La Posa North BLM Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)

For many Arizonans and winter visitors alike, Quartzsite is synonymous with wide-open spaces, vibrant community, and an unparalleled boondocking experience. Among its several Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), La Posa North stands out as a highly popular choice. This expansive desert campground offers a unique opportunity for extended stays in a relatively undeveloped setting, appealing to those who embrace self-contained RV living and the freedom of the open desert.

La Posa North, specifically located at 47206-47306 US-95, Quartzsite, AZ, is part of the larger La Posa LTVA network, encompassing approximately 11,400 acres. It's characterized by its flat, sparsely vegetated landscape, featuring classic Sonoran Desert plants like creosote bushes and palo verde trees. What draws so many to La Posa North is its incredible value for long-term stays, its close proximity to the heart of Quartzsite's famous winter events, and the sheer amount of space available to spread out and enjoy the Arizona sun. While it offers a rustic camping experience, it provides essential facilities that make extended dry camping comfortable and convenient.

La Posa North BLM Long Term Visitor Area is strategically situated at 47206-47306 US-95, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, USA. This places it on the outskirts of Quartzsite, a small town that transforms into a bustling RV and outdoor enthusiast hub every winter. Its location along US-95 provides excellent accessibility, being just a short drive south from Interstate 10, the main artery connecting Arizona to California.

The LTVA entrances, including access to La Posa North, are typically found about two miles south of Quartzsite town along US-95. What makes La Posa North particularly attractive to many is its close proximity to the Quartzsite RV Show area and the Tyson Wells vendor's area. This means visitors can often easily access these popular events and shopping venues, sometimes even by bicycle, though aggressive tire tread is recommended for the rocky and dusty terrain, as one reviewer noted! While much of the camping is on dirt and rocks, the access roads leading into the LTVA from US-95 are generally easy to navigate for most RVs, offering mostly level, open areas to set up camp. It’s important to remember that while convenient, areas closer to the main thoroughfares and vendor areas may experience more dust and noise from off-road vehicles. However, the vastness of the LTVA allows for campers to find quieter spots further in, if desired.

As a Bureau of Land Management Long Term Visitor Area, La Posa North provides essential, but minimal, services designed to support extended dry camping. It's crucial for visitors to arrive mostly self-contained, as full hookups are not available. The services provided typically include:

• Access to potable water stations: While La Posa North has water faucets, the main dump stations and more comprehensive potable water facilities are generally located in La Posa South, requiring a short drive for those staying in La Posa North.
• RV dump stations: Similar to water, the primary dump stations for La Posa LTVA are found in La Posa South. Campers at La Posa North will need to transport their waste to these centralized locations.
• Trash disposal services: Designated dumpsters are available within the LTVA for proper waste disposal.
• Vault toilets: La Posa North features ADA accessible vault toilets for communal use. However, self-contained RVs with a minimum 10-gallon wastewater holding tank are strongly encouraged and, in many areas, required for camping further than 500 feet from a vault toilet.
• Designated access roads: While the camping areas are open desert, entry and exit are restricted to legal access roads along US-95.
• Permit system: During the peak season (September 15th to April 15th), a permit is required for stays. A 14-day short-visit permit costs $40, and a long-term permit for the entire seven-month season is $180. These permits are valid at all BLM LTVAs.

• Vast Open Spaces: Spanning thousands of acres, La Posa North offers immense room for dispersed camping, allowing visitors to choose their own spot and enjoy a sense of privacy and freedom.
• Proximity to Quartzsite Events: Its location makes it the closest LTVA to the famed Quartzsite RV Show area and Tyson Wells vendor grounds, ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
• Affordable Long-Term Stays: The permit system (e.g., $40 for two weeks or $180 for seven months) provides an incredibly economical option for extended winter camping compared to traditional RV parks.
• Community Atmosphere: While dispersed, the LTVA fosters a friendly community, with many visitors returning year after year, creating opportunities to make new friends.
• Off-Road Vehicle Access: The surrounding desert is a playground for ATVs and side-by-sides, with many existing roads and trails for exploration. However, be mindful of dust produced by these vehicles, especially near popular areas.
• Stunning Desert Scenery: Experience breathtaking Arizona sunrises and sunsets over the vast, flat landscape, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and rockhounding.
• Basic Amenities for Dry Camping: Despite being boondocking, the presence of vault toilets, water, and trash disposal enhances the comfort of long-term stays.
• Easy Access: Located just off US-95, it’s readily accessible for all types of RVs.

Address: 47206-47306 US-95, Quartzsite, AZ 85346, USA

For general inquiries regarding BLM LTVAs, you can contact the Yuma Field Office:

Phone: (928) 317-3200

Email: BLM_AZ_YFOWEB@blm.gov

For Arizonans, especially those with RVs or a love for dispersed camping, La Posa North BLM Long Term Visitor Area in Quartzsite offers a quintessential desert experience that is both authentic and incredibly practical. It's a fantastic local resource for escaping the daily grind and embracing the unique lifestyle of Arizona's winter desert.

Firstly, the sheer affordability of an LTVA permit makes extended stays accessible to nearly everyone. For a mere $40 for two weeks or $180 for seven months during the peak season, locals can enjoy the freedom of vast open spaces, far more expansive than most private campgrounds. This cost-effectiveness allows Arizonans to truly settle in for a significant portion of the mild winter, saving considerably on traditional housing or RV park fees.

Secondly, La Posa North’s proximity to Quartzsite town is a major draw. For those who enjoy the unique energy of Quartzsite's winter season, with its famous RV show, enormous flea markets, and gem and mineral shows, being able to bike or take a short drive to these events from your campsite is a huge advantage. It blends the rustic appeal of desert boondocking with the convenience of nearby services and entertainment, offering the best of both worlds for an Arizona adventure.

Moreover, the desert surrounding La Posa North is an unparalleled playground for off-road enthusiasts. For Arizonans who own ATVs or side-by-sides, this LTVA is a perfect base for exploring the countless trails and washes. While some areas may be dusty, the opportunity for unhindered off-roading right from your campsite is a significant draw. Even without an OHV, the wide-open landscape provides ample opportunities for hiking, rockhounding, and simply enjoying the peaceful solitude and stunning sunsets that are characteristic of the Arizona desert.

Finally, the informal community that forms within La Posa North is another strong point for locals. It’s a place where friendships are forged around campfires, and helpful tips are exchanged freely. For Arizonans looking for a sense of camaraderie during their winter escapes, or simply a friendly wave from a passing neighbor, La Posa North provides a welcoming environment. It embodies the independent spirit of desert living while offering just enough essential services to make it a comfortable and truly enjoyable long-term camping destination.