By:
Submission
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.
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.
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.
Great little area to camp in the winter time. You can buy a permit for $180 a year. Yuma Arizona is a short 25-minute drive for groceries. You can receive over the air TV channels with your antenna. Cell services limited. Verizon works the best in this area.
This is our third winter here. It’s always been friendly and safe. Everyone smiles and talks to you so your never far from a new friend. Much nicer than Quartsite. Showers are broken this year because of the prior earthquakes so it’s a little quieter this year. There is still plenty to do and see and the price hasn’t changed in years.
I am enjoying this LTVA more than Quartzsite area places. For one is the availability of water. And plenty of hills and trails around the reservoir and camping areas for exploring.
Access to Yuma for supplies is 23 miles away. A pleasant drive through the agricultural between.
Here in December and found many places to make a camp. Plenty a vault toilets around
Very nice area to stay for winter. The rate is great! Sites are clean. Access to water, dump, and trash if you buy the permit. Showers are currently broken. There are bathrooms on the premise. Generators are allowed and used until quiet hours (10pm -7am). Pet friendly. Very near the Christian Service Center and Hidden Shores resort for gas, propane, and mail services.
This is my go-to destination for the winter months! Love having the option to camp next to one of the two lakes (recreational pass - $75 for one whole year - is required for camping at any of the 2 lakes. LTVA pass required to camp on the LTVA areas - $180 from Sept 15th to April 15th).
