Roadrunner Campground

4.58

60 reviews

El Centro Field Office, Brawley, CA, 92257, USA

Featured in:Winter Camping California Desert Camping California

Quick Facts

276 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 site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

276 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 site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Roadrunner Campground

$3.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fees vary by activity. Service fees include $8 for online reservations, $9 through the contact center, and $3 for in-person...

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

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 60 reviews

65 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"Roadrunner Campground is highly regarded for its accessibility, paved roads, and proximity to the dunes. Many visitors appreciate the improvements made for motorhomes and trailers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

El Centro Field Office, Brawley, CA, 92257, USA

Roadrunner Campground

El Centro Field Office, 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 at the end of the road.

Paved access is available via Gecko Road, which leads directly to Roadrunner Campground. The road conditions are suitable for motorhomes and trailers as noted in user reviews.

Nearby places

Brawley (approx. 15 miles, 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be obtained in Brawley, approximately 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Roadrunner Campground

Winter transforms Roadrunner into a desert paradise, with crystal-clear skies stretching endlessly above and comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. Expect sun-drenched days averaging 67°F and crisp nights dipping to around 43°F—ideal conditions for campfire stories under star-studded skies. With rain appearing less than 2% of the time and visibility reaching an impressive 89%, winter camping here offers reliable sunshine and spectacular views. Summer brings the intense heat characteristic of desert environments, creating a dramatically different but equally memorable experience for those seeking the full spectrum of desert camping.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Desert summers likely very hot; visitors still come year-round but heat is limiting.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mild fall weather likely favorable; area visited year-round per overview.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely pleasant for dunes recreation; no closure periods noted.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Winter described as a 'desert paradise' with comfortable temps and clear skies.

Planning Tips

About Roadrunner Campground

Welcome to Roadrunner Campground, where adventure meets the endless horizon of golden sand. As the second largest camping destination in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, this desert oasis offers spacious sites along a well-maintained loop of paved roads. Modern vaulted toilets and thoughtfully designed infrastructure make this raw wilderness accessible without sacrificing the authentic dune experience that draws thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year.

Roadrunner Campground is primarily a dry camping area with a focus on accommodating RVs and motorhomes.

Historical SignificanceWhile Roadrunner Campground's recorded history may be recent, the surrounding Imperial Sand Dunes have witnessed centuries of human passage, from ancient trade routes to modern recreational pioneering. Today's campground continues this legacy of desert exploration, serving as a gateway for contemporary adventurers drawn to these timeless landscapes.

Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Roadrunner into a desert paradise, with crystal-clear skies stretching endlessly above and comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. Expect sun-drenched days averaging 67°F and crisp nights dipping to around 43°F—ideal conditions for campfire stories under star-studded skies. With rain appearing less than 2% of the time and visibility reaching an impressive 89%, winter camping here offers reliable sunshine and spectacular views. Summer brings the intense heat characteristic of desert environments, creating a dramatically different but equally memorable experience for those seeking the full spectrum of desert camping.

ElevationNestled within the undulating terrain of the Imperial Sand Dunes, Roadrunner Campground offers a unique camping experience where elevation constantly shifts beneath your feet with the ever-changing dune formations.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a landscape that seems borrowed from another planet—towering sand dunes ripple toward the horizon in every direction, their surfaces painted in shades of gold and amber by the desert sun. Roadrunner Campground places you at the heart of this extraordinary environment, where the Imperial Sand Dunes create an ever-changing canvas of shadows and light. This natural playground beckons ATV riders, photographers, and nature lovers alike, offering front-row seats to spectacular sunrises, dramatic dune formations, and the raw beauty of one of North America's largest dune systems.

Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, Roadrunner Campground offers direct access to one of North America's most impressive geological wonders. These ancient dunes, sculpted by wind and time, create a dynamic landscape where massive sand formations stretch for miles, forming valleys, peaks, and bowls that shift and reshape with each passing season. This unique geological playground represents thousands of years of natural artistry, where the forces of nature continue their endless dance of creation and recreation.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group site information is available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of a large loop of paved roads.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed through Recreation.gov, with options to book online, via mobile app, or through the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground does not accept reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fees for individual campsites. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee along with forfeiture of the first night’s fees.

AccessibilityThe campground features paved roads, which can be beneficial for accessibility; however, no further details on accessibility features are available.

Site SizeNo specific sizes are mentioned, but it is suitable for motorhomes, trailers, and Class A vehicles with stackers.

PrivacyNo information about site privacy is available.

Recommended SitesCamping close to the dunes is recommended for scenic views.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Roadrunner Campground is situated in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area and offers opportunities for camping near the dunes. The area is popular for motorized recreation, riding, and experiencing the unique desert environment.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high winds and heat during summer months, as well as general desert conditions.

Weather at Roadrunner Campground

Reviews

4.6

60 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Roadrunner Campground is highly regarded for its accessibility, paved roads, and proximity to the dunes. Many visitors appreciate the improvements made for motorhomes and trailers.

Review Summaries

Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the campground for its paved roads, suitability for large vehicles like motorhomes and trailers, and its location near the dunes. One reviewer noted, "Wow, they really improved this...

Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers have mentioned issues with staff behavior. One comment reads: "It's a beautiful place to camp, but the gentleman organizing campers was a little on the rude side."

Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

The campground is described as ideal for those with motorized vehicles or those looking to camp close to the dunes.

Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No detailed seasonal trends are mentioned, but the area is frequently visited year-round.

Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Wow, they really improved this for camping with motorhomes and trailers on pavement." - Karen Peterson. 2. "Very nice dry camp area." - Rand Ingraham. 3. "Love Glamis and love this camp space....

Based on 60 reviews