The road to reach this dispersed camping area along Senator Wash Reservoir requires careful navigation, especially for the most secluded spots at the far end of the north shore. Campers can drive directly to waterfront sites, with fire rings scattered along the shoreline for evening gatherings. The Bureau of Land Management maintains basic facilities including restrooms and a dump station, though no on-site host manages daily operations.
Wildlife encounters happen regularly here, with donkeys and deer moving through camp areas during daylight hours. Ryan G. notes campers can "pull right up to the water" at many sites. Coyotes also patrol the area, and mountain lion sightings have been reported. The reservoir provides fishing opportunities, though water levels fluctuate seasonally and affect shoreline camping positions.
Access varies significantly depending on vehicle type and chosen campsite location. While some visitors manage the route in standard cars, others find high-clearance vehicles necessary for reaching remote spots. Multiple hiking trails branch out from the camping area into surrounding desert terrain. The T.K. Jones Campground at Squaw Lake offers a more developed alternative less than a mile away for campers preferring established amenities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingBLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore is located in California
Directions
Use Interstate 8 to Yuma, AZ. Take the 4th Avenue exit to Imperial County Road S-24. Go north approximately 22 miles to Senator Wash Road. Turn onto Senator Wash Road and follow it for approximately 3 miles to the South Mesa campground. Turn left, then proceed straight through the campground until arrival at the directional signing which will provide directions to North Shore.
Coordinates
32.91289974 N
114.48799067 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 4/18/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/18/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 4/18/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/18/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
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 Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Yuma, AZ
- 1 hr 40 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 51 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 2 hrs 58 min from San Diego, CA















