Ferguson Lake

So many reviews don't give any directions! I'm thinking the maps they use must be a LOT better than the ones I'm looking at (smiles). This is one destination you do *NOT* want to attempt without good directions . . . and maybe not even then (see below for details). We start with a turn West off of Hwy 95 eight miles North of Yuma. This is Imperial Dam Road which is also a main entrance into the Army Proving Ground. You can't hardly miss the two large anti-aircraft guns at the turn off of Hwy 95.

Proceed West on the paved road 7.0 miles and Turn Right on Senator Wash Road. This road is still paved but do *not* turn left at Ferguson Lake road. (That turn will only add 1/2 mile of pavement and 2-1/2 miles of dirt road to your journey -- been there; done that.) Instead about 2-1/2 miles in on Senator Wash Road, Turn Left into the South Mesa Recreation Site. This road is paved as well but only for about 1/2 mile. When the pavement ends, there will be a sign and three choices -- proceed straight and follow the Ferguson Lake Road. From this point, it's about 7-1/2 miles to Ferguson Lake. There's only one other option just a short way in and that is to Turn Right and scope out North Shore. It's beautiful down there too but NOT free -- requires the $75 annual Recreation Area Pass (completely different deal from the LTVA Pass).

We camped at Ferguson Lake for two weeks and it's lakeside, quiet, beautiful, and remote -- everything a true boondocker could want but be warned! Depending on weather and road conditions, I would be very reluctant to wander on down towards the lake with anything less than 4WD. Any vehicle with front wheel drive will likely be just fine as long as they're not towing anything. I would strongly advise anyone to *NOT* attempt this destination with your RV without scoping out the road *and* leaving some stuff to reserve your site FIRST. There are only two lakeside campsites and a larger wash area with multiple campsites about 1/3 mile (off to the right) before you get to the lake itself. Oddly enough -- or maybe not -- the BLM actually encourages dispersed camping in accessible washes as all trace of human activity there will eventually be washed away. There is absolutely no cell phone signal at this location. You can't even text. Prepare your psyche accordingly. That said, it's probably the most beautiful spot in this whole area but definitely NOT for the faint of heart. We dragged our 33' (but it only weighs 7,500# -- no slides!) fifth wheel in and camped lakeside but I'm sure we had more than a few passersby shaking their heads in disbelief.