Glamping near Wenden, Arizona offers desert experiences surrounded by distinctive red mountains and arid terrain. Located at approximately 1,870 feet elevation in western Arizona's La Paz County, this region experiences summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F from June through September. Winter months bring milder daytime temperatures in the 60-70°F range, creating ideal conditions for outdoor recreation on the Colorado River and surrounding desert landscapes.
What to do
OHV riding on desert trails: At Alamo Lake State Park Campground, visitors can explore extensive off-highway vehicle trails. "Great place for SxS riding. I've been riding here over 15yrs and always find new trails. Must visit the Wayside Oasis for Lunch and a beer on every visit," notes Bob & Ramona F.
Explore nearby attractions: Small aircraft enthusiasts should check out the runway west of Wayside restaurant, where planes frequently land for meals. "Look for signs for 'The Wayside' and head that direction. There is also a runway just West of the restaurant/bar and it's common to see small airplanes visiting for breakfast or lunch," recommends a long-time visitor.
Fishing from shore or boat: The fishing at Alamo Lake varies with water levels. "This lake is not fed by any dedicated water source and it was designed for flood control, so it's level varies greatly from year to year based on winter rain/snow fall during the previous winter," explains Chenery K., noting the lake can triple in size during wet years.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers appreciate encounters with desert wildlife. At Buckskin Mountain State Park Campground, visitors enjoy a combination of mountain and river settings. "Beautiful mountain ranges in the background. This campground is near a lot of incredible hiking opportunities," reports Kelsey G.
Pet-friendly accommodations: Dog owners appreciate designated areas for their pets. "Nice rangers and volunteers. Clean all around; two shower areas, two beaches, one dogs can go on. Lots of grassy areas for playing, or dog walking," describes david M.
Night sky viewing: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "The night sky is AMAZING! This is all ugly desert landscape, but the lake is nice and the night sky is AMAZING! We pay $22 per night for water and electric," notes Jamey R.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout the region. "I heard a rumor there was good cell coverage with Verizon, but that was false. Nice Campground, good place to fish, trails are short but ok," warns Kim M. about conditions at Alamo Lake.
Distance to services: Remote locations mean limited access to supplies. "The closest gas station is 45 minutes away. There is a shop up the road that sells 10 gallons in case of emergencies," advises Lisa H.
Nighttime wildlife activity: Local wildlife becomes active after dark. At Emerald Cove Resort, "There are some wild burros that stroll around at night and we found them dumping on our mat in the morning. Make sure to block your area off with chairs so they don't poop on your stuff," warns Gustavo C.
Tips for camping with families
Manage expectations for activities: The limited trail system means planning alternatives. "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," suggests Chad E.
Consider noise levels: Natural and human sounds can impact sleep quality. "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. They make the 'hee-haw' noise All Night Long," cautions one visitor to Alamo Lake.
Stay prepared for wildlife encounters: Some campgrounds have persistent wildlife. At Havasu Springs Resort, finding secluded spots requires exploration: "A little crowded but if you go off road you will find a lot of coves. We ended up finding a small beach like cove that was amazing."
Tips from RVers
Plan for extreme temperatures: Weather conditions require preparation. "We wouldn't recommend going in the summer as the temps reach well over 100. We have fished there, but have never caught anything. The fishermen on boats bring in a ton of fish, so if you have a boat then you'll have better luck," advises a regular winter visitor.
Watch for strong winds: Evening winds can damage equipment. "It's always very windy at night, so remember to put your awnings up! We made that mistake our first time there," cautions an RVer about Alamo Lake's conditions.
Consider seasonal rates: For longer stays, monthly options provide value. At Ameri-Can Trails RV Park in Quartzsite, "Pull through sites with full hook ups they have daily weekly and monthly rates. Nice community center with lots of activities going on so check the calendar so you can enjoy the activities they have going on," notes Brittney C.
