User Tools

Site Tools


camping:ltva

This is an old revision of the document!


Long Term Visitors Areas

BLM stays are typically restricted to 14 days in any ~28-day period, after which the camper must relocate at least ~25 miles away. The Long Term Visitors areas allow longer stays in one place or in one area.

Because of the longer stays and greater density, LTVA often have supplementary rules.

winter LTVA

LTVAs are:

… specially designated areas located on BLM lands in California and Arizona. These LTVAs provide places for visitors to stay for longer periods of time between September and April. A seasonal special recreation permit is required, and the permit allows visitors to stay in any of the six LTVAs in California or two LTVAs in Arizona1)

These areas are open for discounted use from September 15th through April 15th each year and do not have stay limitations. They generally provide dump stations, water, trash and toilets.

As of Jan 2017 the fees were:

The cost is $180.00 and is valid for up to 7 months. A Short Term Permit can be purchased for a 14-day stay. This permit is $40.00.

The 7-month pass works out to $0.86/day and the 14-day pass to $2.87/day, assuming one stays the whole duration.

  • Arizona - winter pass. September 15th through April 15th, $180. 14-day period, $40.2)
  • California -
    • Midland LTVA north of Blythe. “Campers must be 100% self-contained for waste and gray water in order to utilize this area since vault toilets are not provided”3)
    • Tamarisk LTVA, “Tamarisk LTVA is the smallest of the three LTVAs managed by the El Centro Field Office. Surrounded by tamarisks, this campground is also the most secluded of the three LTVAs. Due to the remote location, Tamarisk LTVA is quiet and peaceful.”4)
    • Hot Springs LTVA, El Centro.
    • eastern Sierra, camping up to 90 days.

summer LTVA

Summer LTVA passes are also available, but summer temperatures make the area very uncomfortable.

($75) summer pass-holders must… move on after two weeks, but can bounce between the various LTVAs and free areas at will.5)
camping/ltva.1581554287.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)