Dispersed camping near Oatman sits at 2,710 feet elevation in the Black Mountains. The desert terrain provides camping options with mountain vistas and historical mining routes. Temperatures in summer regularly exceed 100°F during daytime hours, cooling significantly at night, while winter brings milder days and cold nights that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Explore Route 66 history: The historic mining town of Oatman offers a glimpse into Arizona's past beyond just burro interactions. "We went into Oatman the next morning and the gift shops were open but no place to eat at the time we went through," notes a camper from Crossroads RV Park.
Visit Lake Mohave: Located about 25 miles from Oatman, the lake offers swimming and boating opportunities. "Clear water and perfect temperature to swim and paddle in," shares a reviewer who stayed at Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove, which offers "beautiful and very peaceful" waterfront camping with vault toilets as the only facilities.
Mountain biking: The terrain around Oatman provides opportunities for both single track and downhill riding. A visitor to the area noted that "mountain biking has picked up in this area with easy access to a wide variety of both single track and downhill" at Old Kingman Highway Dispersed Camping.
Rockhounding: The desert landscape offers opportunities for rock collectors. One camper mentioned, "if you're a rockhound like myself, this area is a little piece of heaven" while staying at Tradewinds RV Park in nearby Golden Valley.
What campers like
Desert night skies: The clear, dark skies provide excellent stargazing conditions. "No light pollution at night so you can see the Milky Way, the mountain views are spectacular everywhere you look," reports a winter visitor to Tradewinds RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Beyond the burros, the area offers diverse desert wildlife sightings. A camper at the The Y Dispersed Campsite shared, "The scenery is wonderful, and the local wildlife make regular appearances. Burros frequent the area looking for food from travelers and often stand in the middle of the road."
Cost-effective camping: Many of the dispersed camping options near Oatman are free. "This is a site that is in a dispersed camping area and is used by OHVs. It is on Buckwash Road off of Highway 68. Before you get to Bullhead City," explained a camper at Old Kingman Highway Dispersed Camping who gave it 5 stars.
Winter accommodations: The area's mild winter temperatures make it popular for seasonal stays. One visitor noted they "spent 3 winters here and they were great" at Tradewinds RV Park, which has concrete patios and full hookups.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some dispersed sites requires careful driving. "Road in is definitely not RV friendly. We did alright coming in and did find a spot to pull off about a mile in," reported a camper at Old Kingman Highway Dispersed Camping.
Weather preparedness: Temperature extremes require planning. One visitor to Desert View RV Resort in nearby Needles commented, "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."
Campsite availability: The Y Dispersed Campsite has limited spaces and fills quickly. "This is just a patch of dirt at the Y just outside Oatman. No frills. Traffic runs on both sides but its pretty quiet at night," notes a reviewer who gave it 4 stars.
Traffic patterns: Some camping areas experience vehicle shortcuts. At The Y Dispersed Campsite, a camper mentioned "My biggest complaint is the vehicles that use the lot as a shortcut to avoid turning ahead at the Y intersection."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Keep children informed about wildlife interactions. "Just beware the coyotes are hunting your little dogs. An occasional Donkey will walk thru & your dog looks like there enemy, Wile E Coyote!" warns a camper at The Y Dispersed Campsite.
Early beach access: If heading to Lake Mohave during summer months, arrive early. "The beaches were VERY crowded so we had to get to the water early to secure a spot," advises a visitor to Davis Camp Park.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Some parks offer recreational facilities 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," shared a Davis Camp Park visitor.
Shade considerations: When camping with children in summer, prioritize shaded sites. "We had to reschedule our visit due to mechanical issues. She was very helpful. Mountains to the NE of us. They have a pool, cleaned regularly but not heated," mentioned a camper staying at Needles KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For quieter stays, request sites away from roads. A visitor to Desert View RV Resort advised, "This time we stayed in the back row (in front of the full timers) and it was so quiet. Previously we stayed near the office and could hear some road noise from I-40; much quieter in the back."
Pet-friendly options: For those seeking pet-friendly camping near Oatman, Arizona, consider campground layouts. "Large lots with concrete slabs. My one complaint is that we can't get wifi service," noted a visitor to Crossroads RV Park.
Water management: Bring extra water for both consumption and cooling. "We had a great experience here. Our trailer has a view of the landscape of palms and undeveloped land behind the park. All amenities were great!" shared a camper at Desert View RV Resort.
Navigation challenges: GPS systems sometimes struggle with directions in this area. A visitor to Desert View RV Resort warned, "My navigation didn't do a good job of finding it, so look for the signs they have placed on the roads. It is next to the KOA if that helps."
