Midway Campground
4.358 reviewsBureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, Winterhaven, CA, USA
Midway Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Permits are required from October 1 through April 15 annually for access to the recreation area, priced at $35 per week if purchased in advance.
About this campground
Nestled along Grey's Well Road in the heart of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, Midway Campground serves as your gateway to one of California's most dramatic desert landscapes. This rustic desert outpost provides essential amenities including vaulted toilets and dumpsters, making it an ideal basecamp for adventurers eager to explore the surrounding sea of golden sand. From here, endless dunes stretch toward the horizon, inviting exploration by foot, ATV, or simply from the comfort of your campsite as the sun paints the rippling sands in ever-changing hues.
Midway Campground offers dry camping options within the Imperial Sand Dunes recreation area.
Historical SignificanceThe sweeping dunes surrounding Midway Campground tell an ancient story written in sand. These majestic formations arose from the windblown sediments of prehistoric Lake Cahuilla, a vast body of water that once covered much of the region. Over millennia, desert winds sculpted these deposits into the rolling landscape you see today, creating a natural monument to the powerful forces that have shaped the American Southwest.
Weather and SeasonsUnder vast desert skies that remain crystal clear for most of the year, Midway Campground enjoys the quintessential dry climate that makes the Imperial Sand Dunes a year-round destination. Prime camping conditions grace the area with near-perfect weather – expect only about 1.39% chance of precipitation, comfortable temperatures ranging from crisp 43°F mornings to pleasant 68°F afternoons, and the signature dry air that keeps desert nights cool and refreshing. These ideal conditions create endless opportunities for stargazing and dawn adventures across the dunes.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a landscape that seems lifted from another planet – massive sand dunes undulating in every direction, their surfaces etched with intricate patterns by the desert wind. The Imperial Sand Dunes surrounding Midway Campground create an ever-shifting canvas of light and shadow, particularly magical during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. These ancient formations, born from the sands of long-vanished Lake Cahuilla, offer visitors a chance to experience one of North America's most impressive desert environments.
Geological RegionMidway Campground sits within the Imperial Sand Dunes, one of California's most remarkable geological treasures and among the largest dune fields in North America. This extraordinary landscape emerged over thousands of years as persistent winds carried and deposited sediments from ancient Lake Cahuilla, gradually building the massive dune system that attracts adventurers from around the world. The result is a dynamic environment where geology comes alive, with dunes constantly reshaping themselves in an eternal dance with the desert winds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information is available regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities at Midway Campground.
Sites SizeThe size of the campsites is not explicitly described.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites are not detailed in the available source material.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are near restrooms, with plenty of room for large groups and campfires.
Best Campsites"Midway is by far our favorite camping spot. It always seems to be the least crowded, and has access to some of the best dunes out there!" - Brett Judy
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No details are available regarding group sites or their capacity.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOctober 1 through April 15 (permit required during these months)
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; walk-up access only.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up access is available and is the only option, as reservations cannot be made.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Midway Campground is popular for activities related to the dunes, such as off-highway vehicle use and recreational riding. The proximity to the Imperial Sand Dunes enhances the opportunities for outdoor activities.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly described, but the campground is open during the cooler months when permits are required for the recreation area.Water Sports
No specific water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsUsers have reported potential encounters with people crossing the nearby border, blending in with the sand to avoid detection.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober 1 through April 15
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are provided at the campground for trash disposal.
Proximity to water featuresNo proximity to significant water features.
Campground Map
Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, Winterhaven, CA, USA
Driving directionsAccess to Midway Campground is best made by taking Gray's Well Road Exit off of Interstate 8. Follow Gray's Well Road past the Buttercup Ranger Station and continue west.
The campground is located off Interstate 8, accessible via Gray's Well Road. The route includes paved roads up to the campground area.Camper Reviews
4.4
8 reviews
Midway Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Midway Campground consistently highlight its cleanliness, access to dunes, and suitability for dry camping. Some users note its seclusion and relative safety despite its proximity to the border.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the campground's cleanliness ("clean campground and bathrooms"), low crowd levels ("It always seems to be the least crowded"), and convenience for OHV enthusiasts ("easy access to...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users expressed concerns about safety issues related to the nearby border, mentioning people crossing and attempting to blend in with the sand.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include noting the suitability of the campground for dry camping and large groups, as well as its proximity to restroom facilities and dunes.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground seems to be popular during the cooler months, as permits are required between October 1 and April 15. No specific seasonal complaints or highlights are provided.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Clean campground and bathrooms" - Heather Barclay; "My family has been going to the Sand Dunes for over 20 years and Midway is by far our favorite camping spot. It always seems to be the least...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews (e.g., by number) are provided.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The reviews do not provide information related to pets.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025