Absolutely stunning place, ruined by off-roaders. If you want to feel like you're in a modern version of Mad Max's post-apocalyptic world, this is the place. Teams of folks flying their Trump flags in their ATV's, and "Don't Tread on Me" flags blowing in the wind tear up the dunes for no discernable reason other than a raw quest for thrills and a sense of power. But if you can dodge the lunatics, there is much beautiful landscape and nature to appreciate. Parking can be tricky; there are only a few spots that are free. Check with the Visitor's Center and purchase a permit if you plan to stay a while. read more

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WOW. I can't believe that I have waited 15+ years to go out and explore these dunes. I have passed them 50+ times on the way to AZ and never stopped. Amazing, beautiful, and a wonderful photo opportunity. It is 3 hours from the San Diego area but worth it if that is what you are looking for, to explore Sand Dunes. Amazing sunrise, people driving dune buggies, etc. Great views. read more

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This is mostly an off roading site but also makes a great stop for stretching your legs and for interesting photography. The restrooms at the main area are also clean. read more

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Brawley, California

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Arrived with high winds and warm/humid air. I recommend sandals and to go early around 5:30 AM :) We went to Gecko Campground, no one was there. Views are speechless! Will definitely visit here again! :) read more

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Having a blast out here in buttercup San dunes aka imperial sand dunes , birthday weekend spent right .! Blessing on blessing and more to come . read more

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It's 5 stars if you want to do the dunes in buggies but it's more of a 2 stars if you are just stopping to see the dunes. There are huge sand dunes that are beautiful. The sand is fun to walk in if you come here on a weekday when few people are here-but that's somewhat rare. What you usually see are huge camps of hundreds and hundreds of RVs, trailers and trucks & trailers with dune buggies. When they get going, the sand gets blowing so you can't see and would have it everywhere if you got out in it (which we didn't on that day). There is a place called the Glamis Beach Store where they sell everything you forgot at home or need now, like parts or beer. It's a cute store that is fun to look around. There is also someone who sells t-shirts with dune buggy themes. This is a fun spot for those into the sport but also just enjoyable to watch. Just watch out for blowing sand. read more

I did my Album Cover shoot here. It really feels like we were in a real desert in another country. Went in mid November and weather was exceptional. Album is out on all platforms, Thug Genius. read more

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area - Thug Genius. Out on all platforms. - Recreation Centers Near Me - Brawley, California

I happened upon these dunes during a re-route into AZ (I-10 eb was closed at SR 86 S) from Cali. I saw the sign for the lookout point and decided to check it out. I had to drive up a fairly short, yet steep, road, which was partially covered in about a foot of sand. I'm assuming maybe it was just some random runaway sand, blown over the road because the rest of the road was clear. My manual shift did a little slipping and drifting on that sand, so be careful if you are not in a high profile, off-road, or ATV. Once I reached the top, there were parking spaces (I didn't count, but less than a dozen, maybe?), all of which had a 2 hour parking limit (signs were posted stating such). There were restrooms, and a couple of tables and benches as well. From this lookout, you can see miles and miles of dunes. If you go early enough in the morning, you can catch the sunrise over the dunes. It's a beautiful sight! I've never gone riding on the dunes, but it's definitely on my to-do list. read more

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Fire Ant collectors like me will truly find this a haven and goldmine for some humdinger finds. Bethel will be so jealous! But... What they don't tell you on antfarmfinders.com is how much SAND there is! So cool! The Border Patrol was also super friendly and gave me a ride to the border in their T-16 Land Speeder. They didn't give me a ride back to my car though which was a little rude, but it gave me more time to enjoy the sand. 5/5. read more

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area - My grandson w/ the Border Patrol - Recreation Centers Near Me - Brawley, California

Driving through the Sonoran Desert on our way to San Diego, we suddenly spotted some "mountains" off in the distance that appeared to have a strange yellow coloration. The closer we got, the stranger they looked. Eventually we realized they weren't mountains but rather huge sand dunes. Once we finally reached them, we felt like we were on an entirely different planet. The Imperial Sand Dunes are incredibly cool and certainly something that you have to experience to believe! read more

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Brawley, California

Sand toy Capital of the US. Season starts in October and ends in April. Bring a toy or rent one while there. Vendor row is full of Food Parts and apparel. Bring your camper and play away. read more

This place was impressive!....just made a quick pit stop on 9/2/17, sand was ridiculously hot and I could feel it even with sandals on. Nice for a few quick photo ops. read more

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This area is a marvel - something you'd see in a movie. For the adventurous, it's an OHV playground - go to the dunes south of Highway 78. This is where the ranger station is and you can get a brochure. For those who just want to gawk and be able to walk around without getting run over by an OHV, then spend time on the north side, where those vehicles are prohibited. But be careful. Even the paved roads were covered in inches of sand in some areas. If you happen to be driving near this area, it's definitely worth a pit stop. If you can be there at sunrise or sunset, even better. read more

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area - This faces the north, non OHV side. - Recreation Centers Near Me - Brawley, California

My friend invited me to come out to the Dunes on Halloween. I never knew this place existed. I took the 10 freeway to US 78 & CA111. It was about a 3 hour and 45 minute drive from Los Angeles. I left my house around 7am and got there around 11am. This place was packed with thousands of people. There were RVs everywhere, ATVs, 4 wheelers, monster trucks driving and speeding over the dunes. People were camped out, barbecuing, cooking, having an all out good time. read more

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What a great place to make family memories. Camp In the sand no hook ups for your RV so come prepared. The vendors on gecko have lots of parts if you break but are pricey still better than driving to town. The BLM control these parts and can be a pain in the pocket book as they love to write tickets. read more

Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Brawley, California

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So cool I loved playing in the sand and watching it roll with the breeze. Will definitely be back

Beautiful place. Beware the sand is super hot! I had socks and sneakers on and after a little while my feet were starting to feel the heat. I went in September around noon. Maybe it isn't so hot in cooler months or at night/early morning. read more

Duners Paradise, Great place to take the family camping. There are several campsites to choose from. If you are in an RV and dont want to deal with the potential of getting stuck in the sand you can camp off of Gecko Road, There are the Pads and also cement flats camping area. On gecko rd you can also choose to go further in and camp at the loops, however not recommended as more potential to get stuck there. In addition the loops are closer to the dunes which maybe a better option for you. There are a few vendors on off holiday weekends that provide emergency repairs to your toys at inflated prices. Other vendors provide food, camping supplies, clothing, memorabilla etc. Be prepared to pay... If you forgot something make sure you pick it up when passing through Brawley last town before hitting dunes 19 miles away. ****Very important you must display a permit once entering the campgrounds otherwise you will recieve a hefty fine from park rangers. 2 options for permits Weekly or Season Passes. The ranger station sells weekly permits for $50 and season passes for $150. I ended up getting season pass since I plan at least 3 trips, however, I didnt realize you can buy a weekly pass for $35 in Brawley at a providing vendor or the ARCO station in salton city. If you dont enjoy tenting you may choose to rent an RV there are several Luv2Camp , Alberts RV etc. 3nights averages $425 the RV providers will tow to your campsite when you arrive and pick up when you leave very convenient. You can also rent ATVs but I would look into it before traveling, I didnt see any vendors over the off holiday weekend. There are restrooms onsite and trash cans. There is free dump stations at the ARCO in Salton City, Great place to pick up anything you forgot, they sell goggles, flags, masks, liquor, supplies everything. Some of the landmarks we visited were. Oldsmobile hill, Flag Pole, Competition Hill, China Wall. Lots of fun sand is soft I wiped out on my quad and although it was a hard fall it was cushioned by the soft sand lol. read more

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