Death, Taxes, and LTVAs

RVers can add one more thing to the list of the only things certain in life: Death, taxes, and increases in user fees by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Uncle Sam's desert land management agency has again issued a last minute update to warm the hearts of all those who camp on the area LTVAs (Long Term Visitor Areas). Sho' 'nuf, LTVA users are faced with a price hike.

Last season, an LTVA permit for the "winter season" (September 15 to April 15) ran $140 for the season, and a 14-day permit was $30. Permit fees have upped to $40 for the 14-day user, and to $180 for the full season permit. The "good news" is that water and sewer dumps are still available at the LaPosa South LTVA; and garbage disposal will be available at all four of the Quartzsite area LTVAs.

Each year, thousands of RVers stay at the Quartzsite area LTVAs. Fee increases are typically seen about every three years; old timers will remember with fondness when the fee hike to $50 for a season permit was met with astonishment. The current hikes apply not only the the LaPosa LTVAs, but all LTVAs in LaPaz County, Arizona, and Imperial County, California. Golden Age and Golden Access card holders will not find a fee reduction available on LTVA permits.