Open
— Open seasonally from October 1 through April 15. The campground closes December 29, 2025 through January 4, 2026 for the New Year's holiday weekend. Additional closures occur during Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Presidents' Day weekends. Permits are required throughout the season and cost $55 per week in advance or $70 onsite.
About
Gecko Campground is the largest and most developed campground in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, located in the southeast corner of California. The campground features two distinct loops, north and south, both accessible via paved roads that wind through the desert landscape. Concrete pads provide stable parking for RVs and other vehicles, making it a popular base camp for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts exploring the extensive dune system.
The Imperial Sand Dunes, formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, extend for more than 40 miles and feature dunes that often reach heights of 300 feet above the desert floor. The campground's semi-developed facilities include numerous vault toilets and trash collection services. Its location along Gecko Road provides convenient access to both the main OHV recreation areas south of Highway 78 and the more remote North Algodones Dunes Wilderness for those seeking solitude.
The recreation area operates seasonally from October through mid-April, with permits required during this period. The campground and surrounding dunes are particularly busy during holiday weekends, when area closures are implemented to maintain emergency access. Beyond OHV recreation, visitors enjoy photography, wildlife viewing, and experiencing one of California's most unique desert landscapes.
Directions
Access to the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is best made along Highway 78 located east of Brawley, California. Turn onto Gecko Road and the campground is located on the left hand side of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds