Dispersed camping near Lake Havasu City offers free alternatives to developed campgrounds. At Havasu BLM, located 6.5 miles from town, campers will find relatively flat terrain with hard-packed gravel surfaces. The area has cellular connectivity with "AT&T 4G signal 3 bars more or less," according to one visitor. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, making fall through spring the preferred seasons for most campers in the region.
What to do
Beach activities: The shoreline at Cattail Cove State Park provides water access in a less crowded environment than the main lake. "The beach area is sand & there are water devices to rent if your into that," notes one visitor. Located 20 miles south of Lake Havasu City, the park offers a quieter alternative to busier lake areas.
Hiking opportunities: Trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty run throughout the region. At Buckskin Mountain State Park, visitors appreciate the "lots of great hiking trails." Cattail Cove offers "switch back trails" that can be explored during day or night, though night hiking requires proper lighting and preparation.
OHV recreation: The desert terrain surrounding Lake Havasu provides extensive off-highway vehicle routes. While staying at Havasu BLM, one camper mentioned they "spent two nights, here not much noise. Lots of places to park. Found a nice flat spot." This area serves as a convenient base for OHV enthusiasts with trails accessible directly from camp.
What campers like
Proximity to town: Many campers value the ability to access urban amenities while camping. At Lone Tree Dispersed Camping BLM, one reviewer highlighted it was just "15 to a planet fitness for showers and 10 minutes to Loves gas station for another shower option." This accessibility makes extended stays more comfortable.
Cell service for remote workers: Digital connectivity varies significantly between locations. At Craggy Wash, a camper reported "We felt completely secluded while only being a few miles from town." Havasu BLM offers good connectivity with one visitor noting, "Verizon 4G signal 3 bars more or less," making it suitable for remote work.
Overflow camping options: During peak periods when main campgrounds fill up, several parks offer alternative arrangements. At Lake Havasu State Park, a visitor discovered "the overflow parking lot. $25 for dry camping. Much better views and you still have access to the park's amenities--showers, potable water, hiking trails, etc. Plus the vibe is more communal."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality. At Buckskin Mountain State Park, a camper warned, "Wow, the water really tastes bad. They are apparently not of city water." Consider bringing drinking water or filtration equipment.
Seasonal crowds and boat traffic: Waterfront areas experience significant variations in traffic. At Crazy Horse Campgrounds, one visitor described it as "like being in a sardine can" during busy periods. A Lake Havasu State Park camper mentioned "Beautiful but loud boats on the lake" as the main drawback to an otherwise pleasant experience.
Trash issues at dispersed sites: Free camping areas often suffer from improper waste disposal. At Craggy Wash, a camper observed "significant trash that is scattered around in bushes, side cubbies etc," giving it only two stars because "this place needs an organized cleanup."
Tips for camping with families
Access to amenities: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Havasu Falls RV Resort provides family-friendly features including a "heated swimming pool, internet available, Large Recreation Hall" where there are "Board & card games" and "some nights they have potluck dinners."
Dog-friendly areas: Pet restrictions differ between locations. At Cattail Cove State Park, one camper noted, "the only downside is if you have a dog, they are only allowed on a small part of the beach right by the boat launch. They are not allowed at the regular beach even on a leash."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds offer better security than others. BeachComber Resort provides "amazing security at the front gate and when you're in the side they patrol all night long," making it appealing for families concerned about safety.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: Different camping areas offer varying levels of service. Islander RV Resort provides full hookups including 50-amp service, though one camper mentioned "Wifi does not extend far beyond the clubhouse so bring your own hot spot."
Site size considerations: Space between camping spots varies considerably. At BeachComber Resort, a visitor noted "Sites are minium and close together but it's ok." For those seeking more distance between neighbors, state parks typically offer more spacious arrangements.
Overflow camping alternatives: When primary sites are full, some RVers find better experiences in overflow areas. At Lake Havasu State Park, one camper discovered "the overflow dry camping area for 2 nights. Was nice area. Little noisy but was ok. Worked out for me."
