Lake Mittry

For those in Arizona seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor experience, Lake Mittry Campground, situated near Yuma, offers a unique opportunity for free, dispersed camping. This location isn't a traditional campground with paved sites and full hookups, but rather a more rustic and open area managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, providing a genuine connection with the natural landscape. Nestled within the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, it encompasses approximately 600 acres of water surface and 2400 acres of marsh and upland, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife and a scenic backdrop of three mountain ranges.

Lake Mittry Campground is particularly appealing for those who appreciate "boondocking" or dry camping, offering spacious, flat areas where visitors can set up tents or RVs right by the water's edge. It's a prime spot for embracing activities like fishing, bird watching, and exploring the serene lake by boat or kayak. While it offers a more unrefined camping experience, with limited amenities, its free access and stunning natural beauty, especially the breathtaking sunsets, make it a cherished spot for many Arizona locals looking for a peaceful and cost-effective escape into the desert and riparian environments. Visitors should be prepared for varying levels of privacy and potential dust, but the overall consensus points to a rewarding natural retreat.

Lake Mittry Campground is located in Yuma, AZ 85365, USA, approximately 10 miles north of the city of Yuma. This puts it in the southwestern part of Arizona, easily accessible for residents across the state and neighboring regions. To reach the campground, visitors typically take AZ Highway 95 east for about 7 miles from Yuma, then turn north onto Avenue 7E. Continue north for roughly 9.5 miles until the pavement ends, and Mittry Lake begins approximately half a mile further.

The access roads within the camping areas are generally graded gravel or dirt roads. While largely navigable, conditions can vary, especially after weather events. Reviews suggest that while some areas are suitable for big rigs, other more secluded spots might be better suited for smaller RVs, vans, or truck campers. It's often recommended to scout out a spot, especially if you have a larger vehicle. Despite its somewhat rustic access, its proximity to Yuma provides convenient access to city amenities and supplies should campers need them. This balance of remote natural beauty and relative accessibility to urban centers makes Lake Mittry a practical choice for Arizona locals seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

As a free, dispersed camping area, Lake Mittry Campground operates with a more minimalist approach to services, focusing on providing essential facilities to support outdoor recreation while maintaining the natural environment. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient experience, as traditional campground amenities like full hookups (water, electric, sewer) are not available directly at individual sites.

• Vault Toilets: Several vault toilets (pit toilets) are available throughout the designated camping areas, particularly near the main boat launch and more concentrated camping clusters. These are maintained to provide basic sanitation.

• Trash Bins/Dumpsters: Large garbage bins or dumpsters are typically located near the boat ramp or at the entrance/exit points of the camping areas. This service is crucial for maintaining the cleanliness of the site and is a highly appreciated amenity for a free camping area.

• Boat Launch: A well-maintained boat launch ramp is available, allowing easy access for motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes onto Mittry Lake. This is a primary service given the lake's popularity for water activities.

• Designated Camping Areas: While dispersed, there are generally identifiable "camping pods" or clusters of sites, often with fire rings, providing designated spaces for setting up camp.

• Picnic Areas: Some areas, especially near the boat launch, may include picnic tables and shaded areas for day use.

• No Potable Water: Campers should be aware that there is no potable (drinking) water available on-site. Visitors must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.

• No Electric Hookups: This is a dry camping or boondocking location, meaning there are no electric hookups for RVs. Campers rely on their own power sources (solar, generator) or conserve battery life.

• No Sewer Hookups: Similarly, there are no individual sewer hookups. Campers must use their RV holding tanks and utilize the provided dumpsters for trash or dispose of waste properly elsewhere.

• Free Dispersed Camping: One of the most significant highlights is that camping at Lake Mittry is free, with a general limit often set at 10 to 14 days. This affordability makes it an extremely attractive option for budget-conscious travelers and long-term snowbirds.

• Lakeside Access and Water Activities: With direct access to Mittry Lake, the campground is a paradise for water enthusiasts. Boating, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming are popular activities. The numerous serpentine waterways that connect to the main lake body offer unique exploration opportunities by boat.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Mittry Lake is a well-known fishing spot. Common species include largemouth bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, bluegill, tilapia, crappie, and carp. It’s popular for both traditional and kayak fishing, with winter months also seeing ice fishing.

• Abundant Wildlife and Bird Watching: The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, with its diverse habitats (desert-scrub, riparian woodland, marsh), is home to a wide variety of vegetative and wildlife species. It's a fantastic spot for nature study and bird-watching, with many neotropical birds, waterfowl, and even potential sightings of wild horses, mule deer, and javelina.

• Scenic Views and Photography: The area offers breathtaking natural beauty with stunning sunsets over the lake and a scenic backdrop of three mountain ranges, providing excellent opportunities for landscape photography.

• Large, Flat Camping Areas: Despite being dispersed, many areas offer spacious and relatively flat spots, accommodating various camping setups from tents to large RVs, with plenty of room to spread out.

• Dog-Friendly Environment: The area is generally dog-friendly, allowing pet owners to bring their companions along to enjoy the vast outdoor space.

• Year-Round Camping: Given Yuma's mild winters, Lake Mittry is a popular year-round camping destination, especially for snowbirds seeking warmth and outdoor activities during the colder months.

Address: Yuma, AZ 85365, USA (Mittry Lake Wildlife Designated Camping Area)

Phone: (928) 317-3200

Mobile Phone: +1 928-317-3200

Please note that these phone numbers often direct to the Arizona Game and Fish Department's regional office or a general information line, as Lake Mittry is a dispersed camping area rather than a privately managed campground with a dedicated front office. For specific rules, regulations, or current conditions, it is advisable to consult the Arizona Game and Fish Department or Bureau of Reclamation websites.

For residents of Arizona, Lake Mittry Campground near Yuma offers an accessible, unique, and highly appealing outdoor destination, particularly for those who cherish a more independent and rustic camping experience. Its free, dispersed camping nature makes it an incredibly cost-effective option for enjoying the outdoors, a significant advantage for frequent campers or those seeking a budget-friendly escape. The relatively short drive from Yuma provides convenient access, meaning Arizonans can quickly transition from city life to the tranquility of a lakeside wilderness.

The true allure for locals lies in Lake Mittry's exceptional natural features and recreational opportunities. The expansive lake is a playground for fishing, boating, kayaking, and bird watching, activities that are deeply ingrained in Arizona's outdoor culture. The diverse wildlife, scenic mountain backdrops, and stunning sunsets provide a constant connection to the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert. For RV owners, especially those with larger rigs, the availability of big-rig friendly areas right on the water is a significant draw, offering unparalleled access to lakeside living. While the rustic nature means fewer traditional amenities, the presence of vault toilets and trash bins demonstrates a commitment to basic infrastructure that supports responsible recreation.

It's important for local users to understand the "dispersed" nature of the camping, which might mean less privacy than a commercial park and potential dust from nearby roads or ATV traffic. However, for those who appreciate the freedom of choosing their own spacious site, the quiet of the weekdays, and the chance to truly disconnect, Lake Mittry is an ideal fit. It's a place where you can launch your boat directly from your campsite, cast a line into productive waters, and witness the vibrant birdlife that thrives in this unique desert wetland. Lake Mittry Campground is a genuine local treasure, offering an authentic and rewarding Arizona outdoor experience close to home, fostering a deep appreciation for the state's natural resources.