Self Contained RVs Only

[NJJohn]

Has anyone experienced this? I'm looking into boondocking and LTVA Pass areas. Specifically Arizona and southern California. I'm seeing "Only Self Contained RVs" posted for some areas. (I understand what they mean) Looks like modified cargo/camper vans are not welcome in some areas. Just looking for some feedback.

Thanks

 

[highdesertranger]

some of the LTVA allow vehicles that are not self contained but you must park a certain distance from the restrooms. I have posted the rules here before I will see if I can find them. highdesertranger

 

[highdesertranger]

here is the thread

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-BLM-LTVA-areas?highlight=ltva

here is the rules

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2007-09-25/pdf/E7-18896.pdf

the first link in the thread is broken but the second link with the rules works. highdesertranger

 

[bullfrog]

At Quartsite they didn't look desirable to me as there were too many campers for my taste. 14 day areas seemed better and plentiful enough. If you wanted to pay Ajo Az has a really cheap park. Southern California near the Arizona border is great also for boondocking. Unless you enjoy specific things LTVA's have to offer there are lots of alternatives close that are a lot less populated.

 

[highdesertranger]

La Posa LTVA is right next to the area that the RTR is held. while it is true that up front close to the main roads it is crowded. if you go back a ways towards the eastern border it's not crowded at all. there are a couple of washes you must cross that might cause a problem for some low profile vehicles, however a van would have no problem. in the south east corner there is a restroom that you would be allowed to camp by, last year there was only 2 campers by it. highdesertranger

 

[WalkaboutTed]

So... how about the compost toilets? I've not been able to find anything definitive about them and the 10 gallon black water tank requirement for the LTVAs. 
Ted

 

[Almost There]

I asked the ranger that came out to visit us at the RTR specifically about this WAT.

What I asked was whether there was any move afoot to change the regulations in regards to the black water tanks to take into consideration those of us with separating/composting toilets.

His response was that there was nothing being discussed at the higher management level but in his view point, he would waive the 500' parking distance on a case by case basis.

The problem with this is that it is up to the discretion of the individual ranger or area manager for each LTVA.

There are still some LTVA's where there is NO washroom facility in the LTVA and consequently by following the letter of the law anyone without a black water tank can't ever use the facility. Holtville CA Hot Springs is one of them...fortunately there is 14 day BLM land right behind the south LTVA so the only inconvenience is that one must add a 1/2 mile or so on to the trek to the springs each day....

 

[WalkaboutTed]

That's funny, I was wondering specifically about Holtville.  When my sister lived in San Diego, we'd always pull off I-8 for a soak on our way to visit.  Thanks.
Ted