Keyhole Campground

4.80

17 reviews

El Centro Field Office, 4500 Gecko Road, Brawley, CA, 92257, USA

Featured in:Desert Camping California

Quick Facts

256 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

256 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Keyhole Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fees vary by location and activity. Reservation fees include $8 for online/app reservations, $9 via contact center, and $3 for...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-337-4400BLM_CA_Web_EC@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 17 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

"User sentiment for Keyhole Campground is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of approximately 4.8 out of 5. Many users highlight its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

El Centro Field Office, 4500 Gecko Road, Brawley, CA, 92257, USA

Keyhole Campground

El Centro Field Office, 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 from a paved road, Gecko Road, which branches off from Highway 78. There are no indications of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Brawley, CA (approximately 21 miles, around 30 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies, groceries, and camping essentials can be found in Brawley, CA, approximately 21 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Keyhole Campground

When the calendar turns to Week 2, Keyhole Campground transforms into a desert paradise with picture-perfect camping conditions. Daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 71°F, ideal for exploring the dunes without the scorching heat, while evenings cool to a crisp 46°F—perfect for gathering around the campfire. With virtually no rain and crystal-clear skies boasting 90% clarity, you'll find yourself counting more stars than you ever thought possible. These pristine conditions create the ultimate backdrop for everything from sunrise photography to late-night stargazing sessions.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Desert summers are typically very hot; no shade or water, so summer is less comfortable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Overview notes ideal ~71°F conditions in favorable weeks; fall generally excellent for desert camping.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely offers comfortable daytime temps and good dune exploration conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Milder winter temps possible but nights can be cold; reviews focus more on pleasant-season stays.

Planning Tips

About Keyhole Campground

Tucked away in the vast Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, Keyhole Campground offers an intimate desert escape perfect for those seeking a more secluded experience. As the smallest campground in this legendary dune system, Keyhole provides a cozy haven with its smooth paved surface that welcomes everything from solo adventurers to tight-knit groups ready to share stories under the desert stars. Whether you're planning a family reunion or a small gathering of off-road enthusiasts, this compact gem delivers the perfect basecamp for your sand dune adventures.

The campground is paved and appears to cater to a mix of camping styles for group or individual use, though options are limited.

Weather and SeasonsWhen the calendar turns to Week 2, Keyhole Campground transforms into a desert paradise with picture-perfect camping conditions. Daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 71°F, ideal for exploring the dunes without the scorching heat, while evenings cool to a crisp 46°F—perfect for gathering around the campfire. With virtually no rain and crystal-clear skies boasting 90% clarity, you'll find yourself counting more stars than you ever thought possible. These pristine conditions create the ultimate backdrop for everything from sunrise photography to late-night stargazing sessions.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the mesmerizing beauty of the Imperial Sand Dunes, Keyhole Campground places you at the heart of one of North America's most spectacular desert landscapes. These ancient, ever-shifting mountains of sand stretch as far as the eye can see, creating an otherworldly panorama that changes with every breath of wind. From your campsite, watch as the golden dunes transform throughout the day—glowing amber at sunrise, blazing bright under the midday sun, and painted in deep purples and oranges as evening approaches. This dramatic desert canvas serves as nature's own amphitheater, where the only sounds are the whisper of wind across sand and the distant hum of adventure.

Geological RegionSet within the remarkable Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, Keyhole Campground sits atop one of California's most impressive geological wonders. This vast sea of sand, sculpted by centuries of wind and weather, represents the largest mass of sand dunes in California. The ever-changing landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient lake beds gave way to today's stunning desert terrain. These living dunes, some reaching heights of over 300 feet in the surrounding area, create a dynamic playground where geology comes alive with every shifting grain of sand.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is described as a small paved 'keyhole,' accommodating either a large group or a few small groups.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Recreation.gov, either online, via the app, or through the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is not reservable and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee may apply for reservations canceled prior to the check-in date. Late cancellations may forfeit the first night's fee.

PrivacySmall paved campsite with limited options; designed for larger groups or small clusters.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe area has soft sand requiring caution for those driving or camping. "Dry camping, bring your own and watch out for soft sand." - Mike Dickerson.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Keyhole Campground

Reviews

4.8

17 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User sentiment for Keyhole Campground is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of approximately 4.8 out of 5. Many users highlight its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

"Good campground. Beautiful views." - Sombat Srinarat. "Really nice place to camp." - Michele Golembiesky. Multiple users praise the peaceful environment and its suitability for group camping.

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users note the lack of facilities such as water and the need to bring supplies. "Dry camping, bring your own and watch out for soft sand" - Mike Dickerson.

Based on 17 reviews