The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Gecko Campground, one of many area Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds, is located within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area in California. This campground is considered the largest in the recreation area though and includes paved roads and vault restrooms. BLM land is a large expanse of federally owned wilderness that offers free recreational access to the public.
The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is a top destination for ATV riders, and the location of Gecko Campground is close enough for riders to access the dunes right outside their campsites. Also nearby the campground is the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness, which is open only for hiking and horseback riding, making it a great destination for those wanting to explore the dunes away from ATV traffic.
The Alamo River Trail is a nearby hiking trail that follows a path along the edges of a small city pond.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
A moderately difficult route, this trail climbs to the top of Picacho Peak. Because of its length, it is most popular with mountain bikers and ATV riders, but backpack hikers may also enjoy using it overnight.
Length: 17.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
An easy hike, the Painted Desert Trail is a short loop trail that takes a path through naturally colorful canyons and rock arches.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Campers staying at Gecko Campground can fish in the nearby Coachella Canal, a human-made canal extending 122 miles from the Colorado River to Coachella Valley. This canal was created to promote the irrigation of local agriculture in 1949, which it still does today. Anglers are also permitted to fish for species like channel catfish, largemouth bass, and flathead catfish in the channel. If you'd like to fish in the canal, be sure to have a valid California fishing license on hand.
Some of the dunes of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area can reach up to 300 feet in height, making them great feats for ATV/OHV riders. The dunes here were formed by leftover sand that was once from the ancient Lake Cahuilla, and today the dunes encompass a massive 40-mile by five-mile space, making it the largest sand dune area in the state of California. Most ATV riders like to take to the dunes just south of Highway 78, which is closest to Gecko Campground. Before you head out to the dunes, be sure to obtain a map that outlines off-limit riding areas from a ranger at either a nearby ranger station or at Gecko Campground. Know that permits are required for riding here from October 1 to April 15, too.
While staying at Gecko Campground, you're bound to see the banded gecko, the desert lizard for which the campground was named. This gecko is nocturnal and is known for being one of the only lizard species with vocal cords. If you travel out into the sand dunes nearby, you may see coyotes, mule deer, rabbits, or ground squirrels walking through the area. Some vegetation species of the area include ironwood, palo verde, honey mesquite, screwbean mesquite, and desert willow.
If you'd like to have a picnic nearby the Gecko Campground, consider stopping by Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park to use the park's small picnic site. This picnic site can be found on the corner of the park's parking lot and includes a picnic table and roof covered with vault toilets. After your meal, you can also explore the dunes of this park, which stretch for miles.
If you're looking for BLM camping near me with full hookups, consider staying at a privately owned campground instead since most BLM campgrounds are primitive. You can go RV camping at a place like Del Yermo RV Park, which has 45 sites with full hookups and on-site laundry facilities. You could also check out Red Hill Marina Campground, which is located on the Salton Sea and includes boat ramps for you to use during your stay.
Gecko Campground is a Bureau of Land Management free camping option, and you are welcome to stay at this campground for up to 14 days at a time, though no reservations are accepted ahead of time. That being said, if this campground happens to be full when you want to stay in the area, you can also camp at other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, such as Roadrunner Campground or Glamis Flats.
When you're planning to go BLM RV camping at Gecko Campground, be sure to pack for a primitive experience. This means you will need to bring all the water you will need plus your own firewood and fire starters. You can also bring battery or solar-powered supplies, like lanterns, fans, heaters, and chargers. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Everyone who stays at Gecko Campground is asked to follow the Leave No Trace policy put in place by the BLM to help keep the campground clean and as natural as possible. To comply with this policy, you will need to pack out what you bring in, pick up any trash or food you find, and dispose of your own trash in designated trash bins during or after your stay. You will also want to be considerate of other campers and follow posted quiet hour times.
To reach Gecko Campground from San Diego, start out on I-8 E for 103 miles. From there, take Exit 118B toward Brawley, and merge onto CA-111 N. Take this road for 1.8 miles, and then turn right onto E Evan Hewes Highway. Travel 5.5 miles, and then turn left onto CA-115 N. Travel 11.7 more miles, and then turn right onto CA-87 E and travel for 13.6 miles. From there, turn right onto Gecko Road, and follow the road for 3.3 miles until you reach the campground.
Ready to visit Gecko Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
