Senator Wash & Squaw Lake Near Yuma AZ: Guide

Senator Wash and Squaw Lake near Yuma AZ are the river trip locals make when Mittry Lake feels busy and Gateway Park feels too close to town. About 22 miles north of Yuma on the California side of the Colorado River, near Imperial Dam, you get two different waters in one drive: Senator Wash Reservoir, an off stream reservoir where water skiing and sailing are allowed, and Xanyo Xamshre, the lake long known as Squaw Lake, a calmer day use and camping area with boat ramps and showers. November is the month to go. The light is low, the shore is quiet, and the water is still cold enough to wake you up.

How do you get to Senator Wash and Squaw Lake from Yuma?

Take Interstate 8 to the 4th Avenue exit, then follow Imperial County Road S24 north for about 22 miles to Senator Wash Road, and follow the signs for Imperial Dam and Senator Wash. Visit Yuma notes that at the main fork, signs point west to Imperial Dam and Senator Wash, and you go past Senator Wash to reach the lake beyond it. Plan on about 40 minutes from most Yuma neighborhoods. Go in daylight your first time, fuel up in Yuma, and check road and fee conditions with the Bureau of Land Management Yuma office before a big trip, because desert roads and water levels change.

What can you do at Senator Wash Reservoir?

Boat, fish, swim, and camp. Senator Wash is the active water of the pair. Visit Yuma describes it as an off stream reservoir that allows water skiing, sailing, and fishing, with a boat ramp and camping facilities. Anglers work the reservoir and the nearby river for bass, sunfish, and bluegill. There are no lifeguards, the water can be cold even on a warm day, and shade is limited, so bring your own canopy, water, and sunscreen even in November. Stay limits apply, listed as 14 days in a 28 day period, and day use and camping fees apply in the managed areas, listed in campground guides at $10 for day use and $15 overnight, with an annual pass option.

What is Xanyo Xamshre, the lake called Squaw Lake?

It is the quieter stop past Senator Wash, and the name matters. The lake now carries the name Xanyo Xamshre, and you will see both names on maps and guides, which is why searches for Squaw Lake Yuma still land here. Visit Yuma describes it as a day use and camping area with accessible restrooms, outdoor showers, fire rings, drinking water, and boat ramps, with camping limited to 14 days in 28 days. It suits families who want a shore picnic, a small boat launch, and a campsite close to the water without a long drive. There are no food services out there, so pack lunch in Yuma before you turn north.

Can you camp at Senator Wash and Squaw Lake?

Yes, in a few different styles. You will find managed campgrounds near the lake with restrooms and water, shoreline spots around the reservoir, and more basic dispersed camping on the north shore for people who bring everything with them. Winter is the busy season, when winter visitors settle in for longer stays under the long term visitor rules, so a November weekend trip is smart if you want first pick of a shore site. Pack in and pack out, watch water levels before you park close to the shore, and keep dogs close. Wild burros and deer move through the camp areas, and that is part of the charm if you give them room.

Is this a good trip for MCAS Yuma families and winter visitors?

Yes. It is a full day trip that still gets you home for dinner, or an easy first overnight camp for kids. Military families new to MCAS Yuma use it to learn the river north of town, past the dams that shape life here. Winter visitors in the Foothills use it as their boating and fishing base without driving to Lake Havasu. Go on a weekday morning in November and the ramps are calm enough to learn on.

Thinking about putting down roots near the river you are exploring? Book a free consultation with me, Johanna Suggs with eXp Realty and the Rise Up Team. We will talk neighborhoods, prices, and the Yuma lifestyle together, in English or Spanish, with no pressure.