Gecko Campground

4.52

90 reviews

4500 Gecko Road, Brawley, CA, 92257, USA

Featured in:Desert Camping California

Quick Facts

246 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

246 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Gecko Campground

$3.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fees vary by site type and activity. A reservation service fee ranges from $3 for in-person reservations to $9 for phone reservations....

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-337-4400BLM_CA_Web_EC@blm.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 90 reviews

111 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestrooms

"Gecko Campground has received generally positive feedback for its well-maintained paved loops and clean vault toilets. Sentiment regarding the overall camping experience was mostly favorable, with an average sentiment score of 4.14 specifically for the campground. However, one reviewer (Jerry Henson) described it as a 'horrible place to camp,' showcasing some variation in experiences."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4500 Gecko Road, Brawley, CA, 92257, USA

Gecko Campground

4500 Gecko Road, Brawley, CA, 92257, USA

Driving directionsAccess 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.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, specifically Gecko Road off Highway 78. Seasonal conditions or closures are not mentioned.

Nearby places

Brawley, CA (approximately 12 miles, about 20-minute drive). El Centro, CA (approximately 25 miles, about 35-minute drive).

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found in Brawley, CA, which includes grocery stores, fuel stations, and general camping supply outlets.

Best Time to Camp at Gecko Campground

Winter transforms Gecko Campground into a desert paradise, with gloriously comfortable days averaging 67.5°F that invite endless exploration, while crisp nights dipping to 42.9°F create perfect conditions for campfire gatherings and stargazing. With precipitation hovering at just 1.98% and consistently dry air, you'll enjoy clear skies and ideal camping weather throughout the cooler months. While summer brings the intense heat characteristic of the Sonoran Desert, winter visitors discover why this season is considered the golden time for dune adventures—when the desert reveals its gentler, more welcoming side.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Desert summers are typically extremely hot; likely uncomfortable for many campers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Shoulder season likely pleasant (milder temps); no detailed seasonal reviews available.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring typically mild and good for dune recreation; no specific review breakdown given.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Described as winter 'desert paradise' with days ~67.5°F and nights ~42.9°F.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: No specific seasonal closure or opening dates are provided; operational year-round.

About Gecko Campground

Welcome to Gecko Campground, where endless sand dunes meet starlit desert skies in the heart of the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. As the area's premier camping destination, this expansive campground unfolds across two thoughtfully designed loops—north and south—each accessible by smooth paved roads that wind through the dramatic dunescapes. Modern vault toilets are strategically placed throughout both loops, ensuring comfort without compromising the authentic desert experience. Here, the rhythmic whisper of shifting sands and the vast openness of the Sonoran Desert create an unforgettable backdrop for your outdoor adventure.

Gecko Campground features basic camping accommodations suitable for tents and RVs. There are no mentions of group sites, cabins, or glamping options.

Historical SignificanceThe Imperial Sand Dunes have long captured the imagination of adventurers and nature enthusiasts, serving as a natural playground where generations have come to experience the raw beauty of the American Southwest. While specific historical records for Gecko Campground await documentation, the surrounding dunes tell their own ancient story through wind-carved formations and ever-shifting landscapes.

Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Gecko Campground into a desert paradise, with gloriously comfortable days averaging 67.5°F that invite endless exploration, while crisp nights dipping to 42.9°F create perfect conditions for campfire gatherings and stargazing. With precipitation hovering at just 1.98% and consistently dry air, you'll enjoy clear skies and ideal camping weather throughout the cooler months. While summer brings the intense heat characteristic of the Sonoran Desert, winter visitors discover why this season is considered the golden time for dune adventures—when the desert reveals its gentler, more welcoming side.

ElevationNestled within the undulating terrain of the Imperial Sand Dunes, Gecko Campground's elevation creates a unique desert camping experience where the horizon seems to stretch endlessly in all directions, offering spectacular sunrise and sunset views across the golden landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a photographer's dream where towering sand dunes create an ever-changing canvas of shadows and light. The campground sits amid this sea of golden sand, where hardy desert plants dot the landscape with surprising splashes of green, and wildlife adapted to this extreme environment occasionally reveals itself to patient observers. Each dawn brings new dune patterns sculpted by desert winds, while evenings paint the sandy peaks in shades of amber and rose, creating a natural amphitheater of breathtaking beauty.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, Gecko Campground offers front-row access to one of North America's most spectacular desert ecosystems. This vast expanse of wind-sculpted dunes represents millions of years of geological artistry, where ancient Colorado River sediments have been transformed into a dynamic landscape that shifts and flows like a frozen ocean of sand. The unique desert ecosystem supports specially adapted flora and fauna, creating a living laboratory of survival and beauty in one of Earth's most challenging environments.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

There is no mention of group sites or their specifications.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into two paved loops: north loop and south loop.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable, as the campground does not accept reservations.

Walk-in AvailabilityGecko Campground is entirely first-come, first-serve, ensuring walk-up access.

Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made for Gecko Campground, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations are irrelevant for this facility.

AccessibilityNo specific information regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities was provided.

Site SizeSite sizes were not detailed in the source materials.

PrivacyNo information regarding the level of privacy at campsites was provided.

Recommended SitesNo specific site recommendations are noted.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Gecko Campground is a popular base for desert recreational activities. While specific activities were not detailed for this campground, its location within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area suggests opportunities for sand-based recreation.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife, such as scorpions, as noted by user reviews, and the challenges of a desert environment like extreme heat during summer.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital: Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, CA (approximately 12 miles). Police services: Imperial County Sheriff's Office in Brawley, CA. Ranger station: El Centro Field Office at the same address as the campground.

Trash & RecyclingNo detailed information about trash or recycling facilities was mentioned.

Water FeaturesNo proximity to water bodies is mentioned; the campground is within a desert environment.

Weather at Gecko Campground

Reviews

4.5

90 reviews

Top-Rated

Gecko Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Gecko Campground has received generally positive feedback for its well-maintained paved loops and clean vault toilets. Sentiment regarding the overall camping experience was mostly favorable, with an average sentiment score of 4.14 specifically for the campground. However, one reviewer (Jerry Henson) described it as a 'horrible place to camp,' showcasing some variation in experiences.

Review Summaries

Based on 90 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the clean vault toilets and the convenience of paved loops. Lisa 'Tubby' B mentioned, 'Restrooms were near and clean,' and Ann Marie Miler emphasized 'easy bathroom access.'

Based on 90 reviews

Common Concerns

A single negative review by Jerry Henson described the campground as a 'horrible place to camp,' though no specific reasons were provided.

Based on 90 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No specific tips or recommendations were noted in the user reviews.

Based on 90 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews did not provide specific insights into seasonal variations.

Based on 90 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice paved loops to park your camper next to.' - Chad Stol 2. 'Restrooms were near and clean.' - Lisa 'Tubby' B 3. 'Always great when the weather is good. Fun finding scorpions at night.' -...

Based on 90 reviews