Cabin camping near Oatman, Arizona places visitors in a desert landscape where temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during summer months. The Colorado River provides relief from the heat with several riverside accommodation options within a 45-minute drive of Oatman. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F, making November through March the most comfortable camping season for those without air conditioning.
What to do
River activities: Launch from Davis Camp Park, where you can access the Colorado River directly from your campsite. "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. So clear! Lots of families with jet skis, which we found entertaining although noisy," notes Claudia B.
Mini golf and recreation: Visit Kingman KOA for family-friendly activities year-round. "The mini golf area has been refreshed and it looks really nice," shares Rachel H. This campground also offers a playground and recreation room about 30 miles north of Oatman.
Casino entertainment: Stay at Colorado River Oasis RV Resort for convenient casino access. "It's neat if you take the water taxis across to the casinos and walk the boardwalk," recommends Brittney C. The water taxis run regularly during daytime hours and cost approximately $5-10 per person round trip.
What campers like
Private spaces: Desert View RV Resort offers separation between campsites with natural barriers. "Campsites are separated by oleander trees which provided some sense of privacy," explains Seth P. The resort maintains these plants year-round for shade and site division.
Clean facilities: Ridgeview RV Resort maintains exceptional standards for their common areas. "Clean bathrooms, spotless pool and spa, stunning restaurant that offers brunch for $5 dollars on the weekends," writes Brittney C. The weekend brunch runs from 8am-11am and represents significant value in the area.
River views: Colorado River Oasis RV Park features scenic water views from select accommodations. "They do have other little cabins or rooms to rent and some that overlook the water," notes Brittney C. Riverfront cabins typically cost $20-30 more per night than standard units but provide direct water access.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, making air conditioning essential between May and September. "We stayed overnight in July and the temperature when we arrived was 113 degrees! As such, we were confined to our trailer," reports Paul Y. from Journey KOA.
Wildlife awareness: Local fauna may visit campsites after dark. "Keep your food in containers because they have skunks and raccoons... little fact the entire Laughlin area has them near the water and hotels because they want a quick meal," warns Brittney C. about Davis Camp Park.
Reservation timing: Laughlin Avi KOA / Journey and nearby campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "The beach area was VERY crowded so we had to get to the water early to secure a spot," shares Michele H. about Davis Camp Park. Holiday weekends often book 3-6 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Davis Camp Park offers beach access suitable for children. "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," mentions Lane H. The swimming areas feature gradual entry points appropriate for younger children.
Entertainment facilities: Moon River RV Resort provides indoor recreation options. "There's a nice activities room, laundry room and swimming pool. Most of the people here are snowbirds and they come back every year," explains Larry B. The activities room includes pool tables, board games, and movie nights.
Kid-friendly cabins: Several campgrounds offer cabin accommodations suitable for families without camping gear. "This would be our first stop as a RV camper. KOA in needles ca and I would have to say we loved it! Friendly staff nice clean swimming pool, and the amenities and facilities clean," shares Shannon about Needles KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Riverside Adventure Trails RV Resort offers sites appropriate for various RV sizes. "The pool was an absolute lifesaver in the August heat! Friendly locals and several chatted to us in the pool and social room," reports Kate B. The resort accommodates rigs up to 45 feet on most sites.
Hookup quality: Full hookups are standard at most RV parks in the region, though water quality varies. "Each camp spot has pads, bbq grills, and water sources, some also offer a little covered canopy which is needed out here," explains Brittney C. about Needles KOA.
Arrival timing: Early check-ins often incur additional fees in this region. "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," notes Bosn E. at Desert View RV Resort.
