The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Set out across the Sonoran Desert from Phoenix, and you will come to the La Posa Long term Visitor Center in less than 70 miles. La Posa offers long-term Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for use between September and April each year. The La Posa Long Term Visitor Area offers Bureau of Land Management camping for RV drivers to protect the Sonoran Desert. Alongside the long-term RV camping options are nearby dispersed Bureau of Land Management free camping options. Dispersed and primitive camping options provide visitors to the region with the chance to return to nature without modern amenities. Visitors can spend several days camping away from designated BLM camping sites.
RV drivers using the La Posa Long Term Visitors Area as their winter base will be able to enjoy exploring the landscapes of the region. Phoenix lies to the east and San Diego to the west. The Sonoran Desert area is unique and is home to several state parks. Joshua Tree National Park is located across the border in California. Several trailheads and picnic areas can be found around the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area. Staying entertained in this area of Arizona is not difficult for RV drivers.
This trail is part of the Sonoran Desert National Monument system. The views of the Sonoran Desert are stunning and reflect the isolation of this region close to the Mexican Border. The trail is almost flat, with an elevation of 456 feet. The trail can be taxing during the hottest months of the year.
Length: 7.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Bicycles and motorized vehicles have been banned along this route to protect the environment. This is a long, flat trail that climbs 550 feet over its length. The trail is a sandy dirt road with views across the Sonoran Desert. Primitive camping is popular along the trail because of its isolated nature.
Length: 14 miles
Intensity: Easy
Lakes dot the Sonoran Desert, making it a unique area to visit. The lakes provide plenty of fish, including bass. Some of the most popular fishing locations nearby include River Island State Park, Alamo Lake State Park, and Cattail Cove State Park. Lake Havasu, which is approximately an hour away, is also a very popular spot for both fishing and boating.
The most popular mountain for climbing in the Sonoran Desert region is Mount Lemmon. The mountain climbs 9,000 feet out of the sand and produces a range of routes for beginners to experienced climbers. Part of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Mount Lemmon is one of several significant peaks found to the north of Tucson.
There is plenty of wildlife to enjoy during the long winter months at the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area. The arid landscape is home to several mammals, including bobcats, bighorn sheep, and the Mexican wolf. Birds of prey circle the sky, with woodpeckers and roadrunners in plentiful supply.
There are plenty of options for enjoying your stay at La Posa Long Term Visitor Area. Picnic areas and shelters provide options for setting up a nice meal. The area around the Sonoran Desert close to Lake Havasu also has several picnic areas to enjoy.
The La Posa Long Term Visitor Area is situated on 11,400 acres of Bureau of Land Management camping grounds. The area has been home to Native American tribes and is located south of the Mojave Trails. Historic artifacts can be found throughout the region.
The La Posa Long Term Visitor Area is designed to provide BLM camping options from September to April. The off-season for the Sonoran Desert allows the national monument to be protected from human damage caused by camping. The cost of camping starts at $180 for a license to camp for any length of time from September to April. A license for BLM RV camping for two weeks during the period from September to April is available for $40. For RV drivers who want to be closer to civilization, the Desert Shadows RV Resort in Phoenix offers access to the amenities of the large city. Deer Valley RV Park has over 200 pull-through RV campsites and all the amenities you need in the modern world. To find other camping options, search online for "BLM camping near me."
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds takes two routes: paid camping and free campgrounds. Bureau of Land Management free camping is available within the Sonoran Desert and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. The Bureau of Land Management provides access to its lands for short-term camping at no charge. Primitive and dispersed camping options are available in areas of the lands not served by designated campgrounds.
The warmer months of the year can be hot and dry close to the Sonoran Desert. RV drivers arriving at the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area should be aware of the heat and ensure they have a plentiful supply of water and food. Phoenix is located close enough to be within a two-hour drive of the long-term camping area. Phoenix provides RV drivers with the chance to stock up on food, pharmaceuticals, and gas. Nights during the period the visitor area is open can be cold, meaning packing the correct clothing should be a high priority. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are accessible to the public but need to be protected for future generations. BLM camping is made possible under the requirements of the Leave No Trace program. The program requires all visitors to remove all trash and waste during their visit to a Bureau of Land Management location. All camping equipment and accessories needed for your trip should be removed to leave the land in the same condition it was found in.
Interstate 10 passes through the city of Quartzsite, AZ. After exiting I-10 in Quartzite, take Highway 95 South for approximately two miles to the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area's four exits.
Ready to visit La Posa Long Term Visitor Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
