Visitors to Oatman, Arizona have several camping options within a 25-mile radius of this historic mining town. Located at 2,700 feet elevation in the Black Mountains, the area features a desert climate with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F from June through September. Winter nights can drop to the 30s, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Visit historic Oatman: Just 10 miles from Katherine Landing North Campground, where you can base your explorations. "Took the back roads fun drive we miss the guard keeper," notes Lisanne B. about the journey to Oatman.
Enjoy water recreation: Lake Mohave offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. "Marina is close by and there are some hiking trails around down by lake," reports Greg L. about Katherine Landing. For anglers, the area offers "fish cleaning stations" according to Brittney C.
Hike nearby trails: Several paths provide desert views and wildlife spotting opportunities. "I hiked the ridge a couple hundred yards north of the campground," shares Michael K. about Cottonwood Cove Resort RV Park, noting the panoramic vistas of "beautiful water with a desert backdrop."
ATV and side-by-side riding: Golden Valley offers extensive off-road options. "Perfect place to ride your side by sides or ATV's. Lots of outdoor activities," mentions Wendy M. about Crossroads RV Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many parks offer separation between camping spaces. "Gravel roads and oleanders between each site for total privacy," notes Brittney C. about Desert View RV Resort. Similarly, Mark J. describes Katherine Landing: "Sites were pretty spacious with Oleander bushes providing some screening."
Swimming pools for heat relief: Several RV parks maintain pools for cooling off during hot months. Desert View RV Resort features "a pool and laundry mat on site," while Colorado River Oasis offers "full hookups, tables, laundry, a pool, and the river."
Access to river activities: The Colorado River provides water recreation adjacent to several campgrounds. "They have their own entrance to the river which is super neat because if you rent jet skis you can get back to your lodging any time of the day," explains Brittney C. about Colorado River Oasis RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and common areas. "The bathrooms and laundry rooms are always sparking clean," reports Dania A. about Tradewinds RV Park.
What you should know
Summer heat concerns: Temperatures frequently exceed 110°F in summer months. "It was very hot- 114 at sun down. It cooled down enough overnight to allow for comfortable sleep," notes Brandon about Katherine Landing.
Pet restrictions vary: Some parks limit pet sizes or have designated areas. Mirage RV Resort "allows dogs up to 25lbs," while many campgrounds have dedicated pet areas.
Burro encounters possible: The famous wild burros may visit certain campgrounds. "The burrows came right through the campsite. They were friendly and did not destroy anything," reports Jan B. about Crossroads RV Park.
Varying levels of connectivity: Cell service and WiFi quality fluctuate by location. T-Mobile users report "excellent" service at Riverside Casino, with "300 down and 100 up" speeds according to Thomas R. at Silver Creek RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Secure shaded sites: Trees provide crucial temperature relief. "Anywhere in Bullhead City, you will want some shade in the summer months," advises T K. about Mirage RV Resort. Look for "tree-covered" sites when making reservations.
Consider beach access: Some campgrounds offer direct lake or river access. Cottonwood Cove features "steel canopy structures and charcoal grills so you can spend your days grilling on the beach after you go fishing in the morning," says Michael K.
Book early for holiday periods: Holiday weekends fill quickly, especially at Tradewinds RV Park, which campers describe as having "awesome mountain views" and being "much better than the other two parks next to it."
Verify swimming areas: Not all water access points permit swimming or allow pets. "Dogs not allowed waterside but a nice cove (6 Mile Cove) is just a short drive and dogs allowed there," notes Larry L. about Cottonwood Cove.
Tips from RVers
Arrive midweek for best sites: Weekend availability becomes limited, especially during moderate weather seasons. "There are multiple levels to this RV park. This place is pretty big. You can get spots right on the strip close to casinos, move up higher for a little strip/river view," explains T K. about Riverside Casino and RV Park.
Use free parking options: Some casino properties offer complimentary RV parking. "There is an RV park across Casino drive with full hook ups... Across the street in the casino parking lot next to the road is dry camping area. Free for seven days," explains William J. about Riverside Casino.
Propane availability: Plan propane needs carefully. "Propane on site but it's cheaper in Bullhead city if you have an excuse to go there," advises William J., noting price differences between Nevada and Arizona.
Watch for early check-in fees: Some parks charge for arriving before official check-in times. "However, she did charge me an extra $15 for arriving at 1130 in the morning. The check-in time is 1400," notes Bosn E. about Desert View RV Resort.
