The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Imperial Sand Dunes is one of the largest inland masses of sand dunes in the U.S. This beautiful area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency, and is open to the public. The vast, sandy site is so spectacular that it's a favorite filming location. Scenes from movies like "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" and "Dune" were filmed in this mesmerizing landscape.
People flock to this BLM site to see the majestic dunes and to enjoy camping while doing some incredible off-roading on the sand. If you visit the dunes for two hours or less, you can enter for free; otherwise, you must buy a daily or weekly permit. The permit fee goes toward the BLM's cost of keeping up this amazing natural site, which many describe as a giant sandbox for grown-ups. You can camp at Imperial Sand Dunes for up to two weeks. Joshua Tree National Park is about a 95-mile drive north of this BLM site. San Diego is an almost straight drive west and reachable in a two-hour drive.
This loop trail is popular with OHVers, but you can also hike through the dunes on foot. On-leash dogs are welcome to come with you.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Imperial Desert is close to one of the largest inland seas in the world. The Salton Sea has 130 miles of shoreline that's popular for boating, water skiing, and fishing. The main catch in its salty waters is tilapia. The lower Colorado River has some of the best catfish fishing in the state; it's home to flathead catfish, which grow to a whopping 4 feet long and can weigh as much as 120 pounds.
The southwest section of Imperial County is the Valley of the Moon, a boulder-filled climber's paradise. In addition to bouldering, visitors can engage in top roping, scrambling, aid climbing, wall climbing, and more!
Geckos are everywhere at this BLM site. Some other Imperial Sand Dunes inhabitants you might see are jackrabbits, kit foxes, ground squirrels, and sidewinder snakes. It's also home to the giant sand scorpion, a nocturnal species that's shy and likes to keep out of sight. The Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is a top spot for some serious bird-watching, with vast numbers of shorebirds passing through all year.
You can set a blanket on a dune for an impromptu picnic, but if you're looking for a developed picnic site, Holt Park in nearby Holtsville is an attractive option. Enjoy your meal at one of the picnic tables in this manicured, palm-tree-filled city park.
The Imperial Sand Dunes BLM site is wildly popular for off-roading and ATVing. You can bring your own vehicle or rent one in Brawley to race up the giant sand dunes in a six-mile-wide, 45-mile-long recreational area. Competition Hill and China Wall are some of the favorite spots for riders.
The Imperial Desert is a hotspot for BLM RV camping, with 20+ on-site Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Gecko Campground is the biggest. It has two paved loops with parking pads and lots of vault toilets. Roadrunner Campground has one large paved loop with two vault toilets. The cost of camping there is included in the permit fee. There aren't any hookups, but you might be happy to know that an ice-cream vendor makes regular rounds.
For Bureau of Land Management free camping, go to the stretch of Highway 78 between Glamis and Palo Verde that runs along the edge of Imperial Sand Dunes. Camping is free on the public lands there, and you'll find fire rings built by past campers that you can use. To discover more no-cost options, search online for "BLM camping near me."
This BLM site is popular year-round. Busy weekends typically see about 150,000 people in the recreation area. The winter holidays are the busiest times and also when the weather is best. You can visit in summer, but the sand gets scorching hot mid-day, so mornings and evenings are best if you're just stopping in for a few hours. If you're not going to rent a sand buggy or bring your ATV, at least try bringing a sled to experience the thrill of sailing down a dune. There's no shade at Imperial Sand Dunes, so bring sun protection, and if you're staying a while, wear eye protection to help keep sand out of your eyes.
Water, supplies, snacks, and ice cream are for sale at the site's vendor area, which is convenient but pricey. An alternative is to stock up on supplies in Brawley, which is 30 minutes away. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When camping on public lands, pack out anything you bring in, and use existing fire rings when possible. Resist the urge to take home souvenirs like rocks or plants. If everyone did that, the environmental impact would be disastrous. You can make a real difference by Leaving No Trace of your visit to public lands.
Imperial Sand Dunes is easy to access from Highway 78, east of Brawley, CA. If you're coming from Arizona, take Interstate 8 from Yuma.
Address: 4500 Gecko Road, Brawley, CA 92227
Ready to visit Imperial Sand Dunes? 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.
