Gecko Campground

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Nearby Campgrounds

Keyhole Campground

Roadrunner Campground