Best Tent Camping near Lake Havasu City, AZ

Tent campers near Lake Havasu City can find good sites at Cattail Cove State Park along the Colorado River. The ground is smooth and flat, making tent setup straightforward at most sites. Some spots have better privacy thanks to desert plants between them, while others are more open. You can park pretty close to where you'll pitch your tent, which helps when unloading your gear. Since trees are scarce in this area, bringing your own shade canopy is a good idea, especially during hot months. The park has decent facilities with flush toilets and shower buildings within walking distance of most tent sites. It's smart to book ahead, particularly on weekends and during winter when snowbirds come down. Wild burros sometimes wander through the campground, so keep food locked up. Water spigots are scattered throughout the camping areas, though you should bring extra water given the desert heat. The tent pads work for most tent sizes, but larger family tents might be tight in some spots. From your campsite, you can easily get to Lake Havasu for swimming or boating, or check out nearby spots like London Bridge and Copper Canyon when you're not at camp.

Best Tent Sites Near Lake Havasu City, Arizona (6)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lake Havasu City, AZ

3 Photos of 6 Lake Havasu City Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Lake Havasu City, AZ

423 Reviews of 6 Lake Havasu City Campgrounds


  • Janet B.
    Dec. 13, 2021

    Cattail Cove State Park Campground

    Quiet campground not too far from Lake Havasu

    Got to this campground because lake havasu was full. It’s about 20 minutes from Lake Havasu city and I liked how it’s not so crowded compared to there. There’s a nice beach area and bathrooms/showers were clean!

  • Deborah C.
    May. 27, 2019

    Crossroads

    Crossroads BLM California , May, 2019

    First, you get what you pay for, this tent site was 5.00 per night! The location is great, right on the Colorado River. We made reservations ahead of time using reservation.gov. We knew there were no amenities but were ok with it.

    I use a rating scale based on amenities, location, cell service, cleanliness and campsite.

    There is no running water available at the site, only one vault toilet, obviously no showers.

    The campsite itself was great, nice shady spot with a grill, picnic table and did I mention right on the water.

    Cell service was spotty, usually one bar with AT&T.

    There are wild burros that roam the area and we were quite surprised that they walked through our campsite down to the water.

    We stayed on a Friday night and there were people riding motorcycles or ATVs through the park chasing the burros, making a lot of noise. Also people on the river all through the night making lots of noise.

    We rented kayaks in Parker AZ, Parker watercraft and it was great, we loved every minute.

    While there we also made the quick trip to Lake Havasu city to see the London Bridge.

  • Leasa W.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Cattail Cove State Park Campground

    Lake Havasu - Arizona State Park camping experience

    Great way to afford enjoying Lake Havasu. Note this is an Arizona State Park so daily vehicle rates do apply if just visiting and/or camping. Located on the east side of Lake Havasu side in Arizona state border. California to the west separated by the Colorado River/Lake Havasu. Lake Havasu City is 19 miles away and the Parker strip is 8 miles away (Lake Havasu separated by the Parker Dam). Remember you're camping in a hot, dry desert climate and limited shade as only palm trees and small shrubs. Campground has showers and restrooms as well as RV dump station. If you're looking for a place to enjoy Lake Havasu, lounging in the water or boating, highly recommend Cattail Cove State Park. A little more remote than right in the city.

  • Charlie C.
    Mar. 23, 2021

    Wild Cow Springs Campground

    Amazing Place

      Let me start off by saying I made it to this spot in my Kia Niro with its front wheel drive. Not the worst dirt road I've encountered but very steep in some parts and I would not recommend going to this site in the snow unless you have 4 wheel drive, snow chains and experience. I didn't go in the snow but I could imagine. One slip and you're in serious trouble. That out of the way, this place is GREAT!

      On the drive up you go through a sleepy little town half way up the mountain, the views along the drive are stunning. Bring plenty of supplies and know its about a 40 min drive each way to get more.

       Lots of wildlife in the area, was a little concerned about bears in the area as it looked like they had some scratching posts right around our campsite (pictures posted) but didn't end up seeing a one.

       May be pretty tight for a larger RV as sites are pretty small. Vaulted toilets were very well maintained. I will go back!

    -Chuck

    P.S. Don't forget, always leave the area better than you found it!

                LEAVE NO TRACE!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    AZ State Land Recreational Area Dispersed Site

    Stellar Sunsets & Views

    This dispersed camping area which requires a ridiculously inexpensive online permit ($20 per year), was perfect for what we needed. Our closest neighbor was about ¼ mile away, and we had views and sunsets aplenty. 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.  Once again our 67 year old vintage camper did great getting to our spot, though we recommend parking and walking the roads before committing to the drive in.

    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. 

    Nothing in the way of services, so bring your own...but lots of space to be alone and private.  And, with sun, sun, sun, the California/ Arizona skies are great for solar gathering, so bring out all your panels. Starlink internet worked well too. 

    Lake Havasu city is about 15 minutes up the road, and there you can find everything you might need in terms of services and supplies. Check out the world famous London Bridge while you’re there, too!

  • K
    Apr. 13, 2023

    BeachComber Resort

    Sam’s Beachcomber

    Great location at the end of the island at Lake havasu City. RV sites interspersed among permanent structures. Gravel site with a cement pad. Just a short walk down to the lake. Some large trees but not a lot of shade. Pool and spa are clean. Internet close to the office.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2018

    Crossroads

    Only BLM Overnight Campground on Parker Strip. Earp, CA

    Crossroads Campground is located on the riverfront of the beautiful Lower Colorado River. This campground is popular with winter visitors looking to enjoy the warm winter temperatures and relax on the riverfront. This campground has great access to fishing, boating and off-roading.

    Natural Features:

    The campground is situated on the shoreline of the Lower Colorado River. The river runs through a backdrop of steep rocky terrain, and wind shaped sand dunes. The area is teeming with wildlife, especially fish, migratory birds and small mammals.

    Recreation:

    The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.

    Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch open year-round.

    Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking, biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.

    Facilities:

    This small campground contains individual campsites and one accessible campsite. All of the sites are dry camping (no water) and provide a picnic table and grill. 

    One vault toilet is available. There is a Campground Host available to answer questions.

    Nearby Attractions:

    The Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads Off- Highway Vehicle Open Areas offer miles of off-road adventures. Rock hounders enjoy hiking and driving through the area to search for unique rocks. 

    Rock House Visitor Center has a free boat launch and a visitor center stocked with brochures and information about the area.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2024

    River Island State Park Campground

    One of the Best State Parks We've Experienced

    We arrived with no issues, though our RV GPS wanted to take us to the main ranger station about 4 miles before the campground(CG). Waze took us right to the CG. We arrived 30 minutes after their 2:00 PM check-in time, and the little ranger station was closed, so we proceeded to water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) site 23 and had no problem backing into this site. The utilities are centered on the pad, which was nice, and the water pressure was about 40 psi. One of the first things we noticed about this CG was how clean it was when we saw camp hosts cleaning sites and manicuring the gravel around them. The sites here are decently spaced. Site 23 was long enough for our 40’ 5th wheel with space to park our F450 off to the side of the asphalt pad. There was also a jumbo-sized picnic table and a stand-up barbecue. The Verizon signal was iffy, sometimes getting 1 bar depending on where you are in the CG. They have Wifi at the ranger station, which was okay. There are shade trees here and there throughout the CG, but we had no problem getting a clear shot of the northern sky for Starlink. This state park has a nice-sized agility dog park in which they have grass and keep it watered. Suggest you arrive before 3:00 PM as the office closes early. Parker about 20 minutes away has your major amenities such as Walmart. Lake Havasu City has some tourist attractions worth checking out, such as the London Bridge. You cannot beat the mountain views, and we wished we’d stayed longer than just four days.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Cattail Cove State Park Campground

    Got Camping Plans for Christmas?

    We stumbled onto this lovely state park campground on Christmas Eve, with no reservations (as usual) and found more than just a lovely campsite, but a whole community of campers. Each year this small park hosts a thriving Christmas potluck which is managed by their long term volunteer camp host couple. Many families plan their year around getting a reservation to be at this place on Christmas day!  We were simply blown away by the community, camaraderie, and fellowship we found here. 

    We even tried out our first run at making homemade tamales – turned out pretty good.

    Now the sites are what you might expect to see, slightly less than spacious lots with a bit of  elbow room in between your neighbors. All sites are electrical and water serviced, so no need to have generators running into the wee hours. With lots of well cared for cottonwood trees, the sites offer lots of shade and space to enjoy your area. 

    The bathrooms have flush toilets with warm showers, and while a little dated, they were clean and did the job.  Nice dishwashing sink (wish more parks had these!) and picnic tables all over the place.  I think we ate nearly every meal down by the water.

    The lake shore offers a good boat launch with a massive trailer parking area, and a small swimming area as well. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards from the park to enjoy the water, just be aware of the way the wind is blowing -- it can get fierce quickly! There is a beach volleyball court at the water's edge and hiking trails leave directly from the park and wind along the lakeshore and into the desert landscape. 

    Lake Havasu city is about 15 minutes up the road, and there you can find everything you might need in terms of services and supplies. Check out the world famous London Bridge while you’re there.


Guide to Lake Havasu City

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake Havasu City, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake Havasu City, AZ is Havasu Heights with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake Havasu City, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Lake Havasu City, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.