One thing that’s been a blessing as a nomad is the BLM’s Long Term Visitor program. We’ve talked about it in detail before when talking about Quartzsite, but there are more than just the four LTVAs in Quartzsite. The next biggest and most populous LTVA is the Imperial Dam LTVA in Winterhaven, California.
Time Considerations at Imperial Dam LTVA
Often associated with Yuma, AZ, the Imperial Dam LTVA is actually just over the border in California. Because of this, timekeeping can be a little off. California runs on Pacific Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time, while Arizona runs on Arizona time. What this means is that during the winter, California’s clocks are an hour behind Arizona’s. However! Just to increase confusion, many nearby California businesses that cater to nomads observe Arizona time. This being the case, it’s important when you’re making plans, especially in the evenings and mornings, to check what time your destination is observing. We found this out the hard way when trying to get a package from the Winterhaven Post Office, which observes Arizona time.
Amenities at Imperial Dam LTVA
Most boondocking areas offer no amenities; this is true for both LTVAs and non-LTVAs. Imperial Dam and the LaPosa LTVAs are the only “full-service” LTVAs. This means that included with your LTVA pass is access to fresh water fill stations, dump stations, and dumpsters. There is also a collection of pit toilets throughout the area. The Imperial Dam LTVA has 6 water fill lanes and 4 dump station lanes, significantly increasing the throughput of rigs attending to their “necessary.” It looks like there used to be showers available near the main entrance, but they were closed during our stay.
Layout of the Imperial Dam LTVA
The terrain around Imperial Dam LTVA is significantly different from the LaPosa LTVAs, with rolling hills and deep valleys. Due to this, the majority of the area is laid out in “cul-de-sacs,” some of them just off of Senator Wash Road. Some of these areas have names like “Skunk Hollow,” “Gravel Pit,” or “Kripple Kreek.” Each area’s population varies throughout the season, and they all have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Skunk Hollow:
- Pros: Very convenient to facilities and the lake. Typically has lots of space.
- Cons: Downwind from the wastewater settling tanks, so it smells like hot pee at night.
- Gravel Pit:
- Pros: Some areas close to vault toilets. Close to the music pavilion. Some good screening from the winds.
- Cons: Can get very dusty. Some parts are not accessible to larger rigs. The population is highly variable, and spots get taken quickly.
- Kripple Kreek
- Pros: Right off Senator Wash Road, but over a small hill, so not a lot of road noise. It has its own dumpster. Not a lot of traffic.
- Cons: Only a few spaces. Far from the main amenities.
One thing to be careful of is that the Imperial Damn LTVA borders the Senator Wash South and North Shore recreation areas. These areas have their own pass requirements that are not covered by the BLM LTVA pass and are mostly intended as day-use areas. Camping here without paying the extra fees can result in fines or even being towed.
Whether you’re tired of the scene at “The Q,” looking for something different, or need to be closer to a larger city, Imperial Damn LTVA may be the best compromise for you!