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Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area

The Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) is located on the west side of the Colorado River, just downstream from the Imperial Dam near Yuma, AZ. It is one of the many areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency that oversees 245 million acres of public land, mostly in the western United States. BLM land is open to recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking, and many areas offer RV camping opportunities. Some BLM lands are also open to hunting and livestock grazing.

The Imperial Dam LTVA covers an area of 26,000 acres and offers camping, fishing, swimming, and picnicking opportunities. The area is open for long-term camping from September 15th through April 15th each year. While most BLM RV camping areas are typically limited to 14 days of camping in a 28-day period, this area allows campers to purchase a long-term permit that allows them to stay for any length of time while long-term camping is available. The long-term permit is $180, and a short-term permit is also available for $40. The climate in the area surrounding the Imperial Dam LTVA is hot and dry and often experiences temperatures well over 100 degrees during the summer months. If you are looking for more areas to explore, you'll find Joshua Tree National Park located just two and a half hours northwest.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

East Wetlands Interpretive Trail

Open year-round, this trail near Yuma is available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. As it runs along the water, it is also a great spot to go bird-watching.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Jester's Trail

For something a bit more challenging, head to Jester's Trail, a narrow out-and-back trail in the Gila Mountains. The path is rocky and steep and provides a great place for those who want to get away from the crowds. Because of the heat in the area, the best time to explore Jester's Trail is between October and May.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

There are a variety of boating options available at the Senator Wash Recreational Area near the Imperial Dam LTVA. There are four boat launches offering access to Senator Wash and the nearby Colorado River. The launches are located at Three Forks, Two Forks, Laughlin Gulch, and Pierce Ferry. The most popular activity on the river is fishing, and anglers can catch a variety of fish, including striped bass, catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie. Boaters can also enjoy tubing, swimming, and kayaking in the calm waters of the river.

Climbing

While the landscape surrounding the Imperial Dam LTVA is more suited to hiking than climbing, there are a few rock climbing opportunities nearby. One option is Castle Dome Peak in the Kofa Wildlife Refuge just east of Yuma. The area offers a number of bouldering opportunities and a few short Class 3 pitches.

Wildlife Viewing

The Imperial Dam LTVA provides opportunities for year-round wildlife viewing. The landscape supports a variety of habitats, including wetlands, riparian areas, and uplands. More than 150 species of birds have been observed in the area along with mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, and other small mammals.

Picnicking

This BLM site is a great spot to set up a picnic. It offers access to tables, grills, and restrooms. There is a designated day-use area specifically designed for picnickers.

Stargazing

This area of Arizona is away from lights and other obstructions, so it's an excellent spot for stargazing. It's also home to clear skies over 90 percent of the year, which means that you will rarely have to worry about clouds blocking your views of the stars.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

As it is designed to support camping for seven months of the year, the Imperial Dam LTVA is home to many Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Also, just south of the dam is the North Picacho Recreation Area, which has 17 sites for tents and RVs. This RV camping area includes wheelchair-accessible restrooms and showers as well as a playground and horseshoe pits. The South Picacho Recreation Area is on the south side of Imperial Dam and offers 49 sites. Senator Wash North Shore Recreation Area is the main recreation area for Imperial Dam. Amenities include restrooms, showers, a dump station, and a small convenience store. There are also several fishing piers and boat ramps available for use.

Free Camping

While most of the BLM RV camping sites near the Imperial Dam LTVA charge a small fee, the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area to the south of the dam offers Bureau of Land Management free camping available on a first-come, first-served basis. RV hookups are not available, but there are trash receptacles and pit toilets onsite. To find other campsites, search online for "BLM camping near me."

RV Rentals Near Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area BLM trip

When camping at the Imperial Dam LTVA, be sure to bring plenty of water and food because there is no grocery store or restaurant in the area. Because of the sunny climate, you will also want to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses regardless of the time of year. With the water nearby, insects can be a problem in the area, so be sure to bring along insect repellant as well.

Whether you are planning to just stay overnight or are heading to the area for an extended trip, you should purchase your camping permit ahead of time. For stays of more than 14 days, you will need a long-term pass, but keep in mind that these are only valid from September 15th to April 15th. Day-use and overnight passes are also available between April 16th and September 14th for $10 and $15 per vehicle, respectively. Passes can be purchased online or picked up at the Imperial Dam LTVA or the Yuma BLM Field Office.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When camping on public land, it is important to clean up after yourself. This includes removing all your trash and waste from the campsite. Cleaning up your garbage helps protect water sources and the wildlife and vegetation that depend on them. It's also important to leave all natural objects where you find them. If you are camping outside of designated camping areas, be mindful of where you set up camp. In particular, avoid untouched areas and look for flattened spots that have served as campsites for previous campers. This limits the impact you have on the area.