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BLM Camping

Hot Springs 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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Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area

The Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area is located in southern Arizona near Yuma, Arizona and El Centro, California. Like many BLM sites, the area was designed for the enjoyment of visitors so that they can experience the location’s natural beauty. To find other BLM public lands that offer camping, you can search for “BLM camping near me.”

The Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area allows for stays of up to seven months. The area is open all year, and campers can stay for up to 14 days from April 16 to September 14 or for longer periods from September 15 to April 15. Visitors to the area can take in the scenery, enjoy nearby recreational options, or explore the area’s active hot spring.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Horse Tanks Trail

Located in the nearby Kofa Wilderness outside of Yuma, this trail is a great option for hiking, horseback riding, or off-roading.

Length: 6.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Telegraph Pass Trail

One of the more popular trails in the area, this Muggins Mountain Wilderness path is a good choice for hiking or mountain biking, and it offers beautiful views.

Length: 5.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Jester’s Trail

This trail offers spectacular views of the area, particularly at the trail’s summit.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

East Wetlands Interpretive Trail

This trail follows a creek and offers great opportunities for spotting wildlife.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

West Wetlands Loop

This gentle trail is pet-friendly and offers easy access to a swimming area.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The nearby Colorado River is ideal for fishing, swimming, and boating. Anglers can often catch striped, smallmouth, and largemouth bass, as well as tilapia, bluegill, mullet, crappie, and catfish. Fortuna Lake is also a great option, and it offers a quiet, peaceful fishing or camping experience.

Wildlife Viewing

The Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area sees its fair share of wildlife, but visitors can also head to the nearby Gila Mountains or the Kofa or Muggins Mountain Wilderness to see or photograph more wild animals. Species native to the area include bighorn sheep, rabbits, bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, birds of prey, songbirds, and several lizard and snake species.

Picnicking

Riverside Park offers beautiful views of the Colorado River, and there are several picnic tables available. Gateway Park is also located on the river, and it features fishing docks, restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground. The Colorado River State Historic Park is also an ideal location. There are several picnic areas, clean bathrooms, and plenty of room to spread out a blanket. Visitors can also stop in to see the park’s exhibits and learn more about the history of the area.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area. Fees for the campground are $180 for the full season, stretching from September 15 to April 15, $80 for a four-week stay, and $40 for a two-week stay. Visitors can also camp for shorter periods of time at the Hidden Cove RV Park. The park is for visitors 55 years or older and offers full hookups, cement patio pads, and daily, weekly, and monthly rates. The Blue Sky Ranch RV Park offers over 200 sites with hookups, and there is a pool, bathrooms, a laundry room, and a doggie corral. The park also offers access to nearby hiking trails.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is also available at the Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area from April to September. All two-week stays are free. Mittry Lake is also a great free camping option. The campground provides stunning views, and visitors can set up a dispersed site wherever they like.

RV Rentals Near Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area BLM trip

Most people prefer to visit the Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area during the early spring, winter, and late fall months when the weather is dry and mild. During the summer, temperatures climb, and daytime temperatures often reach 105 or more. The area sees almost no rain throughout the year.

To camp at the Hot Springs Long Term Visitor Area, you must have a camping permit. Camping permits can be purchased from the campground hosts at the site or the nearby Pilot Knob Long Term Visitor Area. You can also buy a permit online, after which you will receive a voucher that can be exchanged for a permit at the BLM Yuma Field Office. Permits can also be purchased directly from the field office or the BLM El Centro 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

It’s crucial that Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and long-term visitor areas remain protected and cared for, and Leave No Trace practices can help. Be courteous of other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum and sharing common areas such as picnic tables, fire rings, and trails. Clean up after yourself and always dispose of all trash properly. Be aware of the dangers of fire and keep fires controlled in designated pits or rings. Stay up to date on fire bans, and only start a fire if the danger rating is low. Stay alert for wild animals, and if you see one, let it move on. Do not try to approach or touch wild animals, including reptiles and insects.