Free dispersed camping near Parker, Arizona is found primarily on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, with popular areas including Parker Pit Road Dispersed approximately 11 miles south of Parker and Shea Road BLM. Most BLM campsites sit at elevations between 450-600 feet in the Sonoran Desert, where nighttime temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs. The Colorado River corridor that runs through Parker offers established campgrounds with riverfront access alongside numerous dispersed options where campers can stay for up to 14 days.
What to do
Kayaking and swimming: At River Island State Park, the protected cove provides a safer alternative to the main river channel. "It sits right off of a cove off the river, so if you have kiddos, it's perfect! It keeps you away from all the boat traffic and is an ideal spot to kayak, swim, fish, and hike," notes Kourtney H.
Hiking trails: The state parks offer various hiking opportunities with desert and river views. At Cattail Cove State Park, you'll find "Lots of great hiking trails. I did go on a night hike which was kind of scary but great. There is a lot of switch back trails," explains Kevin T.
Wildlife viewing: Desert wildlife is active throughout the area, especially in early morning and evening hours. At Crossroads Campground, "There are tons of burros and burritos this time of year which is a delight!" according to Andi F. Another camper mentions, "They didn't mess with us, though one pregnant looking one stared at us a long time."
What campers like
River beaches: The Colorado River's shoreline provides beaches for relaxing and water access. At La Paz County Park, there are "Places to swim & boat ramp. Beautiful trees & green lawns," according to Shawn A.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the room between sites at the state parks. "The sites are large with water and 50 amps. There was also a fire pit and it was paved and level," writes Jen H. about Buckskin Mountain State Park.
Dog-friendly areas: Several campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated areas. "There is a dog park on site," reports Melissa S. Cattail Cove State Park has "a pet friendly area of the beach," notes Kourtney H., making it easier for families camping with pets.
Winter social scene: The Parker area transforms during winter months with activities and gatherings. At BlueWater Resort & Casino, "Very quiet older crowd nice views," mentions Donna & Ray B.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have reported water issues. "Wow, the water really tastes bad. They are apparently not of city water," notes David M. Another camper mentioned, "The water from the house hookups smelled. We took showers and it had the smell of sewer."
Extreme temperatures: Summer highs regularly exceed 110°F while winter nights can drop below 40°F. "We weren't too fond of the 120° we experienced on our stay, but the cool water kept us all comfortable," reports Paul Z. from River Island State Park.
Reservation needs: Winter months (November-March) see high occupancy rates. At Parker Pit Road Dispersed, Cris B. notes its popularity: "This is an open BLM camping area... Services are close by in Parker, AZ, including dumping stations and water filling stations."
Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between campgrounds. "Cell service for Verizon is 3 to 4 bars. It is quiet from campers, but you can hear traffic on hwy 95," reports one camper at Parker Pit Road.
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Look for coves and designated swimming spots away from boat traffic. "The cove gives you access to kayak, swim, and just enjoy the water away from the boat traffic," explains a River Island visitor.
Playground access: Some parks offer dedicated play areas for children. La Paz County Park provides "three dog parks on site" plus areas for kids to play, making it suitable for the whole family.
Shade considerations: Limited natural shade exists at most sites. "It's hot in the summer but the river is right there to jump in and stay cool. They also have 2 pools near the tiki bar and that's where we spent a lot of time with the kids," shares Michelle Z. about Emerald Cove Resort.
Safety precautions: River currents can be strong in main channels. "The ranger warned us to stay on the side of the river as the speed boats are fast and don't look! We did as he said and had a blast," advises Jen H.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Plan your waste management strategy before arriving. "Services are close by in Parker, AZ, including dumping stations and water filling stations. There are several dumpsters around town, and a transfer station," notes Cris B.
Site selection strategy: Riverfront sites fill quickly but may have additional challenges. "Our site was right underneath a bright lamp that shined into our tent and made it hard to sleep. We were at the site next to the walkway down to the river," warns Kelsey G.
Power management: Many dispersed areas have no hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. "You can stop earlier than this just be cautious about the no camping signs. I went back to the empty tanks area and then went in from there. You can get stuck in some sand but if you stay in more gravel area you should be fine," advises Jessica about Shea Road BLM.
Weather preparedness: Wind can be challenging, especially for awnings and lighter equipment. "We've been to this campground twice, tent camping, and love the river access. Both times it got very windy, which made certain activities like cooking difficult," reports Rachel W.
