T.K. Jones Campground At Xanyō Xamshré And Boat Launch
4.4052 reviewsYuma Field Office, 7341 E. 30th St., Suite A, Yuma, AZ, 85365, USA
T.K. Jones Campground At Xanyō Xamshré And Boat Launch
$10.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $10 per day per vehicle for day use, $15 per vehicle for overnight camping, and $75 annually. Payment can be made at self-registration fee...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(928) 317-3200blm_az_yfoweb@blm.gov
About this campground
Discover your desert oasis at T.K. Jones Campground at Xanyō Xamshrē, where the Colorado River's backwaters create a unique blend of aquatic and desert adventures. This versatile campground welcomes both tent enthusiasts and RV travelers with dispersed camping options, complemented by convenient paved boat launches for water exploration. Your comfort is assured with modern amenities including restrooms, hot showers, fresh drinking water, and designated trash disposal areas. Whether you're launching your boat for a day on the water or setting up camp under the desert sky, you'll find everything you need for a memorable stay. Please note that OHVs are not permitted, ensuring a peaceful environment for all visitors.
T.K. Jones Campground accommodates both RVs and tent campers. The campground features approximately 125 designated RV sites and numerous dispersed tent camping sites. No hookups are available, and the campground primarily supports dry camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records remain to be documented, this campground serves as a modern gateway to experiencing the timeless Colorado River landscape that has sustained life in the desert for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of desert camping with T.K. Jones' distinctive seasonal patterns. Winter transforms this riverside retreat into a warm haven, perfect for escaping colder climates, while the shoulder season of October offers particularly delightful conditions for outdoor adventures. Summer brings intense desert heat that seasoned campers appreciate for its authentic southwestern experience. The dry camping conditions throughout the year mean clear skies dominate, creating spectacular stargazing opportunities and ensuring your outdoor plans rarely face weather interruptions.
ElevationSpecific elevation details are currently unavailable, though the campground's riverside location provides a lower desert camping experience typical of the Colorado River corridor.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a captivating landscape where golden sand dunes meet the serene backwaters of the Colorado River. This unique ecosystem supports an unexpected variety of wildlife – from wild donkeys that roam the desert terrain to waterfowl including ducks and geese that gather in the aquatic habitats. The striking contrast between riparian zones and classic desert scenery creates endless opportunities for photography and nature observation. Palm trees dot the landscape, adding tropical touches to the southwestern desert palette, while the ever-changing interplay of water and sand creates new discoveries with each visit.
Geological RegionPositioned strategically above Imperial Dam, T.K. Jones Campground showcases the remarkable geological story of the Colorado River's journey through the desert Southwest. The backwater areas represent a fascinating intersection of riverine and desert ecosystems, where ancient sand deposits meet modern water management. This unique setting features classic desert geology enhanced by the river's influence – from wind-sculpted dunes to water-carved channels. Palm groves and aquatic backwaters create microhabitats within the broader Sonoran Desert ecosystem, offering visitors a chance to experience multiple landscapes within a single destination.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned. However, vehicle access and paved areas may provide some level of accessibility.
Sites SizeThe campground includes RV sites and dispersed tent sites. Some users have described the spaces as tight and akin to a parking lot.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited, with several reviews likening the campground to an open parking lot with minimal seclusion.
Total Campsites125 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid areas with significant fly/ant activity. Campsites near water may offer scenic views but could have more wildlife disturbances.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers provided, though users suggest proximity to water or shaded areas as preferable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time stated.
Check-out
No specific check-out time stated.
Stay Limit
Camping and occupancy limited to 14 days in any 28-day period with a valid permit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific number outlined for guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed tent sites and 125 RV sites arranged on asphalt surfaces with picnic tables and BBQ grills scattered throughout. Paved parking available for day-use and boat trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, though user reviews suggest high temperatures in summer may affect usability.
Reservation PlatformsNo online reservations; fees must be paid on-site or at the BLM Yuma Field Office.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis with no reservations available.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made in advance as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations are not applicable.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. There is a boat launch and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on the backwaters of the Colorado River. The surrounding area has trails for biking and hiking. Users have noted activities like swimming and fishing as popular, though some have cited issues with bugs and wildlife.
Hiking
The surrounding area includes various hiking trails. One reviewer mentioned 'great hiking' as a highlight of their visit.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with stocked lakes available. A reviewer appreciated seeing fish in clear waters.Swimming
Swimming is available in the nearby lakes and river areas. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, and one reviewer mentioned mosquitoes and bugs as potential nuisances.Biking
The area features biking trails, though details about terrain or difficulty levels are not provided.Boating
Boating is facilitated through a paved boat launch with docks. Kayaking and canoeing are also supported. Legal boat speed within the backwaters is limited to 5 mph (no wake).Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of wild donkeys, ducks, and geese frequently reported by users.Winter Activities
Winter activities are popular due to the warm weather during this season. One reviewer mentioned enjoying winter stays.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and canoeing are popular.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No explicit fire policies provided.
- Quiet hours are User reviews report lack of enforcement of quiet hours on weekends.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reports mention loose tree branches with thorns, significant fly and mosquito activity, and roaming donkeys leaving droppings. Wild donkeys and theft incidents (e.g., stolen boat engine) were noted.
Active alertsFacilities such as showers and restrooms may be locked or under repair intermittently. User reviews highlight unavailability of bathrooms and showers as an issue.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Yuma approximately 20 miles away, including hospitals, police stations, and fire services.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates provided. Based on user reviews, winter months are highly recommended due to moderate weather.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles and gray water disposal facilities are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the backwaters of the Colorado River with direct access to water for boating, kayaking, and swimming.
Common complaintsUsers frequently complain about rude camp hosts, loud parties being tolerated on weekends, lack of cleanliness, and poor maintenance of roads and campsites.
HostHosts are on-site, but user reviews reveal conflicting sentiments on their helpfulness and attitude.
Campground Map
Yuma Field Office, 7341 E. 30th St., Suite A, Yuma, AZ, 85365, USA
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 8: Take the 4th Avenue exit to Imperial County Road S24. Go north approximately 22 miles to Senator Wash Road. Turn left onto Senator Wash Road and follow signs 4 miles to T.K. Jones Campground. From AZ 95: Travel north from Yuma on AZ 95. Turn left at Imperial Dam Road at the "Big Guns". Turn right onto Senator Wash Road and follow signs 4 miles to T.K. Jones Campground.
Road access includes Interstate 8 and County Road S-24, both paved. While the main route is functional, user reviews report significant issues with potholes near the campground entrance.Nearby places
Yuma, AZ (20 miles, approximately 20–30 minutes drive)
Winterhaven, CA (30 miles, approximately 40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Yuma, AZ, approximately 20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
52 reviews
T.K. Jones Campground At Xanyō Xamshré And Boat Launch is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground generally receives positive reviews for its location and amenities, though there are recurring complaints about maintenance and management. It is rated 4.4 for general sentiment and 4.06 specifically for camping.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the campground for its scenic location near the Colorado River, access to boating and fishing, and availability of showers and flush toilets. One reviewer described it as a...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include unfriendly or overly strict camp hosts, lack of cell service, locked or poorly maintained restrooms, and noise issues from other campers. Some described the campground as a...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring flip flops for the showers, be prepared for bugs and wildlife, and secure valuables due to reports of theft. Consider the $75 annual pass if planning multiple visits.
Based on 52 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter is a favored season due to warm weather, while summer experiences high heat and lower visitor counts. Maintenance issues, such as locked restrooms, seem to be more common in off-peak seasons.
Based on 52 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This place is a hidden paradise. Clean and friendly." "Great lake, great camp host, wonderful showers, great hiking." "Parking lot camping but a nice area with trails."
Based on 52 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are limited, but RV sites are described as tight with minimal privacy. Tent camping areas are described as dispersed.
Based on 52 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 52 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 52 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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