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Submission
The area in and around Pilot Knob is rich in both human and natural history. At one time, Patton's troops trained here in preparation for desert fighting in World War II. A State of California Historic Marker lies on the site of Patton's camp. The marker is located just north of Interstate 8 on Sidewinder Road. The Fort Yuma Indian Reservation borders public lands near Pilot Knob. Every year, thousands of visitors come and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered at BLM's Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs), where visitors can camp for as long as seven months.
I-8 (West from Yuma, AZ/East from El Centro,CA) to Sidewinder Rd.(Exit 164.) South on Sidewider Rd.
Fee season September 15-April 15 $180, $80 4-week stay, $40 2-week stay; 14 day camping free April 16-September 14
Call the office or email
I bought a two week pass and was told that I could stay any of the LTVA’s. Nobody at the office there in Quartzsite said anything about having to be self contained. In other words, my van Camper with creative pottie solutions isn’t allowed. I loss of $40 plus a major inconvenience as I am traveling and now have no idea where im staying each evening while Im am in Arizona! I want a refund.
Great place. Dry camping with lots of room, and easy to get around. You have to purchase 2 weeks at a min for $40. Dumpsters are on site. There is a gas station near by that has a dump station, $15. We hiked the pilot knob, steep walk but totally worth it! Overall great place.
The Camp Host does not allow you to park anywhere near her trailer… Even though that is the parking area for visitors?
She explained to me she has dogs… They are not on a leash per BLM requirements I presume and therefore humans are not allowed to park there?
Giving it a "4" because it is so close to Los Algodones border crossing (dental work) and because the host Rebecca was so nice and helpful, and did me a HUGE favor. I was surprised more people in reviews said they weren't bothered by the trains, but it must depend which way the wind blows. 1st two days there were a LOT of trains, and loud. Doesn't seem as bad 3rd day either in number or volume. Not somewhere I would stay if not for the dental work, but it is nice walking x-country around Pilot Knob and felt very safe inside the LTVA, and didn't worry about my stuff while I was gone across the border. BLM could do a little work to make it possible for bigger rigs to get to the southern-most section of the LTVA, ie plow some roads across the little gullies, so people could spread out a little more, but also wasn't super-crowded either. I would stay here again when getting more dental work.
Really great place to camp. Disperse camping with water and dump accessible for a $15 fee close by. Propane and fuel close by as well. Lots of trains going by that is the only thing that may bother people.
