Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Salome, AZ has a lot to offer. Salome is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Salome, AZ. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
RangerFirst, you get what you pay for, this tent site was 5.00 per night! The location is great, right on the Colorado River. We made reservations ahead of time using reservation.gov. We knew there were no amenities but were ok with it.
I use a rating scale based on amenities, location, cell service, cleanliness and campsite.
There is no running water available at the site, only one vault toilet, obviously no showers.
The campsite itself was great, nice shady spot with a grill, picnic table and did I mention right on the water.
Cell service was spotty, usually one bar with AT&T.
There are wild burros that roam the area and we were quite surprised that they walked through our campsite down to the water.
We stayed on a Friday night and there were people riding motorcycles or ATVs through the park chasing the burros, making a lot of noise. Also people on the river all through the night making lots of noise.
We rented kayaks in Parker AZ, Parker watercraft and it was great, we loved every minute.
While there we also made the quick trip to Lake Havasu city to see the London Bridge.
GuideCrossroads Campground is located on the riverfront of the beautiful Lower Colorado River. This campground is popular with winter visitors looking to enjoy the warm winter temperatures and relax on the riverfront. This campground has great access to fishing, boating and off-roading.
Natural Features:
The campground is situated on the shoreline of the Lower Colorado River. The river runs through a backdrop of steep rocky terrain, and wind shaped sand dunes. The area is teeming with wildlife, especially fish, migratory birds and small mammals.
Recreation:
The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.
Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch open year-round.
Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking, biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.
Facilities:
This small campground contains individual campsites and one accessible campsite. All of the sites are dry camping (no water) and provide a picnic table and grill.
One vault toilet is available. There is a Campground Host available to answer questions.
Nearby Attractions:
The Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads Off- Highway Vehicle Open Areas offer miles of off-road adventures. Rock hounders enjoy hiking and driving through the area to search for unique rocks.
Rock House Visitor Center has a free boat launch and a visitor center stocked with brochures and information about the area.
GuideRiver Island State Park was full when we checked in and they offered us overflow camping instead until a hook up site became available. Very affordable at only $20 a night with a noon checkout time. Very clean Park with flush restrooms,showers,dump stations,fresh potable water places around the park. Hiking trail overlooking Park and beach area for swimming and fishing. Gas station/ convenient store half mile up road,with free air and grill (burgers,pizza). Prices were amazing!
LegendThis is a great small BLM CG along the river. Used to be mostly reserve only but as of Nov 11 2031 there was no host and the site seems to have reverted to a first come arrangement. There are 26 sites with 1-20 on the lowered level by the river and many sites have shade. Sites 21-26 are on the upper level and there is no shade there but are away from the water where day use happens on weekends. Vault toilet, trash dumpster, tables and fire rings. Cell signal is very good. Sites are still only $5/$2.50 senior and that is incredible!! Usually has a host onsite but none present Nov 2021.
RangerThere are endless camping possibilities in Kofa. Primitive, dispersed real wilderness camping. No water. No toilets, no hookups, generators... and you have to have a 4x4 to get there! Just my kind of spot. I've explored all over this area by jeep, and by foot and never get bored going off on some new abandoned mine trail. There are hidden caves all around and great hikes to get there!
I'll just share my two favorite hidden gems in the area: Signal Peak is a must, and if you do, I recommend camping around Skull Rock. For a scenic offroad trail + neat cabin stay head to Kofa Mine Cabin!
For Signal Peak and the Skull Rock stay, you can park regular cars along Palm Canyon Road where the Kofa Natl Wildlife Refuge Brochures and info are and hop into a 4x4 for the rest of the drive. You'll need it. Don't attempt get to skull rock in any regular, vehicle, or anything without high clearance.
**NOTE: I have left a car in this lot with no issues while camping up in the canyon over night, but of course, do so at your own risk.
From that parking lot you head up to Kofa Queen Canyon and pick your spots for camping. There are plenty of good spots for tent on ledges, or on cots down near skull rock. Here you can grill and have general campfire fun.
The road to Skull Rock is undeveloped, needs high clearance and is a tight squeeze for wider vehicles. It will not accommodate campers or trailers. Tent camping only (aside from maybe your serious bug out vehicle!)
Skull rock camp spot is about a one hour and 45 minute drive from Yuma. From HWY 95 turn (east) onto Palm Canyon Road (not too far past the Border Patrol Checkpoint. Drive east 3.2 miles to Kofa Queen Canyon (KQC) Road on the left (north now). Follow KQC Road northeast about 7.5 miles into the Canyon to where a subsidiary Canyon opens up to your right (south). Passenger cars won't manage this last road. You'll need high clearance and preferably 4wd. The road inside the canyon is alternately rocky and sandy, and braids in and out with the wash. Just follow the 'better-looking' route if unsure at a junction. Enough people come up here you should be able to see lots of tire tracks.
*NOTE: There is no cell service at the campsite.
From here we drive down the trail bit further to get to Signal Peak (roughly 4,800ft), it's Kofa's highest peak. This is a strenuous hike with steep slopes and some scrambling, and should only be done by experienced hikers in good physical conditions with proper hiking boots. The beautiful view from from the top is absolutely worth the hike.
Dogs: Although I know of people who have brought dogs up here, it is a very rocky hike and could be very hot or treacherous for your pup. You may consider bringing a dog only if he is an avid hiker and has very strong paw pads (or hiking boots), and can physically handle the demands of this hike. Also, dogs as per Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Rules - are required to be on a leash at all times.
For the Kofa Mine Section, head on your way out to the Kofa Mine Museum and then just past it take the turn to Big Eye Mine - 15 mile offroad trail where a real, high clearance truck/jeep 4x4 is needed. There are at least 2 hairy sections that I even got a jeep stuck in for a minute. All of this area is full of mines and great open camping spaces.
Kofa was established in 1939 to be managed: “…as a representative area of lower Sonoran Desert habitat with a maximum diversity and abundance of native plants and animals and to protect and preserve the desert bighorn sheep and its habitat…” Since 1955, over 560 desert bighorn sheep have been trapped on Kofa and transplanted to other areas in Arizona, as well as to the states of New Mexico, California, Colorado, Texas and Nevada, to re-establish herds extirpated from habitat loss, development and over-hunting.
Unless you are a skilled Arizona adventurer, I'd advise against hiking or even offloading (in case something goes wrong) during the hot summer months when temperatures can rise to over 115 degrees F.
LegendCrystal Hill-Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
Free remote dispersed camping. South of Quartzite along hwy 95.
NEVERMIND the BLM no camping sign at the hwy turnoff, go 3.1 mi to Kofa Refuge boundary and then to the 5.7 mi point and you reach Crystal Hill. There is a loop with about several back in remote style campsites. No signs, no toilets, no water, no trash, no tables, no fire rings. However cell seems good. 14d camping limit. The road in is washboard rocky gravel. Also more camping spots between the Kofa boundary and Crystal Hill.
Important note! The turnoff from hwy 95 is between mp 96 and mp 95. As of Nov 2024 there is a significant dip leaving the hwy that may be problematic for trailers or long RVs, causing you to drag the rear end or hitch... Recon first..
GuideTons of campers. I headed out on the road toward the coordinates but ended up camping about 4 miles before even getting to them. Maybe it gets more secluded? Once I lost cell service I turned back to find a spot within range, given that there were so many campers I didn’t feel totally safe and there was nowhere to have unseen privacy. Big groups and ATVs set up with really loud music but everyone observed quiet hours and the ambiance ended up being entertaining.
TravelerA few things. 1st. If you plan on staying overnight with an RV do not reserve the Ramada sites. They’re meant for day use and are super tiny and squished together. We started there, but our 24ft trailer wasn’t even close to fitting. So we had to move.
We moved to the sites with no water and no electric. Super awesome sites, very clean and very quiet.
Donkeys…..there are tons of donkeys, really cool…..the first night. They’re cool until you realize they don’t sleep and all they do is make a lot of noise,lol. Not that I wouldn’t go back again because of the donkeys, but just be prepared they’re not far away and they make the “hee-haw” noise All Night Long, lol.
Don’t camp here without water sports or Side by side. There aren’t any trails for bike riding or hiking. But the water is great to spend a couple of days on and the Side by side trails are endless.
Overall, really nice camping. I would definitely go back, with or without a SxS. Just not in the summer….there’s no shade and it’s desert.
GuideFirst of all I want to say we stayed at this campground in the end of May and it was hotter than Hades! The park is beautiful. It's right on the Colorado River. We stayed in site 52 and we were across from the restaurant/store. They had pizza and beer, what more can you ask for. Our lot had a huge shade tree, however in 112 temps, it didn't help to keep us that cool. We paid $35 for water and electric. There was a a picnic table and firepit (no way usable in 100 degree weather) But they did sell firewood. Your steps away from the cool river, if you wanted to sit in the water. Lots and lots of boats up and down the river. They didn't seem to care about speed limits, so it could get noisy during the day. I would love to go back during the winter/spring months. Dish satellite and Verizon both worked well. I will definitely go back, but when it's much cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Salome, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Salome, AZ is North of Rovey's Rock with a 2-star rating from 1 review.
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