Berton M.
Legend
LegendHavasu BLM Dispersed
Easy BLM camping area right off the road. Its 8 miles from the center of town. About 4 miles from grocery store. The road noise can get loud but reduced a lot at night. Very convenient location.
Dispersed Camping near Mohave Valley, AZ
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Several free dispersed camping areas surround Mohave Valley, with options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Needle Mountain Road offers a spacious area accessible directly off the highway, providing level sites with mountain views. The ground is primarily gravel with few natural barriers between sites. Craggy Wash and Lone Tree areas near Lake Havasu City provide additional options with similar primitive conditions.
Most dispersed sites near Mohave Valley lack all amenities – no water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with fires generally permitted in established rings. Roads can be rough in places but are navigable for most vehicles with reasonable clearance. A camper noted, "The road is a bit rough but can be navigated with slow speed and caution." Cell service is generally available but varies by location and carrier. The 14-day stay limit applies to all BLM dispersed camping areas in the region.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Mohave Valley (55)
1. Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area
"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. Needle Mountain Road
"Decent dirt road network some noise from traffic but not bad."
"Easy access off of 40, road is not bad, level spots, minimal road noise,l (road noise is our white noise) easy to locate = 5 stars in our book."
3. BLM OHV Designated Dispersed Campsite
4. Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
"Beautiful area just outside of Laughlin, Nevada. Right on a Cove of Lake Mead. Four Mile unpaved Road to get down to the lake and anywhere between 15 to 20 camping spots depending on group size."
"Beautiful setting during the offseason, unless you’re into crowds as illustrated by Google Maps during the summer."
5. Oatman Highway Camp
"I was startled by three burros walking through the camp after dark"
6. The Y Dispersed Campsite
"An occasional Donkey will walk thru & your dog looks like there enemy, Wile E Coyote!"
7. Lone Tree Dispersed Camping BLM
"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."
8. Old Kingman Highway Dispersed Camping near Bullhead City
"This is a site that is in a dispersed camping area and is used be OHVs. It is on Buckwash Road off of Highway 68. Before you get to Bullhead City."
"Pulled off the highway and yes the road is a bit rough but can be navigated with slow speed and caution. Drive about 1/2 mile to a small area with a fire ring. Level and clean."
9. Colorado Riverfront Camp
10. Balancing Rock Camp
"Got a beautiful spot right next to the rocks! One other person on the other side by the balancing rock. Super quiet. A bit windy, but we were blocked from most of the wind where we camped."
Drive Time
- 48 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 1 hr 52 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 3 hrs 6 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 3 hrs 18 min from El Centro, CA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mohave Valley, AZ
169 Photos of 55 Mohave Valley Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Oatman Highway CampJ
The Y Dispersed CampsiteB
Oatman Dispersed - BLMC
BLM Dispersed off 95E
Old Kingman Highway Dispersed Camping near Bullhead City
Havasu Heights
Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation AreaT
Blankenship Wash Dispersed
Lone Tree Dispersed Camping BLM
Arrowhead Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mohave Valley, AZ
232 Reviews of 55 Mohave Valley Campgrounds
- MMerrily J.
GuideLone Tree Dispersed Camping BLM
Don’t camp in the wash if significant or prolonged rain is forecast! The sloping access to the lower flats becomes slick and treacherous in adverse conditions. The “wash” or “arroyo” cuts the bottom of both ramps and could leave campers on the north side cut off unless they could negotiate the OHV (arc or quad by other names) tracks. Most large rigs occupy the perimeter of the upper level leaving the lower section to the more nimble and lighter weight RVs, trucks, van and car campers. There is no shade other than the shadow of the eastern hills. Rocky and uneven gravel makes for challenging leveling. Lots of highway noise. Lone Tree sits at the junction of three ATV trails meaning weekend joyriders make extra noise and dust. That being said, Lone Tree is super convenient to shopping in Lake Havasu City and free $$$ is always good. Most campers keep to themselves, dogs on leash or penned, and music muted.
Ron K.GuideLake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Nice Beach Camping
I hear this is like burning man in the summer with degrees soaring beyond 120. However in late October this place had only a half dozen campers spread out, so plenty of privacy. The lake is calm and good for swimming. There are coyotes howling at night. But the biggest attraction was the raccoons. Yeah, they came in trying to get the trash bag out. They hit everyone's campsite at 3am. Other than that excitement it was great. I would stop here again. The road in was easy as dirt roads go, however the ranger said they just updated it. So check with them for the latest. Since it is heavily traveled I would think they keep it looking better than most dirt roads.
- Ron K.Guide
Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Great spot when the weather is good
Guys, this is a wonderful place right off the highway. I hear it is bumper to bumper like burning man in the summer. But in October there were half a dozen people here with plenty of room in between. Note that raccoons are a huge issue here. Plan on it. They will come, trust me. They make their way from camp to camp and they are hard to get rid of. The ranger came by and chatted with us. Very easy road in. A couple steep places that are fine for most any rig I would think. Look, if you want a perfect road, don't go on dirt. They just fixed the road from the traffic in the summer.
Matt G.
RangerW Big Wash Road Dispersed
Great place to stop. Not to far off the main road. Gravel road pretty decent. Multiple places to choose from. Minimal vehicles pass bye. Good cell signal.
John S.
TravelerHwy 193 BLM Dispersed
Arrived at sundown midweek, must be over a dozen rigs here. We are fine in our 19’ camper van but many sites are tight/rutted for a big RV or trailer. We had to keep the dogs on leash. Enough said.
- BBrett T.Guide
Six Mile Cove Shoreline Camping — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Very trashy, toilets are available but I have not walked into one. Contacted the park service about the condition but nobody has shown up. Supposedly no glass bottles but broken ones are abundant. Lots of loud music on the weekends.
- Becky G.Guide
Gravel Pit - Vanlife Parking
Good spot, lots of room up here, so you can have your own space away from others. Spots have fire rings, and they are pretty level. The road getting in was not bad at all. There’s a bit of road noise, and there are people with dirt bikes, but it’s not too bad.
Icy B.GuideNeedle Mountain Road
Decent Spot
Decent Spot, trails everywhere, spots to camp everywhere. Didnt go that far back but a local was telling me the trails go for miles. Super hot in October 100° but I'm not sure if thats normal.
Guide to Mohave Valley
Dispersed camping sites around Mohave Valley span across desert terrain at elevations between 500-600 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F while winter nights can drop below 40°F. Road conditions vary significantly between sites, with some requiring higher clearance vehicles during wetter seasons.
What to do
Drone flying opportunities: At Craggy Wash, campers can explore unique aerial perspectives. "Cool spot to fly the drone, caves and weird stuff left behind by previous campers," notes David H.
Mountain climbing: The dispersed camping areas offer accessible hiking terrain for various skill levels. At Lone Tree Dispersed Camping, visitors enjoy "a great hike to the top of the rocky hill near the back of the area," according to Noah E.
Wildlife viewing: The Y Dispersed Campsite provides unique opportunities to see desert wildlife. "Burros frequent the area looking for food from travelers and often stand in the middle of the road. They also gather among the campers," reports Brad B.
What campers like
Proximity to supplies: Many dispersed camping areas maintain decent access to services despite their remote feel. Jeff R. notes about Craggy Wash, "Lots of room, good cell service and close to town."
Secluded camping options: While some sites get crowded, quieter spots can be found with minimal effort. Cassidy mentions, "I loved how we felt completely secluded while only being a few miles from town."
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. At Snaggletooth Primitive RV Camp, Erin notes, "The highlight was watching the sun set behind the mountains."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access roads require careful navigation. At Telephone Cove, Mike M. warns, "The road in is all dirt and there are a couple of washes that could cause trouble for longer trailers with low clearance."
Stay limits: Free camping near Mohave Valley typically enforces specific time restrictions. Steve M. notes, "Stay limit here is 7 days."
Crowding patterns: Camping areas experience significant seasonal population fluctuations. Jeffrey F. observes, "You need to go 1 mile up the road before you can camp. At the first spot there are lots of rigs and interesting characters."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly swimming spots: Some locations offer safer water access points. At Telephone Cove, Kiersten M. mentions, "Shallow water is great for kids and dogs."
Safety considerations: When camping with children, be aware of wildlife encounters. Laurie F. at The Y Dispersed Campsite cautions, "Just beware the coyotes are hunting your little dogs. An occasional Donkey will walk thru & your dog looks like there enemy."
Weekend planning: Family trips require timing adjustments for optimal experiences. Noah E. suggests, "Lots of OHV during the day and people run their generators at all hours, but I didn't have any issue sleeping."
Tips from RVers
Suitable locations for larger rigs: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles better than others. Kathy M. from Craggy Wash advises, "Road is very rough going in. Recommend high clearance vehicles."
Site selection strategy: RVers suggest specific location strategies for comfort. Shawn A. notes, "I like that it is on an upper hillside. Clean, no trash, quiet & civil while I was here."
Utility management: Without hookups, resource planning becomes essential. Josh F. from Telephone Cove explains, "Dirt road in was about 4 miles long from the highway but pretty well graded and easy to drive, big rig friendly."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free boondocking available in Mohave Valley, Arizona?
Is there free boondocking available in Mohave Valley, Arizona?
Yes, free boondocking is readily available in the Mohave Valley area. Snaggletooth Primitive RV Camp offers free dispersed camping with beautiful mountain views. While the area nearest the highway has some trash, driving a bit further in rewards you with pristine camping spots. Another free option is Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area south of Lake Havasu City. The roads can be rough going in, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Most boondocking sites in the area have no facilities - no water, toilets, or hookups - so come prepared with everything you need, including plenty of water and a way to pack out all waste.
Where can I find dispersed camping spots in Mohave Valley?
Where can I find dispersed camping spots in Mohave Valley?
Mohave Valley offers several dispersed camping options on BLM land. Hwy 193 BLM Dispersed provides back-in spots accessible via exit 66 from I-40, then a couple miles on S Blake Ranch Road. This area accommodates large rigs up to 43 feet. Another option is W Big Wash Road Dispersed, located about 1.5 miles off the highway on a dirt road with two camping spots - one visible on the right on a narrow trail, and another just around the first corner. Look for BLM land markers and established fire rings to identify legal camping areas. Most sites are accessible with standard vehicles, though some roads may require higher clearance, especially after rain.
What camping facilities are available at Fort Mohave?
What camping facilities are available at Fort Mohave?
Fort Mohave area offers primarily dispersed camping with minimal facilities. At Old Kingman Highway Dispersed Camping near Bullhead City, you'll find basic dispersed sites with no amenities - no water, electricity, or restrooms. For those seeking more facilities, BLM OHV Designated Dispersed Campsite provides areas suitable for big rigs while still maintaining the primitive camping experience. Most camping in Fort Mohave requires self-sufficiency - bring your own water, waste disposal systems, and power sources. Some areas have fire rings, but you should always check current fire restrictions. Cell service is generally available throughout the region, making it suitable for remote workers who need connectivity while enjoying the desert landscape.
What attractions can I visit near Mohave Valley while camping, like Oatman?
What attractions can I visit near Mohave Valley while camping, like Oatman?
While camping near Mohave Valley, the historic mining town of Oatman is a must-visit attraction where wild burros roam the streets and old-west charm abounds. Near Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove, you can enjoy water activities on Lake Mead. The area also offers excellent hiking, with trail systems like those found near Wild Horse Road Dispersed, which is close to Hole in the Wall, featuring dramatic red rock formations. Laughlin, Nevada is nearby for those seeking casinos and entertainment. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Black Mountains offer scenic drives and wildlife viewing opportunities, while the Colorado River provides fishing, boating, and swimming options.
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