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Dispersed Camping

BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)

BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area, near Yuma, California, is a sprawling location perfect for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a bit of freedom. This area is popular for its access to water, RV dump facilities, and proximity to lakes ideal for fishing and paddling.

The site is known for its large, open spaces where campers can spread out and find their own slice of paradise. Visitors have noted that the views from the bluffs are spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset, but be prepared for some strong winds—60 mph gusts are not uncommon. As one camper put it, “The views from the bluff are spectacular! But with the elevation comes very strong winds.”

Amenities include drinking water, trash disposal, and toilets, making it a comfortable spot for longer stays. There’s also a volunteer center nearby that offers propane, a thrift shop, and a lending library, which adds a nice community touch to your camping experience. Campers have appreciated the convenience of having these resources close by, especially during winter months when many choose to stay for an extended period.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the area is great for kayaking and fishing, with several lakes just a short distance away. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water or explore the surrounding desert landscape, this location has plenty to offer.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Overview The Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) was created in 1983 to fulfill the needs of winter visitors and to protect the local desert ecosystem from overuse. The campground is approximately 3,500 acres in size, flat landscape, sparsely vegetated with plants such as creosote bushes, palo verde trees, ironwood trees, mesquite trees and various species of cacti. Imperial Dam LTVA offers solitude in a unique desert landscape and a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Facilities Two restroom facilities with outdoor showers, trash services, grey water dump sites, black water dump site with water, dance floor and ramadas.

Fee Info

Permits and Fees Whether you're planning a single visit or coming back multiple times a year, enjoy the convenience of purchasing a pass before you arrive to cover recreation-related fees at Bureau of Land Management sites. Learn more about site-specific digital pass options at the Yuma Field Office and buy your pass.

The LTVA long term permit ($180) allows use of Bureau of Land Management designated LTVAs continuously from September 15th to April 15th (a total of 7 months), or for any length of time between those two dates. The LTVA short-visit permit ($40) allows use of Bureau of Land Management designated LTVAs for any 14 consecutive day period from September 15th to April 15th, which begins on the day the permit receipt is exchanged for the official permit and decal. The short-visit permit may be renewed an unlimited number of times for the cost of the permit. LTVA permits are valid at all of the Bureau of Land Management LTVAs.

From April 16th through September 14th, the fee is $10 per vehicle for day-use, $15 per vehicle for overnight use, or $75 annually per vehicle, for up to 5 people per vehicle. There will be a $1 fee charged for each person over the 5 person limit. The maximum stay is 14 days in a 28-day period.

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Location

BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Exit Interstate 8 and follow S-24 North approximately22 miles to the turn off on Senator Wash road. Turnonto Senator Wash road and follow it for approximately2 miles to the campgrounds. This Long Term VisitorArea is located North of Yuma on the California side ofthe Colorado River.

Coordinates

32.90123576 N
114.49471882 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Poor
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

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 BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) needs a permit.


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 23, 2023

Large LTVA with amenities

This is a popular LTVA due to water, RV dump and proximity to a couple lakes to fish or paddle in. The LTVA is large and seems to be mapped into a bunch of user named "neighborhoods". Cell signal depends on your location. No designated sites, no tables, no steel fire rings...just spread out boondocking with 1000 other campers. Lots of solar setups out here.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) by Greg L., January 23, 2023
  • Review photo of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) by Greg L., January 23, 2023
  • Review photo of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) by Greg L., January 23, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Feb. 5, 2022

Spectacular views, but confusing layout. Can be very windy!

There are different sections to the area...LTVA and special BLM. Know where you are... look at maps and talk to the rangers/volunteers....although they weren't super helpful. Different passes for different areas.

Cell service is strong during the day, perfect for remote work, but at 3-4pm good luck!

Views from the bluff are spectacular! But with the elevation comes Very stong winds. 60 mph sustained winds pummeled us for +24 hours...damaged the slide covers... so beware!

SiteBluff overlooking south shore beach
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) by Beth M., February 5, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2021

Lake view $180 for 7 month stay

This campground is part of the long-term visitor area by imperial dam outside of the Yuma proving ground.

You turn off 95 into the east Imperial Dam road. You'll feel like you were turning onto an army base because you go betweentwo large pieces of military hardware and I decided the road. Then on your left you will see the human proving ground visitor center with examples of military hardware dating from world War II on. And interesting stop. See pictures and video.

The road has recently been reasshphalted and is actually smooth. Last year it was not. You will turn left at the sign for the Christian center. That spot has fresh highly filtered water for sale, propane, help with solar panels, a postal box you can use all season for your mail, and a little thrift store. You can also store your RV or ATV or boat there for $30 a month. Year-round.

The camping spot is back out the road on a ridge overlooking the lake. It does get windy in January, hence the name hurricane ridge.

Across from the campsite at the senator wash area is a dump station, huge trash bins with weekly pickup, portable water for your water tanks, toilets with running water and the check-in station to get your 7-month pass. They also set up a free table where people drop things they no longer need and also a library that is pretty well stocked with books and puzzles. Pay showers are available at the Squaw Lake campground just past the senator wash boat ramp.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) by Dee W., September 19, 2021
  • Review photo of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) by Dee W., September 19, 2021
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2021

Great spot for winter

The imperial dam ltva has everything you need to Winter over in the warmth. There are swimmable lakes in the area so also bring your kayak! There's a volunteer center that sells propane, runs a thrift shop, and sets up a lending library. Park as far from or close to others as you'd like. Trash and water are on site.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) by Dee W., September 17, 2021
  • Review photo of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) by Dee W., September 17, 2021
  • Review photo of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) by Dee W., September 17, 2021
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)?

    Camping at BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) can cost between $1.00 and $15.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the elevation of BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)?

    BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) is located at 309 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA), although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is fair, AT&T is poor, and T-Mobile is unknown.