The last few years we have been coming to the free Ogilby Road BLM 14-day dry camping spot just west of the Arizona/California border about 14 miles west of Yuma, AZ. It’s a flat section of arid desert off of Ogilby RD (SR34) a few miles north of Interstate 8.
The main reason we came was its close proximity to Los Algodones, Mexico a town offering cheap dental work, pharmaceuticals, eyeglasses, etc. Now that our teeth are in good shape we still find ourselves returning to enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere and mountain views.
Since the firm ground is fairly flat and the camping area is large it’s perfect for dry camping in any sized rig. Many times big Class “A”s dominate the landscape. The campsite suitable land is plentiful and separated by sandy, brushy washes so isolation can be had or folks can meet up in larger groups. The many roads and trails are ideal for mountain biking, ATVs or hiking. The area is dog-friendly, lots of room for Rover to run with very few cactus.
My favorite past times at Ogilby are relaxing at happy hour watching the setting sun light up the nearby rocky hills or activity at the RV hummingbird feeder. The landscape is full of Ocotillo plants supporting many of these interesting tiny birds.
Another reason for a boondocker to like Ogilby Road is access to services we need. Just to the west of us down Interstate 8 is the Sandhills Rest Area with a fresh water tap and several large garbage bins. A few miles to the east is the Sidewinder Road Chevron Gas Station with an RV dump, propane, drinking water, food mart and of course fuel including diesel. It’s a little on the expensive side but sometimes more convenient than driving into Yuma.
Ogilby Road is a BLM camping area, the posted signs say stays as long as 14 days are permitted. There are also private lands to the east of it that I hear allow free dry camping. Do a Google search for American Girl Mine Road or Sidewinder Road camping for more info on those. To the west is the Imperial Sand Dunes, also a fun place to camp but not anything free that I know of. It can get very very crowded on weekends with ATVs, dirt bikes and dune buggies having a blast out there.
Video from Ogilby Road BLM Camping
*Update* New BLM Rules at Ogilby
Campsite at the Ogilby Road Photos
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