The Colorado River corridor near Mohave Valley, Arizona features a mix of established RV resorts and water-oriented camping options. Crossroads RV Park and Moon River RV Resort provide year-round accommodations within Mohave Valley itself, while nearby Davis Camp Park in Bullhead City offers tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and even yurt options along the riverfront. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access additional facilities in Needles, California, including Desert View RV Resort, Needles KOA, and Pirate Cove, all providing full hookups and amenities for various camping styles. The region's camping landscape centers around the Colorado River and Lake Mohave, with most developed sites offering water access.
Desert camping in this region requires careful planning for extreme temperatures, particularly during summer months when daytime highs regularly exceed 110°F. As one camper noted, "Remember you're camping in a hot, dry desert climate with limited shade as only palm trees and small shrubs." Many campgrounds offer electric hookups essential for air conditioning during hot months. Water access becomes a critical amenity, with riverside and lakefront sites commanding premium rates and filling quickly. Road conditions vary significantly, with some BLM dispersed areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Cell service is generally reliable near established campgrounds but can be spotty in more remote areas. Seasonal considerations include monsoon storms in late summer and occasional high winds throughout the year.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. One camper at Lake Havasu State Park reported, "It was extremely hot but that is Arizona in summer, so it's a huge benefit that the campsites are right on the lake yet still close enough to go get food or coffee or anything else we may have wanted from town." Many RV parks in the region cater to snowbirds and long-term visitors during winter months when temperatures are mild. Stargazing opportunities are frequently mentioned in reviews of both developed and dispersed sites. Visitors to BLM lands should be prepared for self-sufficient camping, as one reviewer noted: "Nothing in the way of services, so bring your own, but lots of space to be alone and private." Noise levels vary considerably, with highway-adjacent sites experiencing more disruption than those further from main roads.
"This site is a walk away from Needles KOA, so if you need anything small, it's a very short walk to their store (where they carry some foods and drinks)."
"Close to town for meals, shopping and cheap gas across the state line. Could hear big trucks on adjacent freeway but quiet enough for a good nights rest."
"Rough crowd around and needles is a disgusting town. It will suffice if you need to stop for a night. Level spots descent size. Well stocked store with very friendly staff"
"Last minute reservation traveling from Yosemite-Tule Lake. Easy access off 40. Carla was very accommodating offering one of the 2 shaded lots available for our dogs sake as it was 92."
"We camped with a group out on one of the points for some good off roading. LOTS of nice trails to go, lots of desert to cover. Some sand, some rocky areas, a nice assortment."
"The RV spots are full hook up and on dirt / sand....and right next to the water. You typically share a beach with three other RV sites though we had the beach mostly to ourselves during our stay."
"Stock up on your groceries before you get to Needles California as there are no grocery stores, I would also suggest getting your fuel across the river in Arizona as the fuel prices here are beyond outrageous"
"On the river, great beach to walk on. We avoided all the bad winter weather. Would definitely go back."
"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, Az. (across from Laughlin, NV). So clear!"
"The Colorado river is beautiful and at your door step. Rent jet skis or go on a boat ride from the Casino across the river on the Nevada side in Laughlin."
"Super dope place right on the river with little sandy beaches on the river and a cool water inlet that is surrounded by grass for a fun family day."
"Close to restaurants, gas stations, attractions."
$10 - $40 / night
"This was a small, 24-site campground near the Colorado River. The sites are not reservable so first come first served. The grounds and bathroom were clean."
"Its FCFS and the sites are usually full or nearly full. Mostly with the snowbirds during the winter months. The sites are fairly large and spaced out."
"The cool thing here is that the AVI casino is directly across the street and is the only thing around for miles, so you’ll most likely be spending your time there like we did."
"Casino is across the street next to the river. Fireworks are nightly and available to buy at the corner gas station /fireworks store. Grocery stores are very close for any of your needs."
"This place is nice and close to Laughlin Nevada, Oatman and Bullhead City and yet it is still out in the country."
TravelerThis place has the most helpful and accommodating staff! Asked them if I could delay my departure 3 hours past checkout due to high winds. They had no problem with it and charged me nothing. Spotless showers, military discounts. Highly recommend.
ScoutRoad in wasn't bad, just a few washboard areas. During the beginning of the week we were alone but it did get busier over the weekend. Don't leave food out there are a few packs of coyotes near by.
GuideLots of spots to camp here. Sites are obvious, with stone camping rings. Lots of rigs here, but everyone is spread out. There are bumper pulls, 5th wheels, class A, B, C, box vans, and trucks/car campers here. You can hear the road noise, the adjacent cement plant, and occasional yelling of unhappy people. Lots of motorcycle, utv/atv activities. Lots of trails to explore. You can see the glow of Las Vegas from here. Lots are pretty level. Att 5G 3 bars, great for a hotspot. I did a lot of online work here. Lots of beautiful flowers at many of the camp sites.
GuideNot too far off the main road, but far enough that you can only barely hear large trucks.
Spots are close together and not big.
Stone fire ring at each site.
Views are of hills.
Att 4G, 1 sometimes 2 bars
Good for an overnight on way to or from Vegas Area
GuideEnded up being pretty nice. I was startled by three burros walking through the camp after dark
GuideRight next to the highway. Busy, but we were able to find a spot with no neighbors.
LegendSeveral large open areas just off the highway. They all were quite busy in late January but we still were able to find a spot with lots of room from other campers. It isn’t a spot I would want to spend multiple nights at but it served its purpose on our trip to set us up to go into and through Lake Havasu the next day.
ScoutGood BLM camping near Havasu. Cell signal for T mobile only nearer entrance, not further back in rock formations.
TravelerMy Ford Explorer was only able to travel approximately one mile down the road. The terrain was exceptionally challenging, necessitating a 4x4 vehicle. Consequently, I am unable to provide a positive review as I had to turn back and depart.
Campsites near Mohave Valley, Arizona provide access to multiple riverside recreation opportunities where the Colorado River flows through Arizona, Nevada, and California. Summer temperatures frequently reach triple digits, often staying above 90°F well into the evening hours. The region's low elevation (around 500 feet) contributes to the intense heat, while winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F, attracting numerous seasonal campers from colder regions.
Water activities year-round: The Colorado River offers swimming, fishing, and boating regardless of season. At Pirate Cove, campers appreciate the direct water access: "You typically share a beach with three other RV sites though we had the beach mostly to ourselves during our stay. My six year old daughter (still learning to swim) was able to enjoy the water as it didn't get deep until you were about 10 feet from the bank."
Desert off-roading: Bring ATVs or rent them on-site at several campgrounds. Crossroads RV Park offers "perfect place to ride your side by sides or ATVs. Lots of outdoor activities."
Casino entertainment: Multiple campgrounds provide easy access to Nevada's casinos. The Laughlin Avi KOA sits directly across from gambling options, as one camper notes: "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."
Private beaches: Waterfront sites with personal beach access are highly valued. At Pirate Cove, "We camp on the Peninsulas. Full hook ups minus cable. Get your very own beach to play on. Leave your water toys at your beach."
Site privacy: Unlike many desert campgrounds, some offer separation between sites. At Desert View RV Resort, "Nice tall Oleander shrubs provide shade and privacy between sites. Generous sized pull through sites... much quieter in the back. Each site has a concrete patio."
Winter temperatures: The mild winter climate makes this region popular with snowbirds. One camper at Moon River RV Resort mentioned, "Most of the people here are snowbirds and they come back every year. This place is nice and close to Laughlin Nevada, Oatman and Bullhead City and yet it is still out in the country."
Extreme summer heat affects everything: Water pipes deliver hot water, even from cold taps. "The water that comes out of the spigots here is like bathwater. I started my day in L.A., where it was about 70° F. I knew it would be hotter inland, but I didn't expect it to be this bad."
Wildlife visitors: Several campgrounds report nocturnal animal activity. "Keep your food in containers because they have skunks and raccoons... The entire Laughlin area has them near the water and hotels because they want a quick meal. Anyway have proper storage because you may wake up to nothing."
Price variations: Gas prices differ dramatically between states in this tri-state area. At Davis Camp Park, a reviewer advised: "Close to the city - so we unhooked the RV and for gas and picked up a few items. They have a Walmart, Sams Club and Home Depot within two miles away."
Kids' entertainment options: Several casino-adjacent campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities beyond gambling. "After the sun went down all the parents decided drop off all kids at the kids care play center where you can leave your kid in there till 2am... The kids loved it, it was a bit of a lord of the flies situation in the kids center that late at night but they were safe and had a blast."
Waterfront site selection: Choose sites based on water depth and accessibility for children. "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. The sites are mostly level but could use some maintaining."
Heat management with kids: Traveling with children requires extra heat precautions. At Needles KOA, one family noted, "We pulling in very late, and it was still very hot! They have the swimming pool open all the time! We rented a cabin and there was no air condition on when we arrived and we turned it on and went swimming at 10:30 at night."
Hookup essentials: Air conditioning access is non-negotiable during warmer months. "Grateful for Hook-ups as it has been over 100 degrees each time we've stayed and A/C is necessary."
Grocery planning: Limited shopping options require advance planning. One RVer advised, "Stock up on your groceries before you get to Needles California as there are no grocery stores."
Arrival timing: Early check-in often incurs additional fees. "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV parks are available in Mohave Valley, Arizona?
Crossroads RV Park offers full-service sites specifically designed for RVs in the Mohave Valley area with amenities including water hookups, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. For those willing to travel a short distance, Desert View RV Resort near Needles provides similar amenities with easy highway access. Both locations are reservable and offer the essential utilities RV campers need. Moon River RV Resort is another option in the area with full hookups and amenities designed for comfortable RV stays.
Where are the best camping spots in Mohave Valley?
The Mohave Valley area offers several excellent camping options. Cottonwood Cove Campground on Lake Mohave provides beautiful shoreline camping with beach access just 14 miles east of Searchlight. For state park amenities, Lake Havasu State Park Campground offers lakeside sites perfect for beating the desert heat with easy water access, clean facilities, and affordable rates. These locations combine scenic water views with desert landscapes, making them popular destinations for campers looking to enjoy the Colorado River region.
What secluded camping areas exist around Mohave Valley?
For true seclusion near Mohave Valley, Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area offers primitive BLM camping where you can find isolated spots away from crowds. The entrance is just north of Walmart in Lake Havasu City, and driving 2-3 miles in rewards you with open spaces and privacy. AZ State Land Recreational Area provides another dispersed option requiring an inexpensive permit ($20/year), with sites often a quarter-mile apart and beautiful lake views. Both areas offer minimal facilities but maximum tranquility for those seeking a more rustic desert camping experience.
Can you rent RVs in Mohave Valley for camping?
While there aren't dedicated RV rental companies directly in Mohave Valley, nearby options exist in larger communities. Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City have rental services where you can secure an RV for your camping trip. Some campgrounds like Davis Camp Park in nearby Bullhead City accommodate rental RVs and provide full hookup sites. For the best selection and availability, consider reserving an RV from Las Vegas or Phoenix if planning a longer trip to the area, as these cities offer more extensive rental inventory and competitive rates.
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