This free dispersed camping area operates under Bureau of Land Management oversight and accommodates big rigs on accessible terrain. Campers can drive or walk into sites scattered across forested ground, with campfires and pets permitted throughout the area. The nearby Christian Service Center provides filtered water and mail services for long-term visitors.
Cell service reaches the area, and trash collection helps maintain the site. Fishing opportunities exist along with hiking and biking trails, plus kayaking access for water enthusiasts. For campers wanting more structured amenities, McKinney Park sits just over a mile northeast with different facilities.
Description
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. 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.
Fee Info
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.
Reservation Info
The maximum stay is 14 days in a 28-day period.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingImperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area is located in California
Coordinates
32.87325845713738 N
114.4843402105111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 28 usersLast on 4/23/26
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 4/23/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 28 usersLast on 4/23/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 4/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- 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 Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 33 min from Yuma, AZ
- 1 hr 10 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 20 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 2 hrs 26 min from San Diego, CA
