Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located a stone's throw from the Colorado River, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park has a unique history that goes back to the late 1800s. The park is essentially an old prison that housed over 3,000 inmates throughout a 33-year period. Visitors are treated with a variety of educational and interactive exhibits that bring the 19th-century prison to life.
The park is in Yuma, about 180 miles southwest of Phoenix, so you can expect temperatures in excess of 100°F during the summer. In the late fall and spring, temperatures average a high of 87°F. During winter, you can expect average highs around 70°F.
Spring 55-106 F
Summer 70-110 F
Fall 42-93 F
Winter 44-83 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Located a stone's throw from the Colorado River, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park has a unique history that goes back to the late 1800s. The park is essentially an old prison that housed over 3,000 inmates throughout a 33-year period. Visitors are treated with a variety of educational and interactive exhibits that bring the 19th-century prison to life.
The park is in Yuma, about 180 miles southwest of Phoenix, so you can expect temperatures in excess of 100°F during the summer. In the late fall and spring, temperatures average a high of 87°F. During winter, you can expect average highs around 70°F.
Rivers Edge RV Resort
Rivers Edge RV Resort is less than 5 miles from Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. It's a full-service RV park that offers loads of amenities and services. It also features over 1 mile of beautiful riverfront on the mighty Colorado River. Call for pricing.
• Water hookup: Yes (potable water is available)
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, showers, library, pool hall
Sans End RV Park
Also under 5 miles from Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, Sans End RV Park is a large resort with 170 RV sites, making it perfect for the social RVer. The location has lots of amenities as well as many weekly events. This makes Sans End a lively place to post up for a while. Pricing starts at $35 a day with discounts given for long-term stints.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Pool, clubhouse, laundry, sparkling bathrooms
The Caravan Oasis RV Resort
The Caravan Oasis RV Resort is a huge campground with 510 lots. When you stay here, you'll have beautiful views of the Gila Mountains. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is a short 12-mile drive away. Pricing starts as low as $25 a night for short-term stays. Monthly rates start at $512.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Two swimming pools, barbecue picnic area, hammock park, hot tubs, clubhouse
What to Do at
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Inside Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Visitors can also explore the prison grounds via a self-guided tour. The entire prison complex is laid out on a map, which has ordered and numbered explanations of each point of interest. When you're ready for lunch, take advantage of the on-site picnic area that sits above the Colorado River.
The main attraction at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is the 3,600 square-foot museum that features a variety of educational and interactive exhibits. This museum also has a video presentation area, gift shop, and large mural that pays tribute to local Native American tribes.
Outside Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is located in an area of Arizona where there are lots of fun and interesting things to do. Downtown Yuma is home to plenty of good restaurants. You'll also find a fair share of shopping options.
Restaurants
Red Moon Ale House
Red Moon Ale House is not just a restaurant; it's also a bar and an arcade. The menu is a varied selection of different types of cuisines, including Mexican, Americana, and Italian. It's just up the road from the Yuma Territorial Prison.
Type: Mexican, American, and Italian
Location: Yuma, AZ
Lute's Casino
Lute's is a quirky spot with lots of interesting and curious artifacts, posters, murals, and decals decorating the 12-foot walls and the ceilings. As a favorite of locals and tourists, it serves up a selection of beer and great Mexican and American food. It's about a mile from the prison park in Yuma.
Type: Mexican and American
Location: Yuma, AZ
Da Boyz
If you're looking for some tasty Italian food in Yuma, check out Da Boyz. This restaurant has been cooking up pizzas and pastas since 2002. They also have a nice selection of salads. Da Boyz is less than a mile from the prison.
Type: Italian
Location: Yuma, AZ
Cafecito
Cafecito is the place to go in Yuma if you're not looking for a big meal but you want to relax with a cup of coffee, a cappuccino, or other similar beverage. They also serve small bites at Cafecito. It's located just over a mile from the prison park.
Type: Cafe
Location: Yuma, AZ
Shopping
Yuma Palms Regional Center
This premier shopping location in Yuma spans over 1,000,000 square feet. Numerous department and specialty stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues are located throughout the shopping center. It also has walking paths, plazas, and other areas that facilitate social interaction.
Location: Yuma, AZ
Las Palmillas Shopping Center
This shopping center, which is adjacent to Yuma Palms, features both big-box retailers and local merchants. There are plenty of food choices and even an on-site gym.
Location: Yuma, AZ
Yuma Mesa Shopping Center
This shopping venue is essentially an outdoor mall and is much more relaxed than the two previously listed shopping spots. At Yuma Mesa, you'll find restaurants, a gym, and plenty of big-box and local shopping.
Location: Yuma, AZ
Sightseeing
Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens
This historical home chronicles the life and times of a family that was responsible for much of Yuma's growth. It features historical exhibits, information, and a beautiful garden.
Location: Yuma, AZ
Castle Dome Mine Museum and Ghost Town
This site is an old town that was once bigger than Yuma. Old saloons, hotels, and other buildings still stand waiting to be experienced by new-world visitors. Mining was the industry at Castle Dome, and old mining artifacts can be seen all around.
Location: Yuma, AZ
Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center
This historical site is dedicated to explaining and honoring the history of the Army's proving ground in the Sonoran Desert. Artifacts and other historical objects are used to present the history of the people and groups that visited and worked at the proving grounds over the last 70+ years.
Location: Yuma, AZ
Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area
The Imperial Sand Dunes are just over the border in California. The entire dune system covers over 40 miles of territory with some of the dunes reaching 300 feet in height. It's a popular place for off-road enthusiasts.
Location: Yuma, AZ
The Camel Farm
The Camel Farm in Yuma is not only home to camels but also to over 25 species of animals, including turtles, peacocks, goats, and rams.
Location: Yuma, AZ
How to Get to
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is easily accessed from I-8. From I-8, you'll take the Penitentiary Ave Exit straight to the park. If coming into the area from the south, you can access I-8 from either U.S. Highway 95 or Highway 195. I-8 is also accessible from U.S. Highway 95 from the north.
By Car
Entering Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is open to the public June through September. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (park exhibits close at 4:30 p.m.).
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park Adults (14+) : $6.0
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park Youths (7-13) : $3.0
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park Kids (0-6) : $0.0
Choosing to visit Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is a great idea if you're into exploring interesting and historical places. While there, you're bound to snap quite a few photos, so please send some of your best ones to RVshare via [email protected] RVshare has got a blog, and the team would love to highlight some of your shots.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
If you are looking to avoid excessive heat, visit Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park during the fall and winter months. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, the best times of year to visit are just before the Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends.
Like much of Arizona, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park is in a dry, arid climate. Expect hot temperatures throughout the year, and make sure to regularly hydrate.
This particular park isn't home to much wildlife; rather, this park is more of a historic site containing the original structure of a long-standing prison.
There are no designated RV camping spots at Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. There are several RV parks nearby, including Hidden Cove RV Park and the Riverfront RV Park.
As there are no camping spots at this park, there are no reservations. However, there is a public picnic area that is available on a first-come, first-served basis.