Map showing campground location near Quartzsite, Arizona

Camper submitted image from KOFA National Wildlife Refuge - King Valley Road

KOFA National Wildlife Refuge - King Valley Road

Within Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, this dispersed camping area sits along King Valley Road, offering free desert camping about 3.5 miles from Palm Canyon. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages this drive-in site where campers can spread out across open desert terrain without designated spots or hookups.

The dirt access road extends roughly six miles from Highway 95, with camping areas marked by existing fire rings and clear boundaries. Bob & Ramona F. notes the spaciousness: "Lots of places to park without being on top of the neighbors. Closest camper is over 400 yards away." Reviewers consistently mention the road surface requires slow driving but accommodates all rig sizes, including big rigs.

Campers report quiet nights broken mainly by coyote calls, with some wildlife passing directly through camp areas. The location provides mountain views in multiple directions and serves as a staging point for the half-mile hike into Palm Canyon, where Arizona's only native palm trees grow. Several reviewers mention using the area for group gatherings due to the large, well-spaced sites.

Those wanting alternatives can explore campgrounds around Kofa National Wildlife Refuge for additional desert camping options. Cell service reaches most areas, and both pets and campfires are permitted throughout the refuge.

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Map & DirectionsKOFA National Wildlife Refuge is located in Arizona near Quartzsite

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

33.21157443 N
114.14081367 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 2 min from Yuma, AZ
2 hrs 48 min from El Centro, CA
2 hrs 55 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
3 hrs 25 min from Phoenix, AZ

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - KOFA National Wildlife Refuge

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the free, spacious sites with exceptional privacy and peaceful desert atmosphere. Guests frequently mentioned easy access via dirt road and stunning mountain views. Wildlife encounters and proximity to Palm Canyon trail add appeal.

Kathy B.

Legend

Reviewed Mar. 31, 2026

Nice Getaway from Quartzsite

A lot of the BLM near Quartzsite can get crowded during the busy winter months. I love coming down here off Palm Canyon road to get away from the crowds.

I've also come down here for group camping events. It's a nice place to come if you want to have a gathering.

The road in is a bit rough, but not too bad. Just go slow. Any size rig can make it. At the end of the road is a short hike into Palm Canyon.

Beautiful sunsets and desert walks.

Month of VisitJanuary

(10) View All

Iris V.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 11, 2025

Boondocking Bliss in the Kofa Wilderness 🌵⛰️

Another day, another stunning desert backdrop! 🌵⛰️ We’ve made our way to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona and are soaking in the peace and solitude of the wild. Boondocking at its finest—just us, the saguaro, and those breathtaking rugged peaks.

Two nights here to enjoy the wide-open spaces, gorgeous sunsets, and the lull of the desert.

#Boondocking #KofaWildlifeRefuge #ArizonaVibes #Desertadventures

Month of VisitFebruary

(8) View All

Bob & Ramona F.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 9, 2025

FREE AWESOMENES!!!!!

FREE & SPACIOUSNESS! Lots of places to park without being on top of the neighbors. Closest camper is over 400 yards away. Great views in all directions and only 3.5 miles to Palm Canyon. PC is the ONLY place in AZ where Palm trees are native. Apparently they have been growing in this secluded spot since this whole area was under water. Think of the song "Beach Front Property in Arizona".... Anyway, something cool to see. It's less than 4 miles off AZ-95 on a dirt road followed by a 1/2 mile VERY EASY hike from the parking area.

SiteDisbursed Camping

Month of VisitJanuary

(5) View All

Jeffrey F.

Ranger

Reviewed Mar. 18, 2022

If you like the desert, this is for you!

Drove down Kings road to find a place to camp for one night. Lots of open spaces and really far apart from one another. Fire pits and markings are clear so you can see which area is actually a site. I didn’t go too far back with my teardrop trailer. Beautiful sunset and very quiet. A couple of coyotes came right through my camp. Pretty cool!

SiteI think 40

Month of VisitMarch

jeff B.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 24, 2021

Excellent

Very nice camping in Kofa. Safe, clean, easy access. Terrific views. Great place to ride mountain bikes on dirt roads.

Siteking valley rd

Month of VisitNovember

Larry B.

Legend

Reviewed Feb. 13, 2021

Very Nice Views

Drive in road fairly smooth, slightly nartow in some areas. I only went in about 6 miles to marker 60. I saw 4 Sherriff's vehicles coming out on my way in. Makes the area feel safer. Camp areas were spaced far apart and some were fairly large. The first two miles in from the main road is BLM land. Many large camp areas there that could even handle group gatherings.

Month of VisitFebruary

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping regulations at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge?

Camping at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is free and permitted at established sites only, which are marked by fire rings and cleared areas. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Vehicles must remain on designated roads, and cross-country travel is prohibited to protect the fragile desert ecosystem. Campfires are allowed in existing fire rings when fire danger is low, but visitors should bring their own firewood rather than collecting it from the refuge. Always check current regulations with the US Fish and Wildlife Service before your visit.

What is the best time of year to visit Kofa National Wildlife Refuge?

The best time to visit Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is during the cooler months from late fall through early spring (October to April). Winter brings mild daytime temperatures ideal for hiking and exploring, though nights can be quite cold. Spring may offer wildflower blooms depending on winter rainfall. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making camping uncomfortable and potentially dangerous without proper preparation. The refuge's low elevation desert environment means extreme heat dominates the summer months, so planning a visit during cooler seasons will provide a much more enjoyable experience.

Where can I camp in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge?

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge offers dispersed camping along King Valley Road with numerous spacious sites located far apart from one another. The first two miles from the main road are on BLM land, after which you enter the refuge proper. Camp areas are clearly marked with fire pits and site indicators. Many campers stay within the first 6 miles (around marker 60), though you can venture further in if desired. Sites provide ample space with neighbors typically 400+ yards away, offering privacy and stunning desert views in all directions.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge?

Visitors to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, stargazing, and mountain biking on dirt roads. A notable attraction is Palm Canyon, located just 3.5 miles from the camping areas, which features the only native palm trees in Arizona. The refuge offers excellent opportunities for desert landscape exploration, with stunning sunsets and sunrise views. The wide-open spaces and varied terrain make it ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and natural beauty in a pristine desert environment.

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Map & DirectionsKOFA National Wildlife Refuge is located in Arizona near Quartzsite

Coordinates

Connectivity

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

For Vehicles

DISPERSED CAMPING

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

Contact

Drive Time

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What are the camping regulations at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge?

What is the best time of year to visit Kofa National Wildlife Refuge?

Where can I camp in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge?

What activities can visitors enjoy at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge?