Best Campgrounds near Needles, CA
Campgrounds for various types of camping can be found in multiple areas near Needles, California, a desert community along the Colorado River. The region includes established RV resorts like Desert View RV Resort and Needles KOA, as well as mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins. Pirate Cove and Fenders River Road Resort offer waterfront camping with cabin options approximately 3-5 miles from downtown Needles. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Craggy Wash Dispersed Camping Area provides free camping about 30 miles northwest in Arizona. Most campgrounds in the Needles area feature amenities such as electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, while the dispersed camping areas offer more basic, self-contained experiences.
"This would be our first stop as a RV camper. KOA in Needles CA and I would have to say we loved it! Friendly staff, nice clean swimming pool, and the amenities and facilities clean," noted one visitor. The extreme desert climate significantly impacts camping conditions, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F from June through September. Winter months (October-April) provide more moderate temperatures ideal for camping. Many campgrounds remain open year-round despite the heat, though visitors during summer should prepare for extremely hot conditions. Water access is a critical consideration, as most established campgrounds provide hookups while dispersed sites require campers to bring their own supply. Cell service varies throughout the region, with stronger signals near town and more limited coverage in outlying areas.
Several visitors mentioned the Colorado River access as a primary attraction for camping in this area. Campgrounds along the river offer swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities that provide relief from the desert heat. A camper wrote, "The sites are kinda tight but well worth it if you can get a river view! Dog friendly with a nice dog beach." Public lands near the city support a range of camping styles from fully-developed resorts to primitive sites with no facilities. Campers report high satisfaction with sites near the Colorado River, though many note the importance of stocking up on supplies before arrival as services in Needles are limited. Reviews consistently mention the stark beauty of the desert landscape, wildlife viewing opportunities including wild burros, and the exceptional stargazing conditions due to minimal light pollution in the surrounding desert.
