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Squaw Lake (BLM)
Overview
Squaw Lake (BLM) is a serene destination for travelers seeking a rustic waterfront experience along the lower Colorado River. Located near Winterhaven, California, this recreation area provides a peaceful setting for RVers who enjoy being close to nature without the noise of a commercial resort. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, offering an affordable alternative to traditional parks while maintaining a sense of community among seasonal visitors. It is an excellent spot to witness the raw beauty of the Southwest desert while staying near the cooling presence of the water.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is situated on the shores of a quiet backwater, surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes and rugged mountain peaks. Its location near the Imperial Dam creates a unique environment where the arid California desert meets a lush riparian corridor. Travelers will appreciate the stark beauty of the sun setting over the water and the relative seclusion from major highways. The surrounding area is part of the Yuma Field Office management zone, known for its expansive public lands and diverse geological features that draw winter visitors from across the country.
Amenities & Park Features
As a BLM-managed site, the amenities focus on the essentials rather than luxury. While there are no individual electrical or sewer hookups at the sites, the park provides the following features to ensure a comfortable stay:
- Vault toilets and regular trash collection
- Centrally located potable water spigots
- A paved boat ramp for easy water access
Several designated sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings. While sites are primitive, a dump station is conveniently located nearby at Senator Wash to accommodate those planning longer stays.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw at Squaw Lake is the water. Anglers often frequent the area for largemouth bass fishing, while paddlers enjoy exploring the calm inlets by kayak or canoe. Just a short distance away, the Senator Wash Reservoir offers additional recreation options like swimming and jet skiing. For those interested in local history and wildlife, the nearby Imperial National Wildlife Refuge provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and nature photography along the riverbanks, where migratory birds are frequently spotted.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RVers who are comfortable with dry camping and value scenery over resort-style amenities. It appeals to budget-conscious travelers looking for a warm winter base and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize direct water access for fishing or boating. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sounds of desert wildlife and do not mind a gravel or dirt site, Squaw Lake offers an authentic and tranquil desert camping experience for the adventurous traveler who wants to disconnect from the grid.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
James Hebert - YT: MotoHoboJim
Love to stop here for a few weeks each winter. $15/nt or $75/yr with restrooms and showers ($1 token for 8 minutes). Wild Donkeys sometimes pass by at night. Much of the road here was replaced this year!! Update: Be aware that this location is having electric and water issues so there are no services at this time. Update 3/25 : Road was paved and all services were restored.
M Cook
An Oasis in the Yuma Desert. Purchase a pass from the camp hosts and enjoy swimming and boating on the lake. Hiking and bike trails are posted. Flush toilets, potable water, and hot showers for a dollar token. The boat ramp has a spacious solid ramp.
Gilbert Roberts
TK Jones campground is one of the best in the area.
Shadow Wolfy
my experience at this campground was very pleasant! having the availability of temp controlled showers, clean restroom facilities and access to nearby watersports attractions are worth a thousand words! I definitely recommend visiting this place!
Moto Hobo
This is my 4th season wintering near Yuma AZ and TK Jones at Squaw Lake is my favorite campground. The sunrises are wonderful. I would have given it a 5 star rating if it weren’t for the shower situation. You need a $1 token but the token machine is often broken and the hosts may be on a break.
Maureen A. Salaun
Very cool place. Peaceful & nice water views
Anna Gonzales
Used to be my all time favorite place. What a difference bad camp hosts can make. I left the below review last year, but this year was worse camp hosts are Power hungry Nazis . We were harassed by them first thing in the morning. We had already paid and set up camp and they wanted us to move our vehicles even though we were literally the only people there, They came back and harassed My friend when she got there telling her to pay right away, which she was going to do anyway. She just got there. They locked all of the bathrooms, and the showers had used tampons and smelled like pee, probably because the bathrooms were all locked. Everything is overgrown, and there are mysterious barrels in the water. I talked to people who launch there all the time, and the bathrooms are always locked.
Daniel Murray
Beautiful setting. Unfortunately there's no electric so the bathrooms are closed. They say they are working on it but it has been 3 months. We still made the best of it and stayed two nights.
MiMi Phan
This is our 3rd year in a row camping here. The campsite itself is decent, clean, no water or electricity (which is expected for dry camping). Weather isn’t bad in Oct. We camped on one of the hotter weeks, but it’s not too bad when you are out in the water in the lake. Temperature is cool down significantly after 5pm and cool at night. There are few sand dunes in middle of the lake which is nice to hang out. However… 1. Be aware that our friend’s boat engine got stolen overnight. DO lock your engine if you park over night at upper lot. Lock away all valuables if you walk away from camp sites 2. ALL bathrooms are not in service except the one at Senator Wash Boat launch. They have an outdoor shower that DOES NOT need coin. Refill your water here too since camp sites have no water. 3. They do walk around to check for permit in morning. I personally do not think it’s worth it to pay $15 per car per night for camping with no bathroom. BLM land camping is the same and is free. 4. There are donkeys that roam around at night and make noises which can be hard to sleep. Their poops are everywhere. 5. A lot of mosquitoes and bugs so spray the heck away on you and around your tent. 6. There are big cockroaches (I really hate them) that can fly. They are just straight up terrifying to me but are harmless. Bottom line. Will not come back next year if they don’t open up bathroom and shower again.
Milton Campbell
Restrooms and showers are available in two buildings. Showers require tokens which can be purchased for $1 each, from a third building, for which you get a 5 - 7 minutes shower per token. There is also a boat launch and well marked camping spots. There are more picnic tables near the beach. Note 1: You must back your vehicles into the camping spots. Note 2: Be aware of wildlife which will enter camping and picnic areas.