Mohave Valley camping destinations sit along the Colorado River with temperatures reaching over 110°F in summer months. Most sites offer river access with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Campers often access Laughlin casinos and entertainment options nearby, with gas prices significantly lower on the Arizona side than in California.
What to do
River activities: Desert View RV Resort offers proximity to the Colorado River for boaters and water enthusiasts. "We had a great experience here. Our trailer has a view of the landscape of palms and undeveloped land behind the park," shares a camper. Fishing, swimming and jet skiing are popular during warmer months.
Gaming and entertainment: Laughlin Avi KOA provides easy access to casino entertainment across the street. "The KOA campground is nothing special, very basic, barren wasteland with full hookup sites. The cool thing here is that the AVI casino is directly across the street and is the only thing around for miles," notes one visitor. The kids center stays open until 2 AM for parents who want to enjoy evening activities.
ATV trails: Numerous off-road vehicle trails surround the area for desert exploration. "Perfect place to ride your side by sides or ATV's. Lots of outdoor activities," writes a Crossroads RV Park visitor. Many campers bring personal ATVs to explore the surrounding desert landscape.
What campers like
River beaches: Davis Camp Park provides direct river access with designated swimming areas. "Loved being able to set up our Napier Sportz tent with our Subaru at the river's edge on the Colorado River just outside of Bullhead City. So clear!" reports one camper. The Colorado River offers cooling relief during hot summer days.
Privacy between sites: Desert View RV Resort features natural barriers between sites. "Nice tall Oleander shrubs provide shade and privacy between sites. Generous sized pull through sites," writes one reviewer. These plantings create individual camping spaces despite the desert setting.
Swimming pools: Several campgrounds maintain pools for cooling off. "Deluxe campground, sweltering heat. This is my first time staying at a KOA campground. I'm impressed with how many amenities are provided: pool, laundry room, clubhouse, well-appointed bathroom, and a camp store with reasonable prices," notes a Needles KOA visitor.
What you should know
Extreme heat conditions: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, even late into the evening. "As I write this at 10:11 at night, it is 100° F. When I arrived in Needles this afternoon, it was 114° F. The water that comes out of the spigots here is like bathwater," reports a KOA camper. Water activities provide the main relief from heat.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife includes burros and nocturnal animals. "Stay there and it was real quiet. The burrows came right through the campsite. They were friendly and did not destroy anything," notes a Crossroads RV Park visitor. Secure food containers at night to prevent animal attraction.
Gas price differences: Substantial gas price differences exist between states. "Fuel prices are about $1.50 to $2 a gallon less in AZ, about 2 miles away on the road," advises a Desert View RV Resort camper. Fill up on the Arizona side rather than in California for significant savings.
Tips for camping with families
Riverfront camping: Big Bend of the Colorado offers family-friendly beach areas. "The beach is nice and well maintained. There are two sides to jump into the water," notes a camper. Early morning or evening swimming works best for families with small children during hot months.
Kid-friendly activities: Several resorts provide recreational facilities beyond water activities. "This place has a variety of games around that can be fun for groups," reports a Needles KOA visitor. Playground areas vary significantly between campgrounds, with some offering minimal facilities.
Educational opportunities: The region's desert environment provides learning opportunities about desert ecology. "We group camp here with fellow youth sports families. The kids love the open areas to run and play in though there are not great playgrounds," shares a Davis Camp Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site privacy considerations: Moon River RV Resort offers sites with natural shade. "Nice level site under eucalyptus trees. The pool was refreshing, the showers and bathrooms clean, friendly staff," shares an RVer. Concrete pads at many campgrounds provide stability for larger rigs.
Navigation challenges: GPS systems sometimes struggle with directions to campgrounds. "Our GPS vectored us in circles until it got it right. So be warned," notes a Desert View visitor. Physical maps or printed directions serve as useful backups when digital navigation fails.
Early arrival recommendations: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Mohave Valley have limited check-in hours or charge for early arrival. "The couple that helps manage the park were very welcoming, and thanked us for staying there. However, she did charge me an extra $15 for arriving at 1130 in the morning. The check-in time is 1400," reports a Desert View RV Resort camper.
