Dispersed camping options around Lake Havasu City provide alternatives to established campgrounds. The area contains several Bureau of Land Management (BLM) locations where self-sufficient campers can set up at no cost. These sites typically enforce a 14-day stay limit and require visitors to pack out all trash and waste. Winter temperatures in this region range from 40-70°F while summer can exceed 110°F, making seasonal planning crucial.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: At Havasu Heights, the minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "There's not a lot of light pollution so you can get great stars and moon pictures," notes one camper at Havasu Heights, which sits about 10 minutes from Interstate 40.
Desert hiking: The BLM Wild Cow Springs Recreation Area offers extensive trail access. "Hiking and views for days. Clean vaulted toilets and well maintained site," reports a visitor to BLM Wild Cow Springs Recreation Area. The elevated location provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert landscape.
Access to water recreation: Many dispersed sites provide reasonable access to Lake Havasu despite being outside established parks. "Town is about 10 minutes south, and interstate 40 is about 10 minutes north," explains a camper at Havasu Heights, making water activities accessible with a short drive.
What campers like
Privacy options: Dispersed sites often allow campers to choose their level of seclusion. "If you go a little farther in on the trail you get a little more space. I full time in a class c and flat tow my Jeep and was able to get about half a mile off the main road for my own slice of heaven," shares a visitor at Havasu Heights.
Geological features: The surrounding desert terrain offers interesting landscapes. "The sites are well spread out so each camp has privacy," notes a camper at BLM Wild Cow Springs Recreation Area. Many tent campsites near Lake Havasu City, Arizona are situated among unique rock formations and desert vegetation.
Convenience to supplies: Despite the remote feel, most dispersed sites maintain reasonable proximity to towns. "Parker is nearest town with a Walmart, Safeway, gas, etc. Cell service is very good on all providers," explains a camper at BLM Earp- Parker to Needles Wagon Road Dispersed.
What you should know
Ground conditions: The terrain at dispersed sites varies considerably. "There are lots of flat areas for easy setup, but there are also quite a few areas that would be challenging to level. Depending on your rig you may want to walk the area first," advises a Havasu Heights camper.
Highway proximity: Road noise affects some locations more than others. "Hwy 62 has some noise," notes a camper at BLM dispersed camping spur at MP 133.8. Similar reports indicate that sites closer to major routes experience traffic sounds throughout the day and night.
Weather variability: Desert conditions can change rapidly. "Mid Spring the wind was fairly constant with some decent gusts, got pretty chilly at night," reports a tent camper near Lake Havasu. Wind breaks are minimal at most dispersed sites, requiring proper tent stakes and setup techniques.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Carefully evaluate access roads when bringing children. "The turnoff is difficult to see in time so be careful for the fast moving semi traffic behind ya," warns a camper at BLM Earp-Parker to Needles Wagon Road. Scouting locations before committing to a site helps ensure family safety.
Water management: With no potable water at most dispersed sites, family trips require additional planning. "I learned quick that I need to add a shovel to my essential supplies for BLM camping," notes a visitor at BLM dispersed camping spur at MP 133.8, highlighting the need for proper waste disposal tools when camping with children.
Seasonal timing: Families should consider moderate temperature periods. "Stay was in September and the weather was beautiful. Trees cover almost everything, there is a little creek, and plenty of opportunities to go exploring on hikes," shares a camper describing conditions at Wild Cow Springs.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access routes to many dispersed sites present challenges. "The roadway clearing similar to if a snow plow blocked you in at the end of your driveway. Different size depths to smooth out to make an entry off the main road in," describes an RVer at BLM dispersed camping spur at MP 133.8.
Leveling requirements: Many locations require additional equipment. "Three stars due to slow rocky road access," notes a camper at BLM Earp-Parker to Needles Wagon Road, indicating the importance of leveling blocks and stabilization gear for comfortable RV camping.
Privacy vs. accessibility tradeoff: The balance between isolation and access varies by site. "From Parker all the way to I-40, you have large graded areas that have an RV, Toy Hauler, or 5th wheel trailer parked about every 300 ft," reports a visitor to North of Rovey's Rock, describing the more crowded areas near popular routes.
