Parker's desert environment offers primitive camping opportunities between 400-1,500 feet elevation with minimal rainfall averaging 4-5 inches annually. The Colorado River creates a stark contrast between Arizona's arid landscape and small pockets of riparian zones. Nighttime temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees below daytime highs, requiring adequate preparation for temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Rockhounding for agates: Plomosa Road area provides excellent rock collecting opportunities for enthusiasts. "I'm a rock hound and found some very interesting rocks" noted one camper at Plomosa Rd. Quinn Pass BLM Dispersed Camping. The area has historical mining sites scattered throughout the desert terrain.
River activities: The Parker area provides access points to the Colorado River, making it a good base camp for boating and fishing. As one camper at Parker Pit Road Dispersed notes: "We are all about sleeping for free! We roof top a lot with our boat. If you are looking for a place to stay while fishing the Parker strip you can safely bring your boat down this road and there are places to turn around."
Mountain biking: The network of desert trails offers extensive riding opportunities on compacted surfaces. "Endless bike riding trails and very little traffic on Plomosa so riding on it works too," reported one camper at Plamosa BLM Dispersed Camping Area. Many areas allow direct access to trails from camp.
What campers like
Night skies: The desert darkness offers exceptional stargazing conditions. At Shea Road BLM Dispersed, one camper observed: "Camping here was awesome! It was very quiet and secluded and the stars in the evening were amazing!" Light pollution is minimal in most primitive camping areas around Parker.
Wildlife encounters: Coyotes and desert wildlife provide natural entertainment. "Did see some coyotes so be careful with small animals during the night," noted a Shea Road BLM camper. Dawn and dusk are prime times for wildlife viewing, with proper precautions required for pets.
Cell connectivity: Surprisingly good coverage exists in most dispersed sites. According to a review for Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area: "Cell service is good here for calls and texts, not so much for data use." Coverage strength varies by location and carrier, with higher elevations typically offering better signal.
What you should know
Registration requirements: Some areas require check-in with camp hosts. "The signs say you must register your vehicles with the camp host by filling out a form for free where they will write in the date of your arrival and the day you must leave," notes a camper at Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area.
Road conditions: Access roads vary dramatically in quality. A camper at BLM dispersed camping spur at MP 133.8 reported: "Good wide graded gravel road accesses several nice dispersed sites." Other campers note challenges: "Arrived at pit on 10/3/25 to spend the night. Road is good coming in. 2 areas right b4 the 2nd cattle guard were almost washed out during last rain but just mostly sand 4 to 6 inches deep."
Weather extremes: Rapid temperature changes occur daily. One camper mentioned: "It was cold and windy most nights. It rained a couple days and we were blessed with a beautiful double rainbow." Winter camping is most popular due to mild daytime temperatures, while summer presents severe heat risks.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for privacy: Finding an appropriate distance from neighbors enhances the experience. "We were about 75 yards from the next camper which was a little close and I think that's gonna be the norm at this location," noted a visitor at Shea Road BLM.
Water planning: No water sources exist at primitive sites. Bring minimum 1 gallon per person per day, plus additional for washing and cooking. Parker offers refill locations as one camper mentioned: "Services are close by in Parker, AZ, including dumping stations and water filling stations."
Entertainment options: Off-road recreation provides family activities. At Havasu BLM a camper observed: "A great spot to lay over, bring your OHV to run around in the hills, or bring your boat and head to the lake!" Children should be supervised due to lack of designated boundaries.
Tips from RVers
Level site hunting: Finding flat terrain is crucial for larger rigs. "You can park far enough off the highway no highway noise. Lots of big rigs. No issue for 40' pusher and 24' car hauler," reported a Havasu BLM visitor.
Location strategy: Distance from towns affects supply runs and noise levels. "This BLM road spur leaves hwy #62 at MP 138.0 at top of hill at boundary of the CRIT reservation. The rocky two track goes north and numerous campsites are available. Since this road spur is closest to Earp and Parker it is popular," notes a camper at BLM mp 138.0 spur Dispersed.
Sand awareness: Soft spots can trap vehicles. "You can get stuck in some sand but if you stay in more gravel area you should be fine," advised a Shea Road BLM camper. Scout potential sites before committing, especially with heavy rigs or after rain events.
