Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

WiFi

Cable TV

Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Senator Wash Reservoir offers a unique <strong>desert oasis experience</strong> managed by the BLM. Located in the Imperial Valley, this destination is a staple for winter travelers looking for affordable, scenic boondocking opportunities. It provides a peaceful setting where the blue waters of the reservoir contrast sharply with the surrounding arid landscapes, creating a serene backdrop for both long-term winter stays and weekend adventures.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>Situated just north of Winterhaven, California, the area sits near the <strong>Imperial Dam</strong> and the Colorado River. The geography is characterized by rolling desert hills and rocky, volcanic terrain. Because it is located right on the Arizona border, visitors enjoy easy access to the extensive services and shopping found in Yuma. The elevation provides slightly cooler breezes off the water, making the <strong>rugged desert environment</strong> much more comfortable during the peak winter months.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>This is primarily a primitive camping area, meaning visitors should arrive prepared for a <strong>dry camping experience</strong>. While there are no individual hookups at the sites, the BLM provides essential infrastructure to support visitors during their stay:</p><ul><li>Access to <strong>vault toilets</strong> and organized trash collection points.</li><li>Proximity to a central dump station and potable water filling stations.</li><li>Ample space for large multi-unit groups or big rigs to find level ground.</li></ul><p>The primary draw is the flexible spacing, allowing travelers to enjoy a sense of privacy that is rarely found in traditional paved parks.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Water activities are the highlight here, with ample opportunities for <strong>boating and fishing</strong> directly on the reservoir. The surrounding desert hills are crisscrossed with an extensive network of trails, making it a premier destination for <strong>OHV enthusiasts</strong> and adventurous hikers. Nearby points of interest include:</p><ul><li>The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching.</li><li>The historic and engineering marvel of the Imperial Dam.</li><li>Quick access to Yuma for modern dining and historical tours.</li></ul><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This location is ideal for <strong>self-contained RVers</strong> who value independence and natural beauty over traditional resort-style amenities. It is a favorite for winter snowbirds who appreciate the <strong>Long Term Visitor Area</strong> (LTVA) program and the sense of community that forms in the desert. If you enjoy wide-open spaces, star-filled nights, and a diverse mix of water and desert recreation, this BLM site is a perfect fit for your lifestyle.</p>



The Senator Wash Reservoir is a reservoir located in Winterhaven, California, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The reservoir is stocked with a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. The reservoir also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The BLM manages the reservoir to ensure that it is a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

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Senator Wash Reservoir (BLM)

Experience desert boondocking at Senator Wash Reservoir (BLM) in Winterhaven, CA. Enjoy boating, OHV trails, and scenic water views for your next RV trip.

Senator Wash Reservoir (BLM) | Winterhaven, CA

We love going to the lake,, sometimes we go for a day,,weekend and also the long weekend

It is way to overhyped there’s an odor to the water & honestly not relaxing at all. There’s lots of trash also. I imagine it being a better spot for fishing rather than to camp or throw a pic nic at.

Looking   for  a  place  to  boondock  without  ANY  type  of  services.  This  place  is  for  you  if  one  has  fully  equipped  RV.  There  are  some  advantages  to  this  place  as  it  normally  considered  free  for  short  term  camping.  The  lake  is  a  dependable  water  source (boil/treat)  and  being  a  bit  lower  than  the  surrounding  terrain  and  taller  vegetation  the  winds  are  not  as  fierce.  Boondocking  is  boondocking  on  BLM  land  especially  if  there  are  no  facilities.  I  think  the  only  reason  this  area  is  signed  is  visitors  are so many  and  so  they  do  not  get  lost.

Excellent boondocking spots on the Reservoir.
Dirt roads in are usually OK unless there are heavy rains and flooding…
Much quieter and out of the wind.

Fara approved, this is her favorite swimming spot.

75 dollars a year for a pass if you are local. It's worth it even if you never go.

Edit 9/6/25: normal road is closed, backway is washed out for regular cars

Cute little beach with pit toilets and a bit of shade

My favorite place to be 💛 Especially when the water is up

Pretty rough dusty dirt road coming in but passable. Trailers and class A's are here sometimes. Need a permit or pay a nightly fee. Mosquitoes can be bad in season. It's as quiet as you or your neighbor.

Fara approved, this is her favorite swimming spot.

75 dollars a year for a pass if you are local. It's worth it even if you never go.

Dump stations, clean water and garage.  Great to have after camping.

This is the perfect shore to park your RV or go for a fun day trip. It’s a super calm shore with a great view. If you live in the foothills or yuma you should totally make the trip up there to have a picnic or if you’re brave enough go into the lake (it’s pretty cold). There’s restrooms and the entrance is 10 bucks for car. Great hidden spot.

Reviews

Senator Wash Reservoir (BLM)

User Reviews