Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Havasu City, AZ

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surrounding Lake Havasu City provide multiple dispersed camping options, with several established areas including Craggy Wash, Havasu BLM Dispersed, Lone Tree, Havasu Heights, and Blankenship Wash. These primitive sites are located within a short drive of town, typically requiring no permits and offering no amenities. Most areas follow the standard 14-day stay limit common on public lands, with camping permitted year-round despite extreme summer temperatures.

Access roads to dispersed sites vary considerably in quality, from relatively smooth gravel at Havasu BLM Dispersed to rougher terrain at Blankenship Wash that requires high-clearance vehicles. Most areas feature hard-packed dirt or gravel surfaces with occasional ruts and washouts. Cell service is generally good throughout the region, particularly at higher elevation spots with line-of-sight to towers. No water, toilets, or trash services are available at any of these locations, requiring campers to pack out all waste and bring adequate supplies.

The dispersed areas provide varying degrees of solitude and scenery, with some sites offering views of surrounding mountains and desert landscapes. Proximity to Lake Havasu City makes these locations convenient for boaters and those needing supplies. Campers report mixed experiences regarding site conditions. "Havasu BLM is relatively flat, a lot of space to find a semi-level spot. You can park far enough off the highway with no highway noise," noted one visitor. However, others have observed challenges: "The main negative is the significant trash that is scattered around in bushes, side cubbies, etc." Weekend traffic from off-highway vehicles can be considerable in some areas, particularly at Craggy Wash, while more remote sites tend to remain quieter.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Havasu City, Arizona (40)

    1. Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area

    27 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 505-1200

    "Found a great spot away from the main campground areas. Road is very rough going in. Recommend high clearance vehicles. Made a great fireplace protected within the the rocks."

    "This is a 14 day BLM campground. The entrance is just north of Walmart on the east side of the road. We drove up about 2.5 miles and found a fairly flat open space with fabulous cellular service."

    2. Havasu BLM Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    7 miles
    Website

    "Only minutes from Lake Havasu City. Lots of room to find a semi level spot. You can park far enough off the highway no highway noise. Lots of big rigs. No issue for 40’ pusher and 24’ car hauler"

    "Havasu BLM is Dispersed camping. Relatively flat, a lot of space to find a spot to park. Surfaces are hard packed generally with gravel base."

    3. Lone Tree Dispersed Camping BLM

    11 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 505-1200

    "Close to town. Cons - although there is a sign clearing stating 14 day stay limit, there are many who are using this as a permanent camp."

    "I needed a stop to break down the drive from the California Central Cost to Northern Arizona and it did the trick. It's not an exceptionally exciting spot, but it's quiet."

    4. Havasu Heights

    3 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    11 miles

    "Right near the I 40 if you want a quick stay passing through and want a quick stop in Lake Havasu City."

    "I was given the boot at a 14 day spot and i wasnt ready i had to choose between craggy crowded or lone tree loud ."

    5. Arizona State Trust Land, Lake Havasu City South

    3 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    $15 - $20 / night

    6. BLM Dispersed Camping Havasu

    2 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 505-1200

    "Kinda bumpy pulling in… if you rig has low clearance take it slow. Pilot Gas Station just north a few miles has propane but no dump station or showers."

    "Coming from 95 the right side has long more private pull ins but it’s very hard to turn around, narrow, and very sketchy if you have low clearance vehicles."

    7. Blankenship Wash Dispersed

    1 Review
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    8 miles

    "This is BLM land, there are many places to pull off the dirt road and camp. It is in the mountains above the Colorado River. The further you go into the area, the quieter it becomes."

    8. Needle Mountain Road

    5 Reviews
    Needles, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "Decent dirt road network some noise from traffic but not bad."

    "explore for sure... this place was PACKED RVs as far as the eye can see... every nook and cranny someone was in there, but the image of the river I showed is right before this needle mountain road so the hidden"

    9. Dutch flats dispersed

    1 Review
    Parker Dam, CA
    10 miles

    "This isn’t a hidden gem, a lot of ATVs and dirt bikes are out here and it’s crowded at more spots more than others but overall it’s a cool place to camp out if you need to."

    10. AZ State Land Recreational Area Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    Parker Dam, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    $15 - $20 / night

    "There is access to the Lake Havasu, but only by OHV or on foot, we chose the latter.  The roads in from the highway are rough and rocky, but doable if you take it slow. "

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake Havasu City, AZ

143 Reviews of 40 Lake Havasu City Campgrounds


  • Katie K.
    Mar. 29, 2021

    Cerbat Foothills Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Not sure what the other reviews are about....

    But the place I ended up is just BLM land off the highway. There's a turn off the highway, super easy to miss, and it immediately goes up a hill. There's a gate at the top that just says "please close gate - Bureau of Land Management" so I just went in. The road is very smooth and well worn as of this review, my prius had no problem. Not a single other soul in sight. The road sorta stops after the electricity thing (why am I blanking on what these are called?), but it looks like high clearance vehicles have gone through.

    This spot is amazing. Free public land. There are only a few pull off spots. Very quiet and beautiful.

    Please practice leave no trace etiquette! This spot is gorgeous, let's keep it that way :)

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 12, 2025

    Havasu BLM Dispersed

    Close to Lake Havasu

    Only minutes from Lake Havasu City. Lots of room to find a semi level spot. You can park far enough off the highway no highway noise. Lots of big rigs. No issue for 40’ pusher and 24’ car hauler

  • J
    Feb. 19, 2021

    Havasu BLM Dispersed

    A massive, old gravel quarry from the look of it.

    Havasu BLM is Dispersed camping. Relatively flat, a lot of space to find a spot to park. Surfaces are hard packed generally with gravel base. Only 6 miles from Lake Havasu City makes for a great location. AT&T 4G signal 3 bars more or less. A great spot to lay over, bring your OHV to run around in the hills, or bring your boat and head to the lake!

  • Paul L. M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2024

    Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area

    No admission / entry

    I just followed the GPS / Google Maps coordinates to go to the Craggy Wash dispersed camping area south of Lake Havasu City (was actually in Lake Havasu City when I searched for nearby dispersed camping sites via The Dyrt ...).  Copied the coordinates provided on The Dyrt webpage, turned left off US 95 South where directed (& it was the correct road on the live map), but there is a locked gate there with big sign: "Private Property Keep Out.". So.....since it was only 4:10 pm PST (Dec. 28, 2024), I travelled on to Hi Jolly just above Quartzsite.  I did leave the Google Maps app active as I turned back south on 95 just to see if the voice directions might provide an alternate entrance to Craggy Wash, but ....no.

  • Jenny H.
    Sep. 17, 2020

    Cerbat Foothills Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    35.2044, -114.096711

    10/15/2020 Location updated Thank you, Dyrt Staff

    This is the gem of the area. I love the Monolith Gardens Trail and try to hike it everyday. There are extensive trails for people, dogs, bikes, and equestrian people. Best to visit in winter as it’s been hell raising hot all summer 2020. Bring water. The Campground has NO water, NO toilet, and NO trash service currently but town is a mile away. October and April are best weather. This is a primitive experience hiking on moon-like landscape.

    Note: updated 10/15/2020. The Dyrt map reflects correct location. When approaching from the East, turn around at AquaFrie/Sundown Streets

  • Jessica M.
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Cerbat Foothills Dispersed - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

    Lost in the wash below a landfill

    10/15/2020 Location updated Thank you, Dyrt Staff

    We followed the OLD directions link from The Dyrt app. This location is no longer listed as a camping spot on the app. So, follow the correct listing on the other side of the highway......Apple Maps said to go north of pin point, then head south on Co. Highway 125 which was washed out in places. May be okay for a high clearance van, but not our travel trailer in tow. This is just below the Mohave County Landfill. We gave up with many cactus spines in our tires. We had to return to I93 where we started. Google maps directions are from the south following Co. Highway 125 north. Possibly, this can be reached better from the south where Co. Highway 125 leaves I93 and head north. Or, the GPS marking is incorrect, and should be marking the west side of I93, closer to Kingman.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 6, 2025

    Signal Road BLM dispersed

    Signal Road BLM free dispersed

    Only 1.1 miles from Hwy 93, gravel road has been upgraded to a wide smooth surface. WARNING, past this flat area Signal road gets very steep and with wash dips and there is no easy turnaround for large RVs or TT for at least 3 miles. No tables, no trash, no water, just pure free dispersed. Cell signal is 5 bars on T-Mobile. Only 11 miles north of Burro Creek BLM CG.

  • Jeffrey F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2024

    Swansea Ghost Town

    Very remote, but interesting

    This location is very remote and a high clearance vehicle is needed. The drive in is a dirt road and very tough the last couple of miles. I didn’t see many spots right at the ghost town, but plenty all over before and after. I had one or two bars of service on Verizon. If you like exploring and solitude, this place is for you.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2025

    Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area

    Not Safe - local homeless camping

    Pulled in here to see an old burnt out RV being towed away with the assistance of BLM officers. Did a lap around the camping area and it did not feel safe at all. Lots of homeless camping since this is really close to part of Lake Havasu City. Couple of campers looked broke down and stuck there long term. Lots of tent camping with vehicles (homeless). 

    Talked to one of the BLM officers on the way out and he recommended that I don't camp there. They have lots of issues with this place. He said the places South of town and further North were much safer.


Guide to Lake Havasu City

Primitive camping near Lake Havasu City, Arizona sits along the eastern shore of the Colorado River at approximately 500 feet elevation where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F. The surrounding Mojave Desert terrain features rocky washes, low mountains, and limited natural shade. Free dispersed sites typically allow stays during the cooler months from October through April when conditions are most favorable.

What to do

Off-road exploring: Several dispersed sites offer direct trail access for ATVs and UTVs. At Needle Mountain Road, "this is the place to park and explore for sure... the hidden gem is everyone with ATVs rides right down to the river and it's super neat for sure." The area connects to Pirates Cove where "they deliver food to you."

Hiking nearby hills: Multiple camping areas have accessible hiking trails with minimal elevation gain. At AZ State Land Recreational Area, "there's hiking opportunities right out your front door, and nothing but the highway or the lake to stop your progress. The nearby Cattail Cove State Park offers designated hiking trails through the rugged desert terrain."

Stargazing: Light pollution remains minimal at most dispersed sites further from town. "Havasu Heights isn't a lot of light pollution so you can get great stars and moon pictures," notes one camper who enjoys astrophotography in the area.

What campers like

Proximity to town services: Most campers appreciate the balance of isolation with easy access to Lake Havasu City. At Havasu BLM Dispersed, visitors note "only 6 miles from Lake Havasu City makes for a great location" and it's "close enough to go to beach, groceries, activities."

Cell connectivity: Signal strength varies but is generally reliable enough for basic needs. One reviewer at Havasu BLM Dispersed mentions "AT&T 4G signal 3 bars more or less" while another advises that "Way out in the back no Verizon or little and AT&T is what worked for us. Would suggest cell booster."

Space between sites: Many areas allow for spreading out away from neighbors. At Blankenship Wash Dispersed, "This is BLM land, there are many places to pull off the dirt road and camp... The further you go into the area, the quieter it becomes."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads can be challenging depending on your vehicle and the specific site. At Lone Tree Dispersed Camping BLM, campers note it's "Nicely graveled" while other areas require more caution: "The roads in from the highway are rough and rocky, but doable if you take it slow."

Trash issues exist: Unfortunately, litter remains a problem at some sites. One camper at Craggy Wash observed "There is a lot of trash, and it has been here for some time. The trash attracts bugs, so the fly situation is higher than some other places we have been."

Security concerns: Theft has been reported at certain locations. At Arizona State Trust Land, one camper warned, "last night someone stole his generator that was chained to his RV clean cut didn't even wake the dog so doesn't seem like a great spot if you want to keep your generator."

Seasonal crowds: Winter and early spring bring the highest visitor counts. "This place was PACKED RVs as far as the eye can see... every nook and cranny someone was in there," reported a Dutch Flats Dispersed camper during peak season.

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites away from heavy OHV traffic: For quieter family camping, look for locations further from main routes. At Craggy Wash, "You DO need to go a ways in.. like a mile or two to get a decent spot, though the road isn't all that bad, so it's just cruising along until you find the one."

Plan for extreme temperatures: Summer visits require careful preparation for heat. At Lone Tree, one visitor reported "it was beautiful but very cold and windy" in winter while summer temperatures can be challenging: "It was just under 90°F at midnight and the ground was so rocky that sleeping was a challenge."

Consider weekend noise levels: Weekdays typically offer a quieter experience. "Our experience was mostly peaceful, some dude had a generator running most of the night down the hill, but it was far enough away to not be a big deal," noted one Craggy Wash visitor.

Tips from RVers

Scout spots before committing: Road conditions can change rapidly after rain. "I recommend parking and walking the roads before committing to the drive in," suggests one experienced RVer at AZ State Land Recreational Area.

Look for established pull-outs: Previous camping spots are usually more level. "Havasu BLM is relatively flat, a lot of space to find a semi level spot. You can park far enough off the highway no highway noise. Lots of big rigs. No issue for 40' pusher and 24' car hauler," reports one RVer.

Solar capabilities: The region gets abundant sunshine for solar setups. "With sun, sun, sun, the California/Arizona skies are great for solar gathering, so bring out all your panels," advises a camper who notes "Starlink internet worked well too."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping areas around Lake Havasu?

Several dispersed camping areas surround Lake Havasu City. Havasu BLM Dispersed is located just minutes from town, offering ample space with relatively flat, hard-packed gravel surfaces ideal for most vehicles. For those seeking more remote options, Swansea Ghost Town provides dispersed camping in a historic setting, though high-clearance vehicles are required for the rough dirt road access. Other options include Blankenship Wash, Arizona State Trust Land south of Lake Havasu City, and Dutch Flats. Most dispersed sites are accessible via gravel roads and offer no facilities, so come prepared with everything you need including water, food, and waste disposal methods.

Is free camping available at Lake Havasu and where are the designated areas?

Yes, free camping is widely available around Lake Havasu on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Signal Road BLM dispersed offers free camping just 1.1 miles from Highway 93 on a recently upgraded wide, smooth gravel surface. Be cautious though, as the road becomes steep with wash dips further in. Snaggletooth Primitive RV Camp is another free option with beautiful mountain views once you get past the highway-adjacent areas. Additional free camping can be found at Needle Mountain Road near Topock and Dutch Flats dispersed camping area. These sites typically allow stays up to 14 days in a 28-day period and have no developed facilities.

What amenities are available at Craggy Wash dispersed camping area?

Craggy Wash dispersed camping area offers minimal amenities as it's a true primitive camping experience. Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area has no developed facilities - you won't find potable water, trash service, restrooms, picnic tables, or fire rings. The area features hard-packed gravel surfaces suitable for various camping setups. Its proximity to Lake Havasu City (just a few miles away) makes it convenient for supply runs. Cell service is generally available in most spots. While BLM Dispersed Camping Havasu areas like Craggy Wash lack amenities, they offer the advantage of spaciousness, privacy, and beautiful desert landscapes. Be prepared to bring everything you need and pack out all waste.

What are the BLM camping regulations at Lake Havasu?

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) camping regulations around Lake Havasu allow for free camping with a typical 14-day stay limit within any 28-day period. At Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area, BLM officers regularly patrol the area to enforce regulations. At Alamo Lake Dispersed Campsite, campers must pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Vehicles must stay on established roads and within designated dispersed camping areas. Campfires may be restricted during high fire danger periods. Generators are allowed but quiet hours should be observed. BLM land permits recreational activities like hiking and OHV use on designated trails. Always check current regulations before your trip as they may change seasonally.