Senator Wash North Shore
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you're looking to do some waterfront camping while staying relatively close to civilization, Senator Wash North Shore BLM may be the perfect RV vacation spot for you. Tucked away in California's beautiful Imperial Valley, this BLM recreation area is only half an hour from Yuma, AZ. Visitors come to see the famous Sonoran Desert and its saguaro cacti. With stunning sunsets, mild winters and a spectacular supply of nature's most impressive scenery, it's easy to see why so many RVers keep coming back. Boaters and anglers appreciate the opportunity to get out on the water. Potable water and hookups are not available, so come well prepared. Camping is first-come, first-served. Check the official BLM site for pertinent updates before starting your trip.
Quick Facts About RVing at Senator Wash North Shore
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies by campsite (recommended under 35 feet) • Camping Type: Developed and dispersed • Reservations: No • Hookups: Not available • Dump Station: Imperial Dam (fees may apply) • Potable Water: No • Cell Service: Unreliable • Pets: Permitted on leashes • Roads: Paved access, gravel roads • Best Seasons: Spring, fall, winter
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• The first-come, first-served campsite system is great for spontaneous travelers. • Fishing is excellent (crappie, bass, catfish). • It's easy to launch smaller boats and kayaks. • Nearby Yuma is convenient for supplies. • You can camp in the winter.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Senator Wash Trail
The trail begins in Senator Wash North Shore and climbs over 700 feet in elevation as it leads into the Little Picacho Wilderness Area. The trail is well-traveled and maintained, but the terrain is rough and rocky. Views of the Senator Wash Reservoir and surrounding area abound as the trail climbs into the foothills.
Length: 12 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Painted Desert Trail
Located in the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, this trail offers spectacular views of the Colorado River Valley. Soil from ancient volcanic activity creates interesting rock formations and a rainbow of contrasting colors. Moisture from the river makes a habitat for water-loving plants and animals in a desert setting.
Length: 1.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
The Senator Wash North Shore provides a great opportunity for fishing, swimming, and small craft boating. Canoes, kayaks, rafts, and other small craft can be put in all around the reservoir. A boat ramp is available at the Senator Wash South Shore area. Fishing opportunities include largemouth bass, black crappies, and channel catfish. Check with local officials as fishing regulations change by the season.
Wildlife Viewing
Betty's Kitchen Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area is located a few miles south of Senator Wash at the south end of Mittry Lake. The viewing area provides views of the Lower Colorado River and its associated riparian habitat. The Watchable Wildlife area includes an ADA-accessible interpretive trail and fishing pier. The site also has picnicking facilities.
Picnicking
The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area offers a quiet picnic spot. This minimally developed wilderness area has several day-use areas with lakeside picnic tables. Views include the lake and scenic views of three mountain ranges. The surrounding lake and marshes provide plentiful wildlife viewing opportunities.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
BLM RV camping is available at Senator Wash North Shore and several Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds in the region. Senator Wash has several lakeside and inland dispersed campsites. There is an ADA-accessible vault toilet. There is no drinking water, picnic tables, or trash facility.
The T.K. Jones Campground provides 125 designated RV sites and dispersed tent sites. Four flush toilets are located around the area. Shower facilities are available for an additional fee. Potable water, trash, and RV dump facilities are nearby. Swimming, picnic tables, and grills are within walking distance.
The Imperial Dam Long-Term Visitor Area is a developed RV area that provides long-term (180 days) and short-term (14 days) permits. Facilities include restrooms, showers, trash service, gray and black water dump sites, and group areas. Lake facilities are within walking distance.
Developed Campgrounds
RVers who want a few amenities might enjoy the neighboring BLM campgrounds. The Imperial Dam Long-Term Visitor Area is popular with RVers, especially snowbirds. Long-term stays (September to April) are available with seasonal permits. Short-term camping is also permitted. Amenities include showers, restrooms, drinking water, trash, and dump stations. South Mesa Campground inside the LTVA provides a convenient, comfortable base camp near the reservoir. The T.K. Jones Campground on the Colorado River has 125 RV sites plus drinking water, showers, trash disposal, flush toilets, and more. These campsites are first-come, first-served for stays up to 14 days within a 28-day period.
Dispersed Camping
This is an excellent choice for dispersed camping. Lots of great campsites take advantage of the beautiful scenery, and many travelers appreciate that the crowds here are smaller than you'll find at some other BLM spots. Both snowbirds and established boondockers are frequent visitors, especially during the winter months. Again, the lack of hookups, drinking water, and sewer services means campers must come self-contained. The gravel roads tend to be reliable but can get loaded down during the rainy season. Those who've never camped off the grid may find it useful to read these dispersed camping tips before heading out on the road.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Yes, camper vans are versatile and are good for both shorter and longer trips to the reservoir. • Travel Trailers: Yes, with a caveat. The majority of smaller and medium-sized travel trailers can easily access the grounds. The roads are taken care of, but you'll have to check for any potential weather hazards prior to leaving. • Fifth Wheels: You should be okay with your fifth wheel, but you may have to opt for a more spacious campsite. • Class A Motorhomes: The roads are amenable, but securing a larger site may be easier in off-peak times. • Class B Motorhomes: This may be your best option for Senator Wash. The more compact size of the Class B gives you more freedom to explore the surrounding areas. • Class C Motorhomes: Class C RVs are a great idea as well, giving you the best of both worlds in comfort and easy driving.
Free Camping 
The Mittry Lake Campsite supplies Bureau of Land Management free camping. The facility includes several lakeside and inland sites. Dispersed sites for tent and RV camping are available. There are no water or trash facilities within the camp area. Lake access and picnic tables are within walking distance.
RV Rentals Near Senator Wash North Shore Plan your next adventure
Planning your Senator Wash North Shore BLM trip
The Senator Wash North Shore is a minimally developed recreation area. In the summer, the region is hot and dry. Since no water is available at the site, bring plenty of drinking water. Be familiar with the signs of heat-related illness. In wet weather, the terrain can be muddy and difficult to navigate. Check weather reports before heading to the Senator Wash area.
Be sure to have appropriate clothing for the activities you plan to engage in. Hiking in the desert requires rugged shoes. In summer, lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants are recommended. Wearing sunblock and large-brimmed hats will help protect you from the sun. Sunblock is necessary if you plan to spend time on the water. Sunlight reflected off the water amplifies the burning power of the desert sun.
Spending time in the desert is a unique experience. The riparian habitats created by desert water sources can be seen in very few locations. Being prepared will help you enjoy your time in nature. Before heading into the region, check out our BLM camping blog for tips and information. If you have not pre-arranged a campsite, do an internet search for "BLM camping near me" when you are in the area. Before heading into remote areas, it is wise to check with the local BLM Field Office for conditions and restrictions.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Come prepared so there are no surprises! Many campers like to stop off at Yuma and get their supplies — fuel, fresh water, propane and groceries — at Yuma. Remember that you are not going to have access to any hookups or drinking water during your stay, so bring everything you need — and more. If you need a dump station while visiting Senator Wash, the South Mesa Campground is not far away. With temperatures sometimes exceeding 100°F during the summer, you'll need to consider how heat sensitive everyone in your party is if you plan on visiting then. Also, with fires an ever-present issue, you'll need to take a look at the relevant fire information before embarking on your journey.
Leave No Trace 
The Senator Wash recreation area has thousands of visitors every year. The hot and dry environment makes the area sensitive to human impact. The vegetation and landscape can take years to recover from damage. Contribute to preserving nature while enjoying it. Pack out everything you pack in. Review the BLM Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace guidelines before heading out.
Senator Wash North Shore Location
Take Interstate 8 to Yuma. Exit at 4th Avenue. Turn north on Imperial County Road S24. Travel 22 miles to Senator Wash Road. Turn left and take Senator Wash Road for approximately three miles. At South Mesa campground, turn left. Continue through the campground. Watch for signs directing you to the North Shore area.
Yuma Field Office: 7341 E. 30th St., Yuma, AZ 85365
Ready to visit Senator Wash North Shore? 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 of 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 RV Share.
Plan Your Day at Senator Wash North Shore
• Morning: Start your day early and have some coffee while watching the sunrise. Because temps are cooler, now is the best time for a walk or even to go fishing. • Afternoon: Grab lunch at your RV, take a swim, and explore some of the local trails. • Evening: There's nothing quite so satisfying as grilling dinner right outside the RV and chilling as the sun sets. The view at night — with amazing stars spread out across the sky — will become a highlight of your vacation.
Nearby Attractions
• Yuma (30 minutes away): When you're in town stocking up, think about whether you'd like to expand your journey in the Southwest. • Mittry Lake Wildlife Area (20 minutes away): If you have any photographers in your crew, this is a great place to stop and get photos of wildlife. • Imperial National Wildlife Refuge (15 minutes away): This spot has become quite popular for bird-watching in particular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp overnight here? Yes! And no reservations are required. Does Senator Wash North Shore have RV hookups? No. Visitors must fill up their water tanks and make sure that their generators and batteries are adequately prepped for the entire trip. Is the campground OK for larger RVs? Yes, but arrive early in the morning to nab a spacious spot. Can I fish and launch my boat? Yes, this is encouraged! All types of boaters and water enthusiasts come to Senator Wash. When's the ideal time or season to visit in my RV? Senator Wash is best to visit between the months of October and April. Travelers should be extremely cautious about visiting during the summer months due to the high temps. Are pets permitted here? Yes. However, pet owners need to practice courtesy to their fellow travelers when it comes to picking up waste and making sure that pets are not becoming a nuisance. Also, it is crucial to keep pets hydrated and cool when it's hot out; the gravel can heat up very quickly.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
The vast majority of RVs can do really well in this environment; it's just a matter of bringing the right rig for the job. You'll want to make sure that your RV can hold lots of fresh water. Class B and Class C RVs are great, but you may find that a camper van provides you with the freedom and versatility to move around and explore a bit more. At the end of the day, you need to align your needs with the recreation area's specific limitations and see what's the best fit for you. Whether you're an avid paddle boarder or you're a snowbird looking to rent for a month, Senator Wash North Shore BLM is a place to adore and remember for years to come.