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Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area

Bard, Arizona · Imperial County

The Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) was created in 1983 to fulfill the needs of winter visitors and to protect the local desert ecosystem from overuse. The campground is approximately 3,500 acres in size, flat landscape, sparsely vegetated with plants such as creosote bushes, palo verde trees, ironwood trees…

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32.90126, -114.49543
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About Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area

The Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) was created in 1983 to fulfill the needs of winter visitors and to protect the local desert ecosystem from overuse. The campground is approximately 3,500 acres in size, flat landscape, sparsely vegetated with plants such as creosote bushes, palo verde trees, ironwood trees, mesquite trees and various species of cacti. Imperial Dam LTVA offers solitude in a unique desert landscape and a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing.FacilitiesTwo restroom facilities with outdoor showers, trash services, grey water dump sites, black water dump site with water, dance floor and ramadas.Permits and FeesWhether you're planning a single visit or coming back multiple times a year, enjoy the convenience of purchasing a pass before you arrive to cover recreation-related fees at Bureau of Land Management sites. Learn more about site-specific digital pass options at the Yuma Field Office and buy your pass.The LTVA long term permit ($180) allows use of Bureau of Land Management designated LTVAs continuously from September 15th to April 15th (a total of 7 months), or for any length of time between those two dates. The LTVA short-visit permit ($40) allows use of Bureau of Land Management designated LTVAs for any 14 consecutive day period from September 15th to April 15th, which begins on the day the permit receipt is exchanged for the official permit and decal. The short-visit permit may be renewed an unlimited number of times for the cost of the permit. LTVA permits are valid at all of the Bureau of Land Management LTVAs.From April 16th through September 14th, the fee is $10 per vehicle for day-use, $15 per vehicle for overnight use, or $75 annually per vehicle, for up to 5 people per vehicle. There will be a $1 fee charged for each person over the 5-person limit. The maximum stay is 14 days in a 28-day period.Visitors must pay daily fees or purchase annual permits at the Yuma Field Office, on si

How to Get There

This Long Term Visitor Area is located north of Yuma on the California side of the Colorado River. Exit Interstate 8 and follow S-24 North approximately 22 miles to the turn off on Senator Wash road. Turn onto Senator Wash road and follow it for approximately 2 miles to the campgrounds.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area

Heading to Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area?

No central reservation system listed for Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1885) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area?

This Long Term Visitor Area is located north of Yuma on the California side of the Colorado River. Exit Interstate 8 and follow S-24 North approximately 22 miles to the turn off on Senator Wash road. Turn onto Senator Wash road and follow it for approximately 2 miles to the campgrounds.

How do I contact Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area?

You can reach the park at phone: 928-317-3200 or email: BLM_AZ_YFOWEB@blm.gov.