Dispersed Camping
BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)
About
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonFair
- AT&TPoor
- T-MobileUnknown
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
LegendLarge 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.
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GuideSpectacular 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!
GuideLake 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.
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Location
BLM Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) is located in California
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
32.901235769307135 N
114.49471809477885 W