Wellton, Arizona provides a mix of camping options across desert landscapes, from established RV parks to primitive dispersed sites. The area includes several developed campgrounds like Tier Drop RV Park and Lazy Cactus RV with full hookups, while public lands such as Mittry Lake Wildlife Area and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge offer free dispersed camping opportunities. Most RV parks in the region cater to older adults, with many designated as 55+ communities featuring amenities like swimming pools, organized activities, and spacious sites. Dispersed camping areas typically provide more solitude and direct access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and desert exploration.
The desert climate dominates camping conditions near Wellton, with extreme summer heat making camping challenging from May through September. Winter months (November-March) bring mild temperatures and attract seasonal visitors. "Bring lots of water, you'll need it, at least two five gallon containers and if you are so foolhardy as to visit Kofa between May and September, take a fiver for each day you will be there, just in case," noted one camper about the Kofa Wildlife Refuge. Many dispersed camping areas have stay limits of 10-14 days and minimal or no facilities. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas offering strong signals while others provide complete disconnection. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote camping areas, particularly in wildlife refuges and BLM lands.
Campers consistently highlight the desert landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities as major draws to the region. The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge receives praise for its rugged terrain and opportunities to spot desert bighorn sheep. Several visitors mentioned the solitude and stargazing as key highlights of dispersed camping areas. Mittry Lake Wildlife Area provides waterfront camping with fishing and paddling opportunities, though a visitor cautioned to "bring bugspray" as "at night... the mosquitos came out and ate us alive." The proximity to Mexico makes the area popular with snowbirds seeking dental and medical services across the border. Many campgrounds in the Wellton-Yuma corridor serve as convenient bases for exploring both the desert wilderness and nearby border towns.
"This RV park is located very close to several golf courses, which my fiancée greatly appreciated. Pet friendly as well."
"The RV park was clean and very convenient for a one night stay since it was very close to the freeway, yet not too noisy. The nightly charge was inexpensive."
"we adventured out to mittry lake in Arizona and boy was it beautiful. we brought our paddle boards to use on the lake and it was peaceful."
"BLM free camping on the waterway at Mittry lake. There's a boat launch area, trash service, and cell service (4g T-Mobile)."
"My 5th wheel trailer has been in Arizona and Nevada since I bought it, in different parks from Mesa to Tacna, Yuma, Palm Springs, Las Vegas. I have wintered in the South West USA
For Years."
"No highway or trains. No Atvs or trucks driving by your site all day, so calming. Will stay again."
"Could not hear the highway. Pretty nice spot. Level and easy entry"
"Haven't heard any yapping dogs or idiot kids running around with a parents bearing their asses off but this is my kind of place."
"Right by a main highway but we enjoyed meeting the other folks and were relieved to have a place to stay after having made an attempt on a rough dirt road where we had to turn around in BLM land nearby"
$25 / night
"Convenient location close amenities."
"From what I have seen of nearby RV places, Foothills seems to have larger sites. Beautiful palm trees line the streets. The highway is close. So leaving windows open at night isn’t really an option."
"Close to everything that you may need and or want."
$20 / night
"Short drive into town where we enjoyed the beer and food at a local brewpub. The park is nestled in a quiet neighborhood where we felt safe and comfortable."
RangerThe road in is one of the best maintained to BLM that I have ever seen! The Mine takes great care of it. If you want to go in farther that’s another thing. But about 5 miles of great roads and good spots to set up camp.
ScoutYa the roads are dirt but it's cooler. There are about 160 sites. And there are buddy sites, two RVs can face each other. It's for over 55.
TravelerI pulled in and kept following the little gravel road up to the left and and up to the left a little more.
Nice spot on the edge of a drop off or ditch or something! Such a great view of the campers below and the farmland across the main road.
The only thing I dont care for is the powerlines being right over head :(
ScoutFor me, the location and cell service was great, which is why I bought a 14-day BLM pass for $40 and stayed for several days. (The pass also allows me to stay at other BLM fee locations.) Quick access to Yuma (Planet Fitness for workouts and showers, library, groceries, water...). This BLM land is a few hundred yards off the south side of I-8, just west of the Los Algodones border station. My phone thought I was in Mexico.
Pros: great cell service and wi-fi, convenient to Yuma, wide-open landscape, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, camp host, trash bins, clost to a gas station/convenience store (with outrageous prices!) if you need ice or water
Cons: windy most of the time, dusty, noisy — trains, interstate traffic, helicopters, border patrol vehicles speeding past on a dirt road
RangerSaw this place online and wanted to try it out. First time in an an LTVA. Lake seems really.nice, camping along the edge ok. Bathrooms, wow haven't seen those in awhile.
ScoutLong term BLM dispersed camping with 2 week or 7 month pass. 2 week pass is $40 and $180 pass is 7 months. Water, rv dump, and trash is included just two miles at Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area.
Scout$10 per night for dry camping with access to restrooms and restaurants in the casino.
ScoutNice resort, must be self contained RV. Friendly mix of seasonsl residents and short stays...lots if activities, nice pool and exercise room
TravelerThe trains do move through the valley at night. Could not hear the highway. Pretty nice spot. Level and easy entry
Camping near Wellton, Arizona offers access to both the Sonoran Desert landscape and the irrigated agricultural areas of the Wellton-Mohawk Valley. Located at approximately 260 feet above sea level, winter temperatures typically range from 40-75°F, making it a popular destination from October through April. The area's camping options extend beyond the traditional RV parks with several unique options including an organic date farm and wildlife viewing areas.
Desert hiking options: Several campsites near Wellton provide access to desert trails. At Copper Mountain RV Park, "BLM land borders property so guests bring their ATVs" according to Marty C., making it easy to access nearby trails.
Fishing opportunities: The waterways near Wellton offer freshwater fishing. At Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, Jessica M. reported that "Fishing revealed catfish and bass at the waters edge. A watercraft would be ideal; no swimming allowed."
Paddleboarding: For water activities beyond fishing, some locations offer calm waters for paddling. At Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, Becca H. noted, "My dog loved getting to swim everyday!" while Katie O. shared, "we brought our paddle boards to use on the lake and it was peaceful."
Farm experiences: For something different than desert exploration, visit an organic farm. The Organic Date Farm offers unique experiences, as Edie & Roy T. described: "We had an opportunity to see the beer brewer in action, and highly recommend their date beer. We also checked out the date farm; impressive."
Peaceful surroundings: Many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at certain locations. At Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, Mike M. noted, "Nice and quiet during the night... Real nice place to relax, camp out, ride my bike, all for free. Felt very safe and had no issues during the stay."
Community activities: Several RV parks organize social events. At Tier Drop RV Park, Emma J. mentioned, "They also organize multiple community gatherings such as potlucks, discussion groups, organized golf and other activities."
Affordability: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the reasonable prices. Morgan H. shared about Tier Drop RV Park: "Full hookups for $32 a night! We paid cash in an envelope and dropped it at the office."
Wildlife viewing: Nature enthusiasts enjoy the bird watching opportunities. At Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, Becca H. observed, "There are lots of birds! Also a few trails around the area through rocky hills."
Stay limits: Most dispersed camping areas have time restrictions. At Yuma VFW, Brian D. noted there's "Free 14 day camping. Very dusty when wind picks up but plenty of places to tent camp or RV."
Age restrictions: Several RV parks cater specifically to older adults. Marty C. pointed out that Copper Mountain RV Park "is a 55+ age requirement RV park. Pets are allowed."
Weather preparation: The desert climate requires proper planning. Kevin C. spent "10 nights here and really enjoyed the experience" at Mittry Lake Wildlife Area but noted the need for dust management: "There were a lot of off road vehicles stiring up dust on the weekends."
Noise considerations: Be aware of potential noise sources. Judy E. warned about Yuma VFW: "Lots of trains going by! Right by a main highway but we enjoyed meeting the other folks."
Pool access: When camping with children, amenities like swimming pools can be important. About Tier Drop RV Park, Morgan H. shared: "We arrived around 8:30 PM, jumped in the pool and hot tub (thanks random resident for teaching us how to use the lights!!) and then headed back to our rig for the night."
Insect protection: Prepare for mosquitoes when camping near water. Although not mentioned in the existing description, bug protection is essential at certain locations, particularly during warmer months.
Explore unique local experiences: Kids may enjoy the educational aspects of farm visits. At the Organic Date Farm, Edie & Roy reported, "We had a great stay, enjoyed the atmosphere, delicious food and excellent beers. The live music in the weekend is a plus."
Accessibility considerations: Some areas require planning for bathroom access. Kevin C. noted at Mittry Lake Wildlife Area: "Bathroom is located East of our camp site in a densely packed camping area with little to no privacy. We found the bathrooms only convenient when we drove there."
Site selection strategy: For more privacy, consider location within the campground. At Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, Jessica M. advised: "We parked on the lake near the road when gravel trucks worked weekdays. They did a good job of wetting down the road with water trucks. We might stay up on the 'second deck' next time."
Long-term options: Some RV parks offer extended stay arrangements. About Old Desert Bull RV Park, Merv G. shared: "I spent 3 months at the old-desert-bull-rv-park in 24-25... It was perfect for me, quiet, all the services I wanted and a price I liked."
Site amenities: Check for specific features that matter to your RV setup. Maryann R. described Old Desert Bull RV Park as having "Full hookups for big rigs with brick patios. Feels like home."
Local services: Proximity to town can be important for supplies. Connie P. noted about Yuma's Own Little Campland: "Short drive into town where we enjoyed the beer and food at a local brewpub. The park is nestled in a quiet neighborhood where we felt safe and comfortable."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wellton, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wellton, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Wellton, AZ and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wellton, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wellton, AZ is Tier Drop RV Park with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wellton, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Wellton, AZ.
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