Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape near Mohave Valley, Arizona, with Bureau of Land Management areas offering primitive camping experiences at elevations ranging from 500 to 3,500 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for outdoor activities. Most BLM areas have no water sources, so campers must bring sufficient supplies for their entire stay.
What to do
Water recreation access: Arrowhead Cove at Lake Mead National Recreation Area provides direct lake access for campers. "Total privacy at this hidden beach on Lake Mead. Listen though, its a pain, but if you get to the water and see someone else camping there... Follow the first come first serve rule," notes reviewer Charlie C. The cove features "the clearest water" according to Lyle F., making it ideal for swimming and fishing.
Mountain hiking: Hualapai Mountain Park offers extensive trail systems at higher elevations. A reviewer named Craig J. mentions "immediate access to the Potato Patch Loop trailhead," while Jenny H. notes there are "10 gorgeous miles of hiking trails" available to campers. The elevation provides relief from valley temperatures.
Nighttime exploration: The dark skies of the region create opportunities for stargazing and nocturnal wildlife viewing. Kevin T. shares his experience: "I came night hiking here and the stars will amaze you. I got to see reptiles like tarantulas and scorpions."
What campers like
Natural privacy barriers: Katherine Landing South Campground offers sites with vegetation between camping areas. Brittney C. mentions "oleander trees space out each camp spot which give you all the privacy anyone could need." Honeymooners O. adds there are "large sites with trees in between" among the 173 available campsites.
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation at Hualapai Mountain Park provides relief during hot months. Jenny H. notes that "$20 a night, dry camp will get you out of the blast furnace of the Kingman summer," making it a popular summer destination when valley temperatures soar.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds in the region offer opportunities to observe desert and mountain wildlife. Chris G. writes about Hualapai: "I have never been so close to wild life before the elk and deer roam the area, especially in the morning hours." At Arrowhead Cove, Lyle F. describes seeing "water fowl dive freely along the banks" and notes "a treasure trove of wildlife."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary significantly between campgrounds. At Arrowhead Cove, Charlie C. warns, "NO GLASS ALLOWED," after receiving a warning from park rangers. Always check current fire restrictions before camping, especially during summer months.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires appropriate vehicles. Lyle F. notes about Arrowhead Cove: "There is a sign at the entrance of Mead-Davis Powerline Rd road that says 4x4 recommended... Take this to heart." Similarly, at Wild Horse Road Dispersed camping, a reviewer mentions it's "about 1/4 mile down a road marked '4x4 high clearance only.'"
Limited water availability: Many camping areas have no potable water sources. Emma L. mentions about Hualapai Mountain Park: "Only drawback is we couldn't find any drinking water," highlighting the need to bring sufficient water supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for hot days: Riverside Adventure Trails RV Resort offers swimming facilities that children enjoy during summer months. Kate B. shares, "The pool was an absolute lifesaver in the August heat!" The resort also maintains clean facilities and social areas.
Kid-friendly amenities: Kingman KOA offers multiple activities for children. Katherine T. describes, "The campground also had a pool, hot tub, playground, mini golf and a little train that kids to ride in around the park starting at 9:30am." Several reviewers note the campground is well-maintained with many family amenities.
Safety considerations: Be prepared for wildlife encounters and extreme temperatures. Hunter I. camping at Hualapai Mountain Park shares, "We could hear the Elk mating call a few times throughout the night but it did not disturb us," noting that wildlife presence typically isn't threatening but requires awareness.
Tips from RVers
Easy access campsites: Blake Ranch RV Park accommodates larger rigs with minimal hassle. Daniel's review notes, "We have a Cyclone 4270 (44' 5th wheel) and in truck and we're around 60'. Nice pull through site with easy access and very quiet grounds."
Hookup availability: Full-service options vary widely between campgrounds. Edward K. shares about Blake Ranch RV Park: "The RV spots were large, flat and easy to get into with enough room to park our truck after we unhooked," and mentions they took "advantage of the little store, propane fill up and laundry facilities."
Site spacing concerns: Many established campgrounds have closely spaced sites. Rachel H. notes at Kingman KOA: "These pull throughs are narrow if you have slideouts on both sides. Forget using an awning, we barely have room for the slides or walking between slide and hedge."
