Updated for 2024
A detailed guide to BLM camping north of Yuma, Arizona at fee-based Imperial Dam LTVA and Senator Wash Reservoir. These areas are actually in California!
As shown on the map below, this very large BLM area offers fee-based camping in 3 areas – Imperial Dam LTVA, Senator Wash Reservoir, and T.K. Jones Campground at Squaw Lake. There is also Phil Swing Park nearby – a small County campground (free with a 3-day stay limit).
There is no free camping in the Senator Wash/Imperial Dam area unless you drive at least 1 mile beyond the boundaries of both. Frankly, it does not make sense to try and camp for free in this area because authorities will always look for your registration stub when you enter. There are better options elsewhere (please read my other articles about Yuma BLM camping.
Location
About 35 minutes north of Yuma when traveling along I-95. Look for the Imperial Dam turn. From Yuma, there are signs to Imperial Dam via S-24 (many turns but a beautiful drive amongst farmland on paved roads.
Once you cross the last canal, signs will indicate you entered a fee area.
From here just follow the signs to the registration areas.
During business hours, folks are available in the registration/information building but there is also a self-registration kiosk if you plan to camp outside the LTVA.
Area GPS Map
I highly recommend the Avenza Maps App!
Download the BLM Routes of Travel for NECO Brochure Map to see the Public Lands and boundaries for this area. Install this map with Avenza.
On the map below, click on the square in the top-right corner for a full-screen view.
Imperial LTVA or Senator Wash Camping?
If you want lakeside dispersed camping (and are willing to pay more), Senator Wash Reservoir is your destination. It is first come, first served so try to arrive early in the day for the best sites. This area is described in detail below.
If you prefer dispersed camping with the security of a host (and to save money), then head to the LTVA as described below. None of the sites are near the reservoir but some offer water views from on top of the mesas.
T.K. Jones Campground
A small and crowded, fee-based BLM campground on Squaw Lake popular with kayakers, boaters, and fishing enthusiasts. $15 per night.
125 RV sites, many tent sites, 4 restrooms with flush toilets and showers available for a fee, potable water at a central location, trash, and gray water disposal, RV dump station nearby at South Mesa, two boat ramps, cartop, and trailered, two buoyed swimming areas, picnic tables, and BBQ grills, day-use, and boat trailer parking, and hiking trail.
The hot showers use tokens – 7 minutes for $1.
Please visit the official website for more information.
Imperial Lake LTVA
The LTVA long-term permit ($180) allows continuous use 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 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. Please visit the website for the latest rates.
Upon arrival, drive north along the paved Senator Wash Rd until you see the sign for South Mesa and Registration. Turn left and the office is to your left beyond the Dump Station area.
The folks in the Registration building will assist you with the check-in procedure and answer questions. Please know the LTVA is a barren area and you will hardly find a tree as shown in my photos. For easier navigation especially in emergencies, the LTVA is roughly divided into several neighborhoods – see my map below.
The South Mesa Neighborhood (on the north end) is home to the registration office, campground host, pay kiosk, and LTVA amenities.
Self-contained units can camp anywhere while the rest must find a site within 500 feet of a restroom (meaning they must camp in the South Mesa area only).
Toilets, outside cold showers, dumpsters, several dump stations, and potable water (faucets) are available at the entrance of South Mesa. You can also use the hot showers (tokens required) at T.K. Jones Campground as described above.
Spotty Verizon service throughout the LTVA. It appears service is better on the mesa’s facing Senator Wash Reservoir.
More information about Imperial Dam LTVA – Read Here
Senator Wash Reservoir Camping
If you want to camp near the LTVA for security but are looking for waterfront sites despite the extra costs, Senator Wash Reservoir is a great option.
My map below indicates the locations of many (not all) sites along the North and South Shores. Some sites can fit only 1 small rig while others can fit 3 or 4 large rigs depending on how they park. My markers are just indicators and not complete.
Self-contained units can camp anywhere while the rest must find a site within 500 feet of a restroom (There are 5 along the North Shore shown on my map above – look carefully!).
The cost is $15 per vehicle per night and standard discounts are available. 14-day stay maximum.
The entrance road is across from the LTVA registration building. There is a pay kiosk where you must complete a registration envelope and deposit your money (cash or check).
You can camp in one of two areas – South Shore or North Shore.
South Shore – Just a large beach (packed sand and gravel) very near the entrance road at the bottom of a steep hill. RV’s of all sizes can make it down there and this site is recommended for folks who do not want to tackle the rougher roads to the North Shore. But you will not be alone – RV’s are parked nose-to-tail!
North Shore – If you are looking for seclusion then you will find it somewhere along the North Shore but the roads are bumpy and steep in places. Your rig may fit into some sites and you may have to avoid others to avoid getting stuck in a narrow dead-end! When in doubt, get out and walk to check the road condition. RV’s of all sizes can make it to some sites along the North Shore but be careful.
Some North Shore waterfront sites (and a few hill-top sites) require 4WD and confident driving skills, It is very steep with loose gravel and sand.
Good Verizon service on the hills of the North Shore but it is spotty down at the beach sites.
Other BLM Camping options near Yuma
FREE BLM Camping near Yuma, AZ – Mittry Lake, Kool Corner, Fortuna Pond
Snowbird Guide to BLM Camping near Yuma, Arizona
FREE BLM Camping near Yuma, AZ – Ogilby Rd, American Girl Mine Rd, Sidewinder Rd, and Pilot Knob LTVA
