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Introduction / Overview
For California RV and adventure enthusiasts looking for a quiet, low-cost winter haven, the Tamarisk Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) is a hidden gem in the vast, subtle beauty of the Imperial Valley desert. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Tamarisk is one of several designated LTVAs in the Southern California and Arizona desert regions specifically established to accommodate visitors who wish to camp for extended periods during the cool season.
Unlike highly developed RV parks, the Tamarisk LTVA provides a sprawling, rustic, and predominantly boondocking-style experience where self-sufficiency is key. It's often referred to as the smallest and most secluded of the LTVAs managed by the El Centro Field Office, making it a highly desirable spot for those seeking peace away from the crowds found at larger sites.
The site is surrounded by the namesake tamarisk trees, offering a truly quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It is most popular during the official long-term season, which runs from September 15th through April 15th, when the punishing California desert heat subsides and the weather is ideal for camping, hiking, and enjoying the unique local attractions like the famed nearby hot springs.
This location caters almost exclusively to those in self-contained camping units (RV, trailer, van) or experienced tent campers who are prepared for truly minimal facilities. It represents the ultimate freedom of public land camping for the California "snowbird" community and desert explorers.
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Location and Accessibility
The Tamarisk Long Term Visitor Area is situated in the vast desert landscape of the Imperial Valley, approximately 20 miles east of El Centro and close to the town of Holtville, CA. It offers convenient access for travelers using Interstate 8, a major artery connecting Southern California and Arizona.
Address Proximity: Holtville, CA 92250, USA
BLM Managing Office: El Centro Field Office
Directions: The site is accessible via an exit off Interstate 8. Travelers can typically take Exit 143 (Highway 98) and continue west for approximately 2.7 miles, then turn south onto a dirt access road. The LTVA is located on the west side of this dirt road. While most access roads are generally passable, caution is advised on unpaved surfaces.
Seasonal Considerations: Access is available year-round, but the long-term camping season is limited to the September 15th to April 15th window. Outside of this time (April 16th to September 14th), camping is still allowed, but the standard 14-day BLM limit applies, and there are virtually no services or staff due to the extreme summer heat, which can reach 120°F.
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Services Offered
The Tamarisk LTVA is celebrated for its primitive nature. Visitors must be prepared for a self-sufficient experience, especially regarding utilities. During the official LTVA season (Sept 15 - April 15), the site offers limited, essential services. During the off-season, no services are typically provided.
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Features / Highlights
The primary draw of the Tamarisk LTVA lies in its tranquil environment and access to unique desert recreational opportunities.
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Contact Information
Since the Tamarisk LTVA is a minimal-service site, the primary contact for official information, permits, and regulations is the managing Bureau of Land Management Field Office.
Tamarisk LTVA Address (General Area): Holtville, CA 92250, USA
Managing Office: BLM El Centro Field Office
Phone for El Centro Field Office: (760) 337-4400
Reservations/Permits: Permits can be purchased on-site from the LTVA host during the season, or at the El Centro Field Office. Permits can also be paid for online via Recreation.gov and exchanged for the official decal at a designated BLM office.
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What is Worth Choosing
The Tamarisk Long Term Visitor Area is a top choice for California’s self-contained RVers and self-reliant tent campers looking to escape the winter chill and high costs of traditional campgrounds. What makes Tamarisk particularly worth choosing is its blend of affordability and seclusion.
Firstly, the long-term permit system offers an unbeatable value for seven months of continuous camping in the reliably mild climate of the Southern California desert. Secondly, its reputation as the smallest and most peaceful of the LTVAs means you get the solitude of true desert boondocking, yet you are still within driving distance of a few essential services and the famed, free-access natural hot springs.
For anyone who considers themselves a seasoned desert traveler, who has a self-contained unit, and who appreciates the subtle, austere beauty of the California desert—from the creosote bushes to the starlit nights and the nearby running canals—Tamarisk offers the freedom and space that few other locations can match. It’s an authentic, wide-open California desert experience, perfect for a long winter stay.
Would you like to search for the specific current seasonal permit fees or the location of the nearby hot springs?
Tent sites
Dogs allowed
Nice and quiet... minus the earthquake... There is no water, hookups or anything else here during off months. No garbage cans, no RV electric hookups, dumps station, toilets, playground set, picnic area, etc. THIS PLACE IS DOG FRIENDLY...but beware there is a busy road near by and there is off-road activity with quads and other fast vehicles. Be aware, during the summer months the temperature can hit 120°F.
I found this area to hold incredible but subtle beauty. I really liked walking along the canal at sunset and of course the free hot springs "old fogey" there is way more area out here that you can camp in although it's not listed anywhere and was harder to find out about. I love this area of the California Desert.
This is a small rectangular campground. Not much bigger than a couple of football fields side by side. It's edged by trees, which looks odd because there are no trees anywhere else nearby. It's flat, and looks like a good place to stay, but when we were there at the end of January 2022, it was completely deserted. All of the signes were up, although very weathered. But no camp host and no campers. Although the Border Patrol agents we met there said it was relatively safe, we decided not to stay.
It’s in the middle of nowhere. Doesn’t appear very safe. Good for a few nights. For some reason I get good vibes here.
No host, no amenities, 2O+ miles from anything. Can't understand why on earth they made this area a LTVA.