Snowbird Guide to BLM Camping near Yuma, Arizona

Updated for 2024

A detailed guide to free or affordable BLM camping near Yuma, Arizona – the “Sunniest Place on Earth”!

This guide covers the Imperial Dam LVTA, Pilot Knob LTVA, Senator Wash Reservoir, Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, Fortuna Lake, and other BLM camping areas near Yuma.

For readability, the guide is divided into 4 sections:

• Overview – this article! A general overview of the greater Yuma area with information about camping, showers, dump stations, potable water, laundry, and more.
• West of Yuma along I-8 – The camping areas in California along Interstate 8 just to the west of Yuma (about 25 minutes from Downtown).
• Imperial Dam and Senator Wash Reservoir – The camping areas near the Long-Term Visitor Area at Imperial Dam including Senator Wash Reservoir.
• North of Yuma along US 95 – Popular camping areas between Yuma and Imperial Dam including the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, Fortuna Pond, and more.

Why Should You Camp near Yuma this Winter?

• Yuma is safe!
• According to the World Meteorological Society, Yuma receives more than 4,000 sunlight hours per year, the most of any city in the world. Compare Yuma with its neighbor Phoenix (3,872 sunlight hours a year) and Aswan, Egypt (3,863 hours a year)!
• You have a 90% chance of seeing sunshine every day while camping near Yuma!
• Yuma is warmer than Quartzite in winter with less rain and no snow.
• Yuma is much larger than Quartzsite with many options for shopping and entertainment experiences.
• Yuma has many FREE and cheap BLM camping options and does not feel as crowded.
• Yuma is right on the Mexico border and is an excellent home base while crossing the border for affordable dental, vision, and other health-related care.

Here is a great summary of Downtown Yuma and what you can expect – Exploring Downtown Yuma!

Location, Directions, and Map

The areas in this article are shown on the map below.

Areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 can be reached by driving west from Yuma along I-8. All other areas can be reached from Yuma by driving north along I-95. Exact driving directions are provided in the detailed guides for each area.

On the map below, click on the square in the top-right corner for a full-screen view.

Important Amenities

Where to find water, dump stations, etc.

Water – If you are not staying at the Imperial Dam LTVA or Senator Wash Reservoir, there are many Water Vending Kiosks in Yuma. For example, Walmart near Love’s has a kiosk in the parking lot. These have hoses so you can fill water tanks, or 1-gallon or 5-gallon containers. 0.25 cents per gallon at most kiosks.

Dump Stations – If you are not staying at the Imperial Dam LTVA or Senator Wash Reservoir, you can use the dump station at Love’s for $10. You pay inside to get the key for the dump cover.

Showers – T.K. Jones Campground has hot showers ($1 for 7 minutes) for campers who paid for overnight stays at BLM areas nearby. The YMCA in Yuma has showers for $5 -1917 W 32nd St.

Trash – There are many dumpsters in Downtown Yuma. Just find a public parking lot and you will see a dumpster. Or use the dumpsters at the RV lot of Quechan Casino along I-8.

Laundry – I like JoAnn’s Laundromat at 770 S Orange Ave.

Where to Camp

It depends! In this section, I give a short description of each area. At the end of this article are links to detailed articles if you want to know more!

1 – Ogilby Road

A very large FREE BLM area for 14 days where you can keep to yourself if you want. Great Verizon service. Some trees for shade. Easy 25-minute drive to Downtown Yuma. Close to the Mexican town of Los Algodones for dental work!

2 – Sidewinder Road

Smaller FREE BLM area for 14 days with private land in between meaning you have to be mindful of your location. Spotty Verizon service. Closer to town than Ogilby Road.

3 – Sidewinder Road south of I-8

FREE BLM area for 14 days near the LTVA along FR739. Very close to the Mexican border which may cause some safety concerns. Sandy access road but 4WD is not needed. Rather barren without trees but close to the Imperial Sand Dunes if you have an ATV. Good Verizon service. Fewer people than Ogilby Road.

4 – Pilot Knob LTVA

Fee-based long-term BLM camping area with no amenities but the safety of a camp host. Good Verizon service. Close to the Mexican border. Closest BLM option to town when camping on the west side.

5 – Imperial Dam LTVA

Very large fee-based long-term BLM camping area near Imperial Dam. Resembles an RV city in winter. Hosts on-site. Water, dump stations, dumpsters, toilets, and cold showers (7-minute hot showers nearby for $1 ). Spotty Verizon service. 35 minutes from Downtown Yuma.

6 – Senator Wash Reservoir

Fee-based lakeshore BLM camping with a 14-day stay limit. Beautiful views. Spotty Verizon service near the shore but better on the hills. Access to all the amenities at the Imperial Dam LTVA. Some sites and roads are tricky when towing.

7 – Mittry Lake Wildlife Area

FREE BLM camping with a 10-day PER CALENDAR YEAR stay limit. Great views but very popular and the better sites are hard to grab! Toilets and dumpster. Spotty Verizon service.

8 – Kool Corner

FREE BLM camping for 14 days in a small area surrounded by private land. The terrain is exposed and hilly but with good views. No amenities. Good Verizon service.

9 – Fortuna Lake

FREE BLM camping for 14 days surrounding a small lake. Very crowded with RVs close to one another but the views are beautiful. Porta-John and dumpster. Good Verizon service. Close to Yuma.

Detailed Description of each BLM area

Please click on each of the sections below for more information and photos.