Dispersed camping along Mittry Lake spreads across several miles of BLM land north of Yuma, with sites accessible by packed gravel roads suitable for large RVs. Campers can choose between lakeside spots near the boat ramp or more secluded areas further from the water. The main camping zone clusters around amenities including vault toilets and dumpster service, while additional sites extend along the access road for those seeking more space.
The area draws a mix of winter visitors and weekend recreationists, creating varying crowd levels throughout the year. "Very quiet at night and felt safe," reports Abby M., though she notes traffic during daylight hours from lake users. Several campers mention finding spots away from the main areas to reduce dust from ATV activity, particularly on weekends. Cell service reaches most of the camping area, making it workable for remote employment.
The lake itself provides the primary recreation draw, with boat launches available and swimming opportunities for both people and pets. Bird watching proves popular given the wildlife area designation, though some reviewers report hearing hunting activity in the mornings. Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near the water during warmer months. Short hiking trails wind through nearby rocky hills for those wanting to explore beyond the lake.
Winter months from October through April see the heaviest use from snowbirds, while summer camping becomes less comfortable due to heat and increased insect activity. The road develops washboard sections in places but remains passable for most RVs. No reservations are required for this free camping area, operating on a first-come basis. For additional options in the region, campers can explore camping near Winterhaven or check nearby Desert Breeze Travel Camp for full hookups.
Description
The Mittry Lake Wildlife Area includes about 600 acres of surface water and 2400 acres of marsh or upland. A wide variety of vegetative and wildlife species can be found here, with a scenic backdrop of three mountain ranges. Numerous serpentine waterways connect to the main lake body and make exploring by boat a unique experience. This area is jointly managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingMittry Lake Wildlife Area is located in Arizona
Directions
Take AZ Highway 95 east 7 miles from Yuma, AZ. Turn north on Avenue 7E, go north 9 1/2 miles to pavement end. Continue on and Mittry Lake begins approximately 1/2 mile past end of pavement.
Coordinates
32.8295578933083 N
114.44762307472493 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Mittry Lake Wildlife Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 29 min from Yuma, AZ
- 1 hr 13 min from El Centro, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 2 hrs 31 min from San Diego, CA










































