Where Glamis is
Glamis sits where Highway 78 crosses the railroad, about 27 miles east of Brawley, in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Our shop is on Vendor Row, next to the Glamis Beach Store, at 5775 E Hwy 78, Brawley, CA 92227. Cell signal can be spotty out here, so download your maps before you leave home.
Where to camp
Every area is first come, first served, and BLM doesn't let you hold a spot for someone else. The first rig in your group to arrive picks the camp.
Glamis Flats and the Vendor Row area
The flats by the Glamis Beach Store and Vendor Row are the center of the action: gravel ground, BLM toilets, food vendors and shops close by, and our shop right there for UTV pickup. It's also the busiest and loudest place to camp, especially on holiday weekends.
Gecko Road
Gecko Road is the paved road that runs south off Highway 78 into the dunes. BLM's Gecko campground along it is the biggest in the recreation area, with paved north and south loops and plenty of vault toilets. The Cahuilla Ranger Station sits near the highway on Gecko Road, with maps and first aid during the season (hours vary). Don't park or camp within 10 feet of the pavement.
Roadrunner
Roadrunner is at the end of Gecko Road: a big loop of paved sites with vault toilets, as far from Highway 78 as the pavement goes.
Cement Flats
Cement Flats sits by Highway 78 and Gecko Road: dirt and gravel ground, a vault toilet and room for big rigs. Being next to the highway, it gets road noise, but it's handy for a quick overnight.
The Washes
The Washes are the numbered dry washes along the railroad tracks north of Highway 78, reached by the dirt road that runs beside the tracks from Glamis. Camps are spread out, with more room and privacy than the flats. The ground is unmaintained gravel, only some washes have BLM toilets (Wash 4, 6 and 10 do), and you'll hear the trains.
BLM permits
From October 1 through April 15, BLM requires a recreation permit for each street-legal vehicle you bring into the dunes, like the truck that tows your camper. A weekly permit is $55 bought online in advance or $70 bought on site, and a season permit is $185. Buy it at isdpermits.net before you leave and display it in your windshield, date side out. Our rental UTVs leave the shop with a current plate, registration and OHV sticker, so they need nothing extra. More in our Glamis permit guide.
Camp rules to know
These are BLM rules for the Imperial Sand Dunes:
- Camping is limited to 14 days.
- Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am, and that includes generators.
- No glass containers, full or empty.
- No fireworks, and no firewood with nails or screws, which rules out pallets.
- 15 mph within 50 feet of camps and people, and within 500 feet of Highway 78, Gecko Road and Grays Well Road.
- Every vehicle on the sand flies a red or orange 6×12-inch flag on an 8-foot whip. Ours come with it installed.
- Helmets on, and seat belts on while the machine is moving, for the driver and every passenger.
- No dumping sewage, and pets stay on a leash of 6 feet or less or otherwise under control.
Planning a campfire? Check BLM's current fire restrictions for your dates first.
What to pack
- More water than you think you need, plus electrolytes. There's no running water at camp.
- Goggles for every rider and a face covering for wind and dust
- Extra stakes, tie-downs and a wind wall or tarp for your sitting area
- A broom and sealable bags. Sand gets into everything.
- Lanterns or headlamps, and layers for cold mornings
- Sunscreen and a first aid kit
- Trash bags. Pack out what you bring.
Fill your tank and gas cans in Brawley on the way in.
Skip the tow: we deliver the trailer
No camper, or don't want to drag one across the sand? We rent travel trailers and deliver them to your camp or wash, leveled and set up, between 9 am and 5 pm. We call the day before to set the time and the exact spot, and someone from your group needs to be there. Every RV booking includes The Basics (delivery, setup, pickup, fresh water, propane, kitchen supplies and a generator), interior cleaning and a dump fee.
Trailers rent by the day, with a 3-day minimum (4 on holidays, Halloween included), and the renter must be 21 or older. On your last morning, tidy up, leave the door unlocked and text us. We take it from there.
Want to ride from camp? Pick up a Can-Am UTV at our shop on Vendor Row (we don't deliver UTVs). See our trailer rentals and UTV rentals.
FAQs
Can you reserve a campsite at Glamis?
No. All camping is first come, first served, and BLM doesn't allow holding a spot for someone who hasn't arrived. On holiday weekends, get there as early as you can.
Do I need a permit to camp at Glamis?
Yes, from October 1 through April 15, for each street-legal vehicle you bring into the dunes. Buy it at isdpermits.net before your trip.
Are there hookups or water at Glamis?
No hookups and no running water. The BLM areas have vault toilets. Our trailers arrive with fresh water and propane, and you can ask about a mid-stay dump and fill at the delivery walkthrough.
Where should first-timers camp?
Gecko Road or Roadrunner if you want paved loops and an easy setup. Glamis Flats if you want to be close to Vendor Row, the Glamis Beach Store and our shop, and don't mind the noise.
When are the busiest weekends?
Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's and Presidents' Day. See our Glamis events calendar.
Questions before your trip? Call or text us at (760) 573-6825.