Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area features expansive sand dunes. Temperatures can range from 40°F in winter to over 100°F in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Algodones Dunes and the historic Plank Road.
Description
Located in the southeast corner of California, the Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in the state. Formed by windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, the dune system extends for more than 40 miles in a band averaging 5 miles wide. Dunes often reach heights of 300 feet above the desert floor, providing outstanding opportunities for recreation. A favorite place for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, the dunes also offer fabulous scenery, opportunities for solitude, and a home to rare plants and animals.
With most of the off-road action taking place in the recreation area south of Highway 78, the open areas allow all types of vehicle recreation. Limited areas surround the dunes require vehicles to travel on designated routes. Closed areas prohibit motorized vehicle use entirely. Information and maps for all of these areas are available at the ranger stations.
The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness offers a tranquil alternative to the fast-paced action of the main dunes. This wilderness encompasses more than 26,000 acres, with the largest and tallest dunes located in the central area. Visitors are welcome to walk or ride horses in this remote area. The wilderness is closed to all vehicles and mechanized use.
Fee Info
Permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. Permits may be purchased here: https://isdpermits.net/
Location
Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is located in California
Coordinates
32.7150362 N
114.94070018 W
Detours Nearby
BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)
50 min away
Picacho State Recreation Area Campground
2 hrs 5 min away
Drive Time
- 29 min from El Centro
- 31 min from Yuma
- 1 hr 47 min from San Diego
- 2 hrs 50 min from Lake Havasu City
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Gordon’s Well Sand Dunes - Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area needs a permit.
