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."
