Midway Campground

4.41

34 reviews

Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, Winterhaven, CA, USA

Featured in:Winter Camping California Desert Camping California

Quick Facts

190 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

October 1 through Ap...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

190 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

October 1 through Ap...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Midway Campground

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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.

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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Provider

760-337-4400BLM_CA_Web_EC@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 34 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, Winterhaven, CA, USA

Midway Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Midway Campground

Under 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Desert summer heat makes camping unpleasant; prime season is Oct–Apr instead.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Listed as part of peak season (Oct–Apr); cooler fall weather is favorable.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring (part of Oct–Apr window) can be excellent early, but late spring warms up.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Peak camping season Oct–Apr; cooler winter months are most popular and comfortable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: October 1 through April 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: October 1 through April 15 (permit required during these months)

About Midway 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.

Best Campsites

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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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

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.

AccessibilityNo information is available regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities at Midway Campground.

Site SizeThe size of the campsites is not explicitly described.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites are not detailed in the available source material.

Recommended SitesSites are near restrooms, with plenty of room for large groups and campfires.

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

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUsers have reported potential encounters with people crossing the nearby border, blending in with the sand to avoid detection.

Weather at Midway Campground

Reviews

4.4

34 reviews

Recommended

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 34 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 34 reviews

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 34 reviews

Pro 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 34 reviews

Seasonal 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 34 reviews

Camper 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 34 reviews