The Temple Bar Marina area offers RV camping in the Arizona portion of Lake Mead National Recreation Area at elevations between 1,200-1,600 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F with minimal shade at most RV campgrounds near Temple Bar Marina, Arizona. Seasonal water level fluctuations impact shoreline access and boat launch availability throughout the year.
What to do
Kayaking from Willow Beach: Launch directly from the Willow Beach Campground and RV Park for paddling on the Colorado River. "The campsite and campground facilities are very clean. Great Camp Host as well," notes one camper who plans monthly visits to the area.
Off-road exploration: From the Joshua Tree forest area, you can access multiple trail systems for ATV and 4x4 vehicles. "Come enjoy this boon docking site in a National Joshua Tree Forest by the Skywalk! And close to many other sites and cities," mentions a reviewer about nearby recreational opportunities.
Fishing year-round: Fish for striped bass, catfish, and crappie at Boulder Beach. A regular visitor noted, "The Grand Wash cliffs really put on a great show. Get the fire pit going and cook some chow or just chill and star gaze. During the day there are many things you can do: fishing, hiking, biking, atv riding, swimming, gold prospecting, walking, visit the sky walk, kayaking, and so much more."
What campers like
Lakeside camping options: Cottonwood Cove Resort RV Park offers shoreline proximity. "My husband and I have been coming to Lake Mojave for years. This is our first campground we ever stayed at together. Marina is nice and has everything you'll need. Water is so clear you can see the fish underneath as you paddle out," writes one regular visitor.
Stargazing conditions: The minimal light pollution provides excellent night sky viewing from remote sites like Meadview RV Park. A camper described the nighttime experience: "Always enjoy the cool evening air, and the grand wash cliffs color changing show. The Grand Wash cliffs really put on a great show. Get the fire pit going and cook some chow or just chill and star gaze."
Proximity to attractions: Boulder Beach Campground provides easy access to recreational areas. "Boulder Beach was a reasonably priced and decently quiet campground with a wonderful view of Lake Mead. Most if not all of the sites had shade trees, which was also a plus. The campground had flush toilets, sinks, and potable water," notes a visitor highlighting the basic amenities.
What you should know
Water level considerations: Lake levels fluctuate dramatically, affecting beach access. "When we visited, lake mead was very low, so the shoreline was about 1/4 mile away," reported a camper at Lake Mead RV Village.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is unreliable throughout the region. "WiFi connected but it was pretty much useless," noted one camper who still enjoyed their stay despite connectivity challenges.
Wind conditions: Exposed campsites experience significant wind, particularly in spring months. "It did get a bit windy at night," observed a visitor about their lakefront camping experience.
Extreme summer heat: Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September. "Got lucky as we didn't have immediate neighbors during our stay (closest one was 4 sites down) perhaps the 120° weather is a deterrent for some folks," explained one summer visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Boulder Beach Campground offers designated swimming areas during summer months. "No showers, but otherwise a great space with lovely scenery," mentions a visitor who appreciated the beach access despite the limited facilities.
Pet policies vary: Know where dogs are allowed before arriving. "Dogs not allowed waterside but a nice cove (6 Mile Cove) is just a short drive and dogs allowed there," advised a camper at Cottonwood Cove.
Off-season timing: Visit between October and April for milder temperatures and fewer crowds. "We stayed 2 nights. Just a few miles to Hoover Dam and 20 or so from Vegas. Grounds were well kept, nice staff," wrote a visitor highlighting the strategic location for regional exploration.
Prepare for distance: Stock up on supplies before arrival, as nearest major services are 30-60 minutes away. "The nearest major amenities are in Kingman about an hour away so stock up before you arrive," advised a visitor to Meadview RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Proper hookup preparation: Canyon Trail RV Park provides reliable full hookups for all rig sizes. "The park is very clean and well maintained. There are a few long-term residents, but their rigs are all well maintained, too. A great place to use as a base camp for some serious riding," notes a mountain biking enthusiast.
Arrival timing: Schedule morning arrivals to avoid afternoon heat during setup. "Called the morning of arrival to see if we could come in early as we were only about 1.5 hours away due to poor planning. They let us come in before noon with no charge!"
Leveling requirements: Most sites require minimal leveling but bring blocks for stability. "Park was clean with mostly level gravel pull thru sites. Dog areas and common areas were clean."
Utility connections: Bring extension cords and additional water hose lengths for some sites. "The utilities were spaced a bit far from the site and towards the back so I needed about 22' of sewer hose and 25' of electric and water hose."
