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Dispersed Camping

BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore is located near Winterhaven, CA, offering a landscape characterized by desert terrain and open spaces. Temperatures can range from 40°F in the winter to over 100°F in the summer. Nearby attractions include the Imperial Sand Dunes and the Colorado River, providing opportunities for exploration and recreation.

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Location

BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore is located in California

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

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    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites 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.


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2025

Great spot

Dispersed camping that is seriously unbelievable. Pull right up to the water. Fire rings around the north shore. I thought high clearance would be a must (in some spots for sure) but I did see a Camaro parked next to their tent. This is a hidden gem. There are donkeys and deer that roam the area so watch for them.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore by Ryan G., April 30, 2025
  • Review photo of BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore by Ryan G., April 30, 2025
  • Review photo of BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore by Ryan G., April 30, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Feb. 25, 2024

Too short

It was lovely. We were lakeside and able to fish daily. Wish we’d had a kayak. Only had 4 days there. Wanted 14! A lot of hiking trails! Sometimes I felt I was on another planet. (That’s why we travel:) The weather just got better and better but we had to cut it short. See you next year!

Sitenorth side
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Mar. 2, 2023

👌 wow 👌 worth the $75 xtra

North shore might not be easy to get to, but if you got the cojones you can snag a gem. On the beach, a private nook, a high Vista. Options.

Water levels vary, so don't camp too close to the shore.

SiteNorth shore nook
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore by Beth M., March 2, 2023
  • Review photo of BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore by Beth M., March 2, 2023
Reviewed Mar. 10, 2022

Cool spots by the beach

You can be by people or in your own nook. The lake is beautiful and the rangers are helpful.

Month of VisitMarch

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current water levels at Senator Wash Reservoir?

Water levels at Senator Wash Reservoir fluctuate throughout the year based on seasonal conditions and usage patterns. It's advisable not to camp too close to the shoreline as water levels can change unexpectedly. The reservoir typically maintains enough water for fishing and some water activities like kayaking. For the most up-to-date information on current water levels, contact the local BLM office or check with park rangers upon arrival, as they monitor conditions regularly.

How do I get to Senator Wash Reservoir for camping?

Senator Wash Reservoir is accessible via dirt roads that may require some navigation skills. The North Shore area specifically might present some challenges for low-clearance vehicles, though determined visitors in passenger cars have made it there. For the best experience, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially if you want to access the more secluded camping spots along the shore. Check local road conditions before heading out, as seasonal changes can affect accessibility. Rangers in the area can provide guidance on the best routes if you're uncertain.

Where is the North Shore camping area at Senator Wash Reservoir?

The North Shore camping area is situated along the northern shoreline of Senator Wash Reservoir. This dispersed camping area offers various options including lakeside spots, private nooks tucked away from others, and elevated vistas with panoramic views. Fire rings are scattered throughout the North Shore area. The location provides direct water access for fishing and water activities. Some parts of the North Shore require navigating rougher terrain, but the effort rewards campers with prime waterfront camping and increased privacy compared to other areas of the reservoir.

Is Senator Wash Reservoir located in Arizona or California?

Senator Wash Reservoir is located in California, just west of Yuma, Arizona. The reservoir sits near the California-Arizona border, which sometimes causes confusion about which state it belongs to. It's managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as part of their California lands. The proximity to Yuma makes it a popular destination for visitors from both states.