Primitive tent camping near Meadview, Arizona offers remote access to Lake Mead National Recreation Area's desert backcountry. Located at roughly 3,000 feet elevation, the surrounding terrain features dramatic limestone formations and exposed rock faces that create stark contrasts during sunrise and sunset. Summer temperatures consistently reach 110°F in this region, with overnight lows dropping to the mid-70s.
What to do
River fishing access: At Diamond Creek Camp, campers can fish directly on the Colorado River with relatively easy access. According to SpentBrassOffroad B.: "This is a cool little spot on the CO River...They have a separate little beach access for the campground if you can take the freezing CO river."
Nude recreation: Some remote areas near Lake Mead allow for clothing-optional recreation in less-visited areas. One camper at Gregg's Hideout notes: "Did some nude hiking and pretty much had the area all to myself. Water level was very low so access there was a hike."
Cliff jumping: Several coves feature natural cliff formations for swimming and jumping during high water periods. As noted at Road Runner Cove: "Huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from. You can bring a huge party and be completely isolated from everyone."
What campers like
Desert solitude: Many dispersed sites around Valley of Fire Dispersed offer true isolation from other campers. As Kevin T. reports: "We stayed for one night, loads of space, fairly level as well. Just a little bit off the road and really quiet."
Night skies: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions throughout the region. De L. noted: "We felt safe, the views were beautiful, and it was easy just to pull off- park and sleep."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot desert wildlife. At Eight Mile Dispersed Camping, campers report: "Water was clear and could see decent sized fish in the shallows."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles and can be impassable after rain. Marion B. warns about Windy Point Campground: "Both roads required AWD/high clearance...the 11 mile route also required off road tires and lots of skill. A storm blew through a couple of weeks prior and did some damage."
Permit requirements: Some areas require permits from tribal authorities. For Diamond Creek Camp: "Before you start down the road to this campsite you need to get a Trespassing Permit from the Tribal Game Wardens Office which is located next to the store at the top of the trail."
Limited phone service: Cell coverage varies dramatically throughout the area. While some spots have surprisingly good service—"Cell signal is booming @ this site, more so than Govt Wash"—others have no coverage whatsoever.
Water access challenges: Lake levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year. As SpentBrassOffroad B. noted at Gregg's Hideout: "The water level was way down. They still did have a road all the way to the water."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose locations with some natural shade. Michael G. suggests Diamond Creek: "The camping area is more like a day use area where they let you camp...There are covered tables and you can make a fire in rock circles next to them."
Water safety measures: The Colorado River current can be dangerously swift for children. At Road Runner Cove, Jesse S. advises: "If you hike to those cliffs on the left it's a fish sanctuary see a couple striper in there."
Weather preparation: Desert temperature swings can be extreme. Brayden C. shares from experience: "Don't go if it's going to be windy, we had to move our tent 3 times but much easier to access in my Chevy Equinox and worth the views."
Privacy concerns: Some sites offer limited seclusion for basic needs. De L. notes about Valley of Fire Dispersed: "The set up of the camp is close to a large dirt parking lot with random fire pits. Due to the layout it was hard to sneak off to pee in privacy."
Tips from RVers
Washboard road navigation: RVers should avoid the worst access roads. Kiley S. warns about Eight Mile Road: "I've driven down other washboard roads but even with some speed this road was so tough on my van. We made it and the views and solitude were worth it but it was a loud, bumpy, stressful 2 mile ride."
Leveling challenges: Many primitive sites require careful positioning. John L. at Valley of Fire Dispersed: "Found a flat spot next to a fire ring after traveling down a bumpy road."
Generator etiquette: Some dispersed camping areas have unwritten rules about generator usage. Michał M. cautions: "A great spot before visiting Valley of Fire. Leveled, gravel, Fire pits. On the other hand, busy all year round with people running their generators all night, be aware."
Turning radius limitations: Campgrounds with limited space create maneuvering challenges. Chet W. notes about Diamond Creek: "Camping area is rustic with no hook ups. 5-7 ramadas with tables and room to turn your rig around."
