The Bureau of Land Management operates Long-Term Visitor Areas, often called LTVAs, in the desert Southwest. These areas allow winter visitors to camp for an extended season with one permit.
LTVAs are not RV parks. They do not provide hookups, assigned spaces, or full campground services. Some have water, dump stations, trash, restrooms, or showers. Others are very primitive.
A current BLM permit is required during the LTVA season.
LTVA Season and Permit Fees
The regular LTVA season runs from September 15 through April 15.
During that season, BLM offers two LTVA permit options:
- Long-term permit: $180, valid from September 15 through April 15.
- Short-visit permit: $40, valid for 14 consecutive days.
The short-visit permit may be renewed.
LTVA permits are valid at all BLM Long-Term Visitor Areas, not just one location.
From April 16 through September 14, different off-season fees and shorter stay limits may apply. Visitors should check the current BLM rules before arriving.
Important Self-Containment Rule
Most LTVAs require campers to be self-contained.
BLM considers a self-contained camping unit to have a permanently attached wastewater holding tank of at least 10 gallons.
Portable toilets, portable holding tanks, and small temporary systems are not considered self-contained by BLM.
Non-self-contained campers are allowed only at certain LTVAs and must camp within 500 feet of a vault toilet or restroom where permitted.
Arizona LTVAs
La Posa LTVA — Quartzsite, Arizona
La Posa is the large Quartzsite LTVA system and includes several sections:
- La Posa South
- La Posa North
- La Posa West
- Tyson Wash
La Posa South is the main service area for the Quartzsite LTVAs.
Amenities include:
- Potable water
- Dump station
- Dry dump station
- Trash service
- Vault toilets
- Ramada
- Dance floor
Campers staying in La Posa North, La Posa West, or Tyson Wash generally use the service facilities at La Posa South.
La Posa is one of the LTVAs where non-self-contained campers may camp, but they must stay within 500 feet of a vault toilet or restroom.
Imperial Dam LTVA — Near Yuma, Arizona / Winterhaven, California Area
Imperial Dam is one of the better-serviced LTVAs.
Amenities include:
- Restroom facilities
- Outdoor showers
- Trash service
- Grey water dump sites
- Black water dump station with water
- Ramadas
- Dance floor
Imperial Dam is also one of the LTVAs where non-self-contained campers may camp within 500 feet of a restroom.
California LTVAs
Pilot Knob LTVA — Near Winterhaven, California
Pilot Knob is a more primitive LTVA.
Amenities are limited.
Campers should plan to bring:
- Their own water
- Their own toilet and wastewater system
- A way to haul trash if dumpsters are unavailable or full
- Supplies for dry camping
Pilot Knob requires self-contained camping units only.
Midland LTVA — Near Blythe, California
Midland is a primitive desert LTVA.
Amenities are limited, and campers should not expect water, showers, or full restroom services.
Campers should arrive prepared to be fully self-contained.
Midland requires self-contained camping units only.
Mule Mountain LTVA — Near Blythe, California
Mule Mountain includes designated camping areas such as Wiley’s Well and Coon Hollow.
Amenities may include:
- Designated campsites
- Vault toilets or restroom access in campground areas
- Picnic tables or ramadas in some areas
- Fire rings or grills in some designated sites
Mule Mountain is one of the LTVAs where non-self-contained campers may be allowed within 500 feet of a vault toilet or restroom.
Campers should verify current conditions before arriving because services in this area can be more limited than La Posa or Imperial Dam.
Tamarisk LTVA — Near Holtville, California
Tamarisk is a quiet, more primitive LTVA.
Amenities are limited.
Campers should plan to be self-contained and bring:
- Water
- Wastewater capacity
- Trash bags
- Food and supplies
- A plan for dumping tanks off-site
Tamarisk requires self-contained camping units only.
Hot Springs LTVA — Near Holtville, California
Hot Springs LTVA is known for its historic hot spring area.
Amenities are limited, and the hot spring area has its own posted rules.
Campers should plan to be self-contained.
Hot Springs requires self-contained camping units.
Visitors should respect the hot spring rules, including day-use restrictions, no glass, no soap, no pets in the fenced spa area, and any current posted BLM regulations.
Quick Comparison
La Posa South: water, dump station, trash, vault toilets, ramada, dance floor.
La Posa North / West / Tyson Wash: camping areas connected to the larger La Posa system; main services are at La Posa South.
Imperial Dam: water, dump stations, trash, restrooms, outdoor showers, ramadas, dance floor.
Pilot Knob: primitive; self-contained camping required.
Midland: primitive; self-contained camping required.
Mule Mountain: designated camping areas; some restroom/vault toilet access; verify current services.
Tamarisk: primitive; self-contained camping required.
Hot Springs: primitive; self-contained camping required; hot spring day-use rules apply.
Practical Reminder
Before choosing an LTVA, ask yourself:
Do I need water on-site?
Do I need a dump station nearby?
Do I need toilets or showers?
Am I fully self-contained?
Can I haul my own trash?
Do I want community, or do I want quiet?
For many winter travelers, the LTVAs provide affordable long-term desert camping. But they work best when campers arrive prepared, respect the land, and understand that public lands are shared spaces.
Community Note
Protecting Shared Facilities
The dump stations and vault toilets provided by the BLM are shared resources that serve thousands of campers each season. One of the largest maintenance expenses occurs when inappropriate items are placed into these systems.
Items such as diapers, wipes, paper towels, feminine products, broken sewer hoses, trash, and other debris can clog or damage the equipment. When this happens, the dump station may have to be shut down for repairs, preventing everyone from using it until maintenance crews can restore service.
The same is true for vault toilets. Please use only approved waste and toilet paper intended for these facilities. Never place trash, wipes, feminine products, diapers, food containers, or other items into the vault toilets.
A few moments of care by each camper helps keep these services available for everyone.
Remember that these facilities are not maintained by a campground host or private RV park. They are public resources shared by an entire community of travelers. Leaving them clean and functioning is one way we help protect the future of the LTVAs for those who come after us.
Hope Haven Ministries Foundation (HHMF)
Providing practical resources, encouragement, and community for travelers, nomads, and rural families.
The Guidance Center
The Village Without Walls
https://hopehavenaz.org