Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Winterhaven, CA has a lot to offer. Winterhaven is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.
"BLM free camping on the waterway at Mittry lake. There's a boat launch area, trash service, and cell service (4g T-Mobile)."
"I didn't choose to park right next to the lake but was on the other side of the dirt road. Real nice place to relax, camp out, ride my bike, all for free."
$75 - $180 / night
"Great location if you plan on visiting Los Algodones, Mexico. Great cell signal. Dry camping. Close to I-8 so somewhat noisy."
$1 - $15 / night
"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"."
"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."
"Right by a main highway but we enjoyed meeting the other folks and were relieved to have a place to stay after having made an attempt on a rough dirt road where we had to turn around in BLM land nearby"
"Free 14 day camping. Very dusty when wind picks up but plenty of places to tent camp or RV. VFW club house on site."
"Dispersed camping that is seriously unbelievable. Pull right up to the water. Fire rings around the north shore."
"The lake is beautiful and the rangers are helpful."
"This spot is not exactly at "Kool Corner" as per Google maps. You pass that point which is private property then turn right unto a side road where you see a canal of running water."
"It was a nice stay You are next to power lines, but it’s a beautiful view Quite until the fighter jets fly over. You can see the city lights and nice little hikes"
"Great for Solar and Starlink(did not test cellular specific but had decent service on my Verizon phone). Did a video review of the area as well as the resources available."
RangerHippie Hole is a fantastic boondocking spot with easy access to the Colorado River and plenty of nearby walking trails. The campground is right next to the Cibola Wildlife Preserve, making it perfect for anyone who loves nature and wildlife.
Getting There: If you’re using Google Maps, I recommend skipping the first suggested right turn into the campground and instead pulling in the other entrance across from Baseline Road. This route is much wider and less steep, making it a safer option—especially for larger rigs.
Planning Ahead: The closest town is Blythe, about 30 minutes north, so stock up before arriving. That said, there’s a little store just down Baseline Road with last-minute essentials. The staff there are incredibly kind; they even gave us some free, fresh lemons during our visit!
The Campground: Technically, there’s a 14-day stay limit, but it’s clear that many campers spend most of the winter here. Vault toilets are available, though they come with their fair share of spider friends. There’s supposed to be weekly trash pickup, but it’s inconsistent, so we packed out as much as we could. If you plan to stay a while, be prepared to manage your own trash.
The Vibe: The relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes this spot stand out. You’ll find a mix of travelers and snowbirds enjoying the simple life here. The easy river access and proximity to wildlife make it ideal for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.
Overall, Hippie Hole is a laid-back spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Just plan ahead and pack out your trash to keep this gem clean and enjoyable for everyone!
GuideLots of trains going by! Right by a main highway but we enjoyed meeting the other folks and were relieved to have a place to stay after having made an attempt on a rough dirt road where we had to turn around in BLM land nearby. Of course, after getting to the area we discover that we should’ve gone out to the lake Metairie area and that there is actually a hard road access to that beautiful BLM free camping.
LegendThis gravel graded road crosses about 3 miles of BLM before you get to the KOFA NWR boundary. This BLM area is flat and has more room to spread out on the desert pavement fingers, plus a closeby cell tower gives 5 bars signal. Pure free boondocking, no water, no trash cans, no toilets. But the strong cell signal is the main draw here for boondockers. If you go too far into the NWR and get behind a low ridgeline, you will lose the cell tower signal.
GuideDispersed 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.
RangerThis spot is not exactly at "Kool Corner" as per Google maps. You pass that point which is private property then turn right unto a side road where you see a canal of running water. You will see other RVs and campers to your left. You can continue on the dirt road following the canal and at the end turn left - the dirt road gets a bit rough but I made it up there towing my trailer. I met a friend up there who'd been there before and had found a great spot at the top of the hill. There was only one other RV up on the hill probably 100 yards away from us. We had a really nice view. It was a bit windy and cold but not that bad. We were there in December 2020.
Next time I'd like to try Lake Mittry which is only a little past this spot. I'd go back again but it was my first time in Yuma so there's a lot of places I like to explore yet.
GuideIt is a flat/semi-flat area that is north of the VFW building on BLM land. Drive around the west side of the VFW. VFW has nothing to do with the BLM land. There is a 14 day limit stay with a "camp host" (which was not there). Yuma is about 12 miles away.
ScoutFree 14 day camping. Very dusty when wind picks up but plenty of places to tent camp or RV. VFW club house on site.
GuideArea was nice, no trash, host was nice, the only thing was there was A LOT OF FLIES. Other than the flies it’s an good campground, there are pit toilets across the street at the hot springs along with trash cans.
GuideI stopped here for one night after driving from California. this is a cool place to Boondock. I was right on the pond and had no problems with anybody else. the bugs were not too bad. the sunrise was amazing. there are no facilities here. make sure you use the restroom before you come and bring what you need. it is also likely that you will not be able to have a fire.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Winterhaven, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different preferences, from serene lakeside views to rugged desert landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Winterhaven, CA is Mittry Lake Wildlife Area with a 4.4-star rating from 15 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Winterhaven, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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