Desert camping spreads across thousands of acres at this Bureau of Land Management site, where multiple access points lead to distinctly different experiences. The massive La Posa area divides into several sections, each with its own character and camping density.
Tyson Wash offers the most remote feel but presents challenges for larger rigs. Andi F. warns that "there are areas where the ground is deceptively soft" and describes getting their 38-foot Class A stuck requiring a tow. South section handles the heaviest traffic as the location for dump stations, water access, and trash disposal. The upper areas of South provide more spacing between rigs, while lower sections see campers parking close together in social clusters.
Two permit options govern stays: a 14-day pass for $40 or the Long Term Visitor Area permit covering September 15 through April 15 for $180. The LTVA permit grants access to potable water, dump stations, and trash facilities, though one reviewer notes the "water is drinkable but gross." Cell service functions well except during major events when networks become overloaded.
Winter brings the heaviest crowds, especially during January's RV show when the area fills completely. Campers report long lines at dump stations and tight spacing during peak season. Road noise from Highway 95 carries across much of the area, though more distant sites reduce this impact. ATV and four-wheeler traffic creates additional noise in outer areas.
The level terrain accommodates big rigs easily in most sections, with 360-degree mountain views across open desert. For additional camping options, see places to camp around Quartzsite. This site works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with crowds during winter months and those seeking convenient access to Quartzsite's seasonal attractions.
Description
The La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) was created in 1983 to fulfill the needs of winter visitors and to protect the local desert ecosystem from overuse. The campground is approximately 11,400 acres in size, flat landscape, sparsely vegetated with plants such as creosote bushes, palo verde trees, ironwood trees, mesquite trees and various species of cacti. La Posa LTVA offers solitude in a unique desert landscape and a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, wildlife viewing and rockhounding.
10 ADA accessible vault toilets, 8 water faucets, dry dump station, dump station with water, trash services, dance floor and ramada.
The LTVA long term permit ($180) allows use of Bureau of Land Management designated LTVAs continuously from September 15th to April 15th (a total of 7 months), or for any length of time between those two dates. The LTVA short-visit permit ($40) allows use of Bureau of Land Management designated LTVAs for any 14 consecutive day period from September 15th to April 15th, which begins on the day the permit receipt is exchanged for the official permit and decal. The short-visit permit may be renewed an unlimited number of times for the cost of the permit. LTVA permits are valid at all of the Bureau of Land Management LTVAs.
Fee Info
From April 16th through September 14th, the fee is $10 per vehicle for day-use, $15 per vehicle for overnight use, or $75 annually per vehicle, for up to 5 people per vehicle. There will be a $1 fee charged for each person over the 5 person limit. The maximum stay is 14 days in a 28-day period.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingQuartzite - La Posa is located in Arizona
Coordinates
33.65155376756349 N
114.21648105143049 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 4/3/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 132 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 99 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 48 usersLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 132 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 99 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- 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 Quartzite - La Posa needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Yuma, AZ
- 1 hr 20 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 1 hr 49 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 55 min from El Centro, CA
