Dispersed camping opportunities near Cibola, Arizona range from basic tent sites along the Colorado River to fully-equipped RV parks with water access. The region sits at a relatively low elevation with winter temperatures averaging 65-75°F during the day, making it popular with winter visitors and snowbirds. Proximity to the Colorado River provides water-based recreation options while the surrounding desert terrain offers hiking and exploration in a landscape marked by mountains, washes, and desert flora.
What to do
Explore petroglyphs and historic sites: Corn Springs Campground offers access to ancient rock art and mining history. "Great place to camp if you like the quiet peaceful desert. Old cabins up the wash and other fun things to explore," notes a camper at Corn Springs Campground.
Fishing and river activities: The Colorado River provides multiple fishing spots within short distances of most campsites. "Great access for swimming and fishing. Very quiet this time of year, also great access to BLM lands for Off road," reports a camper at Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground.
Off-road adventures: Many campgrounds serve as starting points for exploring nearby BLM land. "Come slow things down at this wonderfully secluded campground. About 6 miles off the main highway down a rough dirt road lies this hidden gem," shares a visitor about Walter's Camp.
What campers like
Desert wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities in this arid region. "Lots of birds. Quite except for the store fridge compressor that ran and ran. Hosts are friendly," reports a camper about Walter's Camp.
Quiet, less developed campsites: For those seeking solitude, the more remote options provide peaceful settings. "Cool place in the mountains. About 6 miles of dirt road, but fairly well maintained with minor washboarding. About 8-10 sites, most have level spots for car or tent," explains a reviewer at Corn Springs Campground.
Water access at developed sites: Many campers appreciate riverfront locations with direct water entry. A visitor at Mayflower Park noted: "A lovely county campground and picnic area on the Colorado. Dry sites are closest to the water. Super clear restrooms and showers."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have questionable water sources. "There are water hose hookups, but I would not introduce this water into your RV. It is brownish and not well treated. It is basically river water from a shallow well that ran through a sediment filter," cautions a camper at Walter's Camp.
Noise factors: Highway proximity and equipment can create noise issues at certain sites. At Yuma VFW, one camper observed: "Lots of trains going by! Right by a main highway but we enjoyed meeting the other folks."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating unpaved roads. "About 6 miles off the paved road. Roads were graded last week and pretty decent drive, although its posted that 4x4 is sometimes recommended," notes one camper about Walter's Camp.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be extreme, making winter the preferred camping season. "We had a lot of fun here! It was really hot so we'd only go back during winter time. It's pretty baron but that's exactly what we wanted," shares a visitor about Corn Springs.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: When glamping close to Cibola, Arizona with children, some resorts offer swimming pools. "Really clean showers and pool. Shady spot was a bonus," reports a visitor at Bonita Mesa RV Resort.
Space requirements: Family sites need adequate room for multiple tents or activities. "We chose a site sort of close to the store and showers. Well the store has a noisy compressor that runs pretty much 24 hours a day," warns a camper about site selection at Walter's Camp.
Campground rules: Check for additional charges for children or pets before booking. "They charge $10 per night for every person over two people, which can add up quickly," notes a family that stayed at Bonita Mesa RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Full hookup quality varies significantly between sites. "Pull through sites with full hook ups they have daily weekly and monthly rates," reports a camper at Ameri-Can Trails RV Park.
Dump station locations: Not all sites offer on-site dumping. "The campground does have a central RV dump station, so you can dump before you hit the road," explains a visitor about Walter's Camp.
Site spacing: Some parks have tight spacing between RVs. "The spaces are close together. They offer full hookups and beachfront. There are showers and laundry room," notes a camper about Hidden Beaches River Resort.