Dispersed tent camping dominates the landscape surrounding Cibola, Arizona, offering primitive sites along the Colorado River and throughout nearby desert terrain. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - East provides tent campsites with picnic tables and trash disposal right along the riverbank, while Wiley Wells Dispersed camping area offers more rugged tent camping in the Mule Mountain area. The Black Mountain Road Camp provides additional primitive tent camping options within driving distance, offering solitude and scenic desert vistas.
Most tent camping areas near Cibola require self-sufficiency, with limited or no facilities available. The Cibola National Wildlife Refuge East area includes covered picnic tables, fire pits, and designated parking areas adjacent to tent sites, though no drinking water is available. Campers should carry plenty of water, especially during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing the Wiley Wells dispersed camping area due to soft sand conditions. A recent review mentioned "there is a lot of soft sand you cannot get around" and recommended "ONLY 4WD and knowledge of how to drive on sand."
Tent campers at Cibola experience direct access to the Colorado River, with swimming areas and boat launching available at some locations. The extreme desert environment demands careful preparation, with little natural shade available at most primitive tent setups. Sites at Black Mountain Road Camp provide "lovely sunrise and sunset 360 views" according to visitor feedback, with good cell service for those needing connectivity. Winter months (November through March) offer the most comfortable tent camping conditions, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cool nights. Summer camping requires extensive heat preparation, with extreme temperatures limiting outdoor activities to early morning and evening hours. The Colorado River provides a welcome respite from the heat for tent campers willing to brave the summer conditions.
"While I think you're supposed to pay to camp here, no one came around to check or collect payment. "
"There is a lot of soft sand you cannot get around. Recommend ONLY 4WD and knowledge of how to drive on sand. I had traction mats & compressor to pump tires back up."
"All the sites were empty as it was almost 100degrees outside and nothing for shade of a creature larger than a bird could find."
"The 4-wheel drive off road was slow and rocky but definitely worth the drive. Beautiful with all the trees and rock formations."
from $20 / night
"if you like to drive offroad, this is the place for you! even if you dont,its fun to sled down the dunes."
"Not much to do if you don’t like off-roading. There are places to rent Atvs and side by sides if you don’t have your own. Bathrooms stink, but it beats squatting in the sun and sand in your bum."
"Some trees for shade at some sites, other spots are full sun desert dry camping. There is a camp host on site."
"Pit toilets, no water, a little cell service with ATT. Half the sites were full but with quiet folks."
"Well was dry, luckily I carry water. Beautiful canyon hikes, climbs and views.
Petroglyphs and historic mining cabin
Someone drops off scrap wood for campfires
I'll be back"
GuideOk everyone. I'm at Tyson Wash just across the hwy from Laposa South. Weather is perfect. No wind, no rain and it feels like about 75°f today. This is my first time at the "Q" and I'm liking it!. Not too crowded yet but you're not alone either. The rate is still $180 from Sept to April.
GuideAnywhere along Plomosa probably won't ever be as crowded as LTVA, as I boondocked here in October and January.
It's decent, uneventful land for free use. Be autonomous.
ScoutGreat place and friendly people
GuideAbsolutely Stunning Veiws, dispersed for 14 days, with trash dumpsters. Fire rings, lake for fishing, boating, swimming, paddleboarding.
ScoutThe 4-wheel drive off road was slow and rocky but definitely worth the drive. Beautiful with all the trees and rock formations. So Serene, especially when the wind blows through the tops of the trees. Privacy because the locations are spread out. We will come back multiple times per year. Great find and experience.
ScoutFabulous resort! 85% seasonal or year round. Pool, exercise area, crafts, pool tables, rec hall, chapel, library, laundry, ice and propane. Large drive thru sites for travelers. Full hook ups 30amp and 50 amp. Tarred streets, gravel sites. Onsite access to hundreds of miles of ATV trails of beautiful AZ desert and mountains. Very quiet but close to I 10. Extremely friendly courteous staff and residents. No tents or backpacking.
GuideIt’s a ghost town in the summer because of the obvious but the evenings and nights here are worth it. No one was there when we were, but it gets packed off-season, of course.
I much prefer the summer.
TravelerVery nice people very helpful, considerate pleasant
ScoutNo shade but it was nice spot for a roof test site. Ground was rocky
Dispersed camping sites near Cibola, Arizona provide access to the Colorado River and surrounding desert terrain. These primitive camping areas feature varying levels of amenities, from minimal facilities to covered picnic areas. Most locations require campers to be self-sufficient in harsh desert conditions where summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F and winter nights can drop below freezing.
Wildlife viewing at Corn Springs Campground: Located about an hour's drive from Cibola, this desert oasis features ancient petroglyphs and historic mining structures. "Small section of petroglyphs, unfortunately some have been ruined with graffiti. Overall pretty clean and well maintained for a BLM site," notes Terry B.
Sand duning adventures: Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area offers vast expanses of sand dunes for off-road enthusiasts. "Sand and more sand for days! Take your sand dune buggies and enjoy the day and night. Super fun for the whole family," says Michelle W. from Imperial Sand Dunes RA - Pad 5.
Night sky observation: Black Mountain Road Camp provides excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "Traveling down Black Mountain road for about 2 miles of wash boards before turning down the camping road... here we found quiet solitude and a cooler evening, perhaps the winds helped," reports Bubble G.
River access: Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - East offers direct Colorado River access with swimming areas. "It's right on the river... sites have picnic table and grill and fire pits. Short drive to the wildlife refuge for bird watching. Lots of birds!" reports Kathy B.
Desert solitude: Black Mountain Road Camp provides isolation from crowds and traffic noise. "Quite and easy to get to," mentions Crystal B., who stayed during a road trip to western national parks.
Connectivity despite remoteness: Several dispersed camping areas maintain cell service despite their remote locations. "Good Verizon service!" notes Bubble G. about Black Mountain Road Camp, making it suitable for remote workers needing to stay connected.
Vehicle requirements: Wiley Wells Dispersed - Mule Mountain demands four-wheel drive vehicles due to challenging terrain. Graham W. warns, "There is a lot of soft sand you cannot get around. Recommend ONLY 4WD and knowledge of how to drive on sand. I had traction mats & compressor to pump tires back up."
Limited facilities: The best tent camping near Cibola, Arizona typically lacks basic amenities. At Corn Springs Campground, Dan X. notes, "Pit toilets, no water, a little cell service with ATT," which reflects the primitive nature of most sites in the area.
Wildlife encounters: Desert camping brings potential wildlife interactions. Richard D. from Corn Springs Campground recounts, "One night we slept there it was so dang hot at night that we slept out on the ground with our dog as opposed to inside the camper van, only to be woken up and surrounded by coyotes."
Seasonal considerations: Glamis Flats becomes extremely hot in summer months. Katie O. advises, "Very popular with OHV and is pretty empty in the summer due to the extreme heat," suggesting families visit during cooler months.
Alternative activities: When off-roading isn't an option, consider alternative recreation. "Not much to do if you don't like off-roading. There are places to rent ATVs and side by sides if you don't have your own," suggests Hayden G. about Glamis Flats.
Pet safety precautions: The desert terrain contains hazards for pets. "If you have furry friends keep a watch for their paws, there's small cacti/pokeys scattered about," warns Bubble G. about Black Mountain Road Camp.
Boondocking preparation: Cement Flats offers free camping without hookups. "Great boondocking site on our drive to San Diego! You can't beat the price!" says Jen H., highlighting the need for self-sufficiency.
Parking arrangements: RV parking at some locations requires specific positioning. Jennifer D. notes about Glamis Flats, "RVs are parallel parked, several deep. Mostly dunes vs washes," which affects site selection and setup.
Access road conditions: Approach roads to tent camping sites near Cibola can be challenging. Terry B. describes the road to Corn Springs Campground as "About 6 miles of dirt road, but fairly well maintained with minor washboarding," suggesting RVers should research access conditions before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cibola, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cibola, AZ is Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - East with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cibola, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Cibola, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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