The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The T.K. Jones Campground at Squaw Lake is located outside of Yuma, Arizona. Yuma’s fascinating desert and sand dune landscapes are home to a range of unusual plant and animal species, and these landscape features provide visitors with many nearby hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking options. The area is also favored by photographers and OHV riders. The campground itself offers boat ramps, swimming areas, picnic tables, and barbeque grills.
Like all Bureau of Land Management sites, the T.K. Jones Campground is public land that was set aside to give visitors a way to get in touch with nature. These sites often protect fragile ecosystems, unique landscapes, or historically important areas. To find other camping BLM sites, search for “BLM camping near me.”
An oasis in the desert, this gorgeous trail is perfect for viewing wildlife, including many diverse bird species.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Popular with mountain bikers, this trail also offers a great hiking experience and provides beautiful views.
Length: 5.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail outside of Yuma is popular with OHV riders but is also often used for mountain biking, horseback riding, or hiking.
Length: 17 miles
Intensity: Easy
Hikers who summit Pilot Knob Mesa will be rewarded with gorgeous views of the scenery.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail is generally relatively quiet, making it an ideal option for viewing more reclusive animal species.
Length: 12 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fortuna Lake, located in Yuma, is one of the area’s most popular spots for fishing and boating. Anglers can often catch catfish and bass. Anyone looking to fish for bass can also head to the nearby Imperial Reservoir. The Colorado River also offers excellent fishing or swimming opportunities.
Although the area around the T.K. Jones Campground isn’t ideal for rock climbing, climbing enthusiasts can still enjoy some practice routes at Pilot Knob Mesa.
Visitors to the T.K. Jones Campground can often spot wildlife in the campground’s day-use area. For more wildlife viewing opportunities, however, visitors can head to the nearby Kofa, Imperial, or Cibola National Wildlife Refuges or the nearby Muggins Mountain Wilderness. Species native to the area include coyotes, mule deer, hawks, ravens, vultures, bobcats, rabbits, ground squirrels, wrens, quails, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and a range of reptiles, including rattlesnakes, king snakes, horned lizards, whiptail lizards, and desert tortoises.
The day-use area at the T.K. Jones Campground at Squaw Lake is a fantastic place for a picnic. The campground provides easy access to nearby swimming and boating areas and a hiking trail. Tables and barbecues are available, and there are also several accessible restrooms.
BLM RV camping is available right at the T.K. Jones Campground at Squaw Lake. The campground offers 125 RV sites, so although you may not be able to make a reservation, there is usually plenty of space. There are four restrooms with flush toilets, and showers are available for a small fee. Potable and rinse water are also available.
Visitors looking to enjoy a longer RV camping stay can stop at the Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area, which allows visitors to stay for between 14 days and seven months. For a camping area with more amenities, the Araby Acres RV Resort is a fantastic choice. Visitors must be over 55 years old, but there are 337 RV sites available, and the amenities include a swimming pool, lounge, RV storage, laundry facilities, and a library.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the nearby Picacho State Recreation Area, where visitors can set up a camp at one of the area’s 59 primitive sites. The recreation area offers drinking water, restrooms, and solar showers, and each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Visitors can also enjoy dispersed camping at Lake Fortuna.
The T.K. Jones Campground is located in a desert environment, which can present some challenges for anyone who isn’t used to camping in this type of ecosystem. Remember that desert days tend to be very warm and dry. Bring plenty of water, and try not to explore during the hottest parts of the day. Temperatures can drop significantly at night, even after the hottest days, so pack extra layers.
There are some fees associated with the T.K. Jones Campground. You’ll need to purchase a $10 pass per vehicle for day use, and a $15 pass is required for each vehicle for overnight use. If you plan to spend a while in the area or visit frequently, you can choose an annual pass, which costs $75. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace practices are guidelines that can help you protect the natural beauty of Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, trails, and wilderness areas. Always keep your camping area clean and pack out any litter, including food waste, with you when you leave. Practice extreme fire safety when enjoying a desert area such as the T.K. Jones Campground by obeying all fire rules and keeping your campfire contained to a fire pit or ring.
From Yuma, you can take Interstate 8 to the 4th Avenue exit. From the exit, continue north on Imperial County Road S24 for about 22 miles until you reach Senator Wash Road. Take a left here, and continue for another four miles, following signs to the campground. You can also take the AZ 95 north to reach the campground. From AZ 95, turn left onto Imperial Dam Road at the “Big Guns.” Take a right on Senator Wash Road and continue for four miles.
Ready to visit T.K. Jones Campground at Squaw Lake? 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.
