7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camping options around Willow Beach, Arizona include several established campgrounds within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, offering sites for both RVs and tents along the Colorado River. Willow Beach Campground and RV Park provides full hookups with waterfront access, while nearby dispersed camping can be found at locations like Arizona Hot Springs and Emerald Cave. The surrounding desert landscape creates a striking contrast with the river, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddling activities. Several campgrounds in the area feature amenities like showers, restrooms, and picnic tables, while others offer more primitive experiences.
The region experiences extremely hot temperatures, particularly during summer months when highs regularly exceed 100 degrees. As one visitor noted, "We went in June and hit a heat wave and it was 110 degrees. There is no shade in the campground and the lake is down a steep hill." Access to most developed campgrounds requires traversing paved roads, though some dispersed areas may need high-clearance vehicles. Many campgrounds in this area require advance reservations, especially during cooler seasons when demand increases. The National Recreation Area entrance fee applies in addition to camping fees at most locations. Cell service is limited throughout the region, though some developed campgrounds offer WiFi connectivity. Water access points vary in difficulty, with some requiring steep descents to reach the river.
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for most visitors to the Willow Beach area. A camper described the experience as "unexpected beauty," noting they were "blown away by the water oasis hidden in the otherwise barren landscape." The contrast between the desert mountains and clear Colorado River creates distinctive camping experiences. Wildlife sightings, including bighorn sheep and coyotes, are frequently mentioned in reviews. Most developed campgrounds maintain clean facilities, with several reviews specifically mentioning well-maintained bathrooms and showers. Campgrounds near the water often fill quickly, with some requiring reservations months in advance. While daytime temperatures can be extreme, the area offers excellent stargazing opportunities after sunset. River activities like kayaking to Emerald Cove and fishing for trout are popular among visitors staying at the mixed-use campgrounds.
"This review is for the boat in site at Arizona Hot Springs along the Colorado, just before Willow Beach. We camped here with about 4 other parties and had plenty of privacy."
"Nice cold water, WiFi, clean bathroom, Fishing, rental kayaks, picnic area, and very clean willow Beach."
from $80 / night
"Took my kids and my mom camping for a little vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas. I chose Boulder Beach campground as it was our first time and didn't want to be too far from home."
"Nice flat RV parking with hook ups and some spots have Wii Fii although with all the beauty around you you should find no need to use it."
Available this weekend
from $20 / night
"Used this as my base camp for exploring other nearby areas such as Arizona Hot Springs and Goldstrike Canyon. I prefer to camp naked and everyone was cool with it. "
"One of the many little coves in Lake Mead that has access from the main freeway."
"There are trash dumpsters at the entrance to the dispersed camping area and we saw BLM folks out patrolling. Many off road paths around to take your jeep or side by side. "
"Big dispersed camping site right on the southwest corner of Lake Mead. Being the nearest to the NRA entrance from Vegas it gets crowded, especially weekends and holidays."
"Arizona Hot Spring campground is located just below a dramatic slot canyon that joins the river just downstream of Ringbolt Rapids and the Arizona Hot Spring."
"Arizona Hot Springs is located at Mile Marker 4 US 93 South Of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City, NV 89005. Those directions will take you to the parking lot trailhead."
"These are closest to the lake, but when we visited, lake mead was very low, so the shoreline was about 1/4 mile away. Sites had decent spacing."
"Store, propane and great views of Lake Mead. If you are able to reserve a rv pad nearest the lake, you will be in for a treat. All spots have full hookup and picnic table."
"We came in December and even with the cold weather we really enjoyed the MTB trails directly behind the RV park. Short walk to shopping. The park was very clean and the people super nice."
"Well maintained and there is a walking path just out the back gate."
"The pin took us off-road to a private BLM spot that went to a dead end in which you can get out of your vehicles and hike .8 miles down to the river."
"Located 45 minutes outside of Vegas, Emerald Cave is an absolute beauty. If you’re looking to get out of the city, enjoy the nice weather and warm lake water, this is the place for you."
"It’s very isolated and secluded and it surrounded by trees. If you can make it you can camp and have A whole lake to yourself. Huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from."
"All sites has prefect views of the surrounding mountains. All sites that are situated on the outer rim of the campground, be weary. Most have a good steep decline not to far away from the pavement."
"Quiet beautifully maintained campground with a dump station, portable water, spigots near restrooms and flush toilets. Firings and picnic tables at each site. Very few sites for rigs over 26’."
ScoutThe sites are very narrow, needs updating of utilities but the personnel make up for it. They are very friendly and helpful. Try to stay away from sites near Desert Inn Blvd., traffic and neighborhood noise is constant and loud!
GuideI hear this is like burning man in the summer with degrees soaring beyond 120. However in late October this place had only a half dozen campers spread out, so plenty of privacy. The lake is calm and good for swimming. There are coyotes howling at night. But the biggest attraction was the raccoons. Yeah, they came in trying to get the trash bag out. They hit everyone's campsite at 3am. Other than that excitement it was great. I would stop here again. The road in was easy as dirt roads go, however the ranger said they just updated it. So check with them for the latest. Since it is heavily traveled I would think they keep it looking better than most dirt roads.
GuideGuys, this is a wonderful place right off the highway. I hear it is bumper to bumper like burning man in the summer. But in October there were half a dozen people here with plenty of room in between. Note that raccoons are a huge issue here. Plan on it. They will come, trust me. They make their way from camp to camp and they are hard to get rid of. The ranger came by and chatted with us. Very easy road in. A couple steep places that are fine for most any rig I would think. Look, if you want a perfect road, don't go on dirt. They just fixed the road from the traffic in the summer.
ScoutSince it's Halloween u give up on customer service??? Seems like idiots in control of bigger idiots :)
ScoutWide open with tons of space, some nice were crazy windy but others were calm. Enjoyed the stay here, try to arrive during the day to find the best camp site with your preferred view. The further in you go the road got a bit rougher
RangerGreat place to stop. Not to far off the main road. Gravel road pretty decent. Multiple places to choose from. Minimal vehicles pass bye. Good cell signal.
TravelerBooked online through their website for a 2 night stay. I selected a premium pull-through site since my fifth wheel is 35.5 feet long with the hitch. An hour later I received a phone call saying that type of site is not available & they only have a back in site, when I asked the length, I was told 35 feet long… obviously I can’t fit there & said that. It was the only site available so now to look for another place to stay. When I asked why it allowed me to book online if the site wasn’t available… crickets.
Scout3.75 It is far! At least from everything I like on the strip. In a parking lot with hookups. If it wasn’t so far, it wouldn’t be rated higher for me.
ScoutThis is great dispersed camping. There’s decent internet/cellular coverage for the area. The sites are quite large and open, so even when it’s busy there’s typically space for everyone. It’s typical pack in-pack out, so bring whatever you need, as there’s no services or trash/recycling here. If you’re completely self-sufficient you have a great spot here.
Dispersed camping options near Willow Beach, Arizona extend beyond the immediate marina area to several lesser-known spots along the Colorado River. Kingman Wash offers direct water access via a 3-mile dirt road with a primitive vault toilet on site. Summer temperatures in this region regularly exceed 110°F during daylight hours, though nights cool considerably to around 70-80°F, especially in canyon areas.
Kayak to secluded beaches: From Willow Beach Campground and RV Park, paddle to nearby hidden coves. The Colorado River corridor features dramatic canyon walls and clear, cold water. "Great campground, the facilities are impeccably clean. Camp sites are spacious, level and really well maintained," notes Steve C.
Hike to natural hot springs: Access the thermal pools at Arizona Hot Springs via a 3-mile trail that requires climbing a 20-foot ladder. The springs form several pools with water reaching 111°F. "Although it's only a 6 mile round trip hike, make sure to bring plenty of water as it gets extremely hot in the canyon. A bathing suit and water shoes are highly encouraged," advises Alex B.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings at campsites near Willow Beach provide opportunities to spot wild burros, a remnant population from historic mining operations. At Kingman Wash, campers report regular visits from these animals. "Access to lake mead, plenty of little pull offs scattered throughout a small valley to set up camp in, a vault toilet, and a herd of Burros roaming around," describes Tim R.
Waterfront accessibility: Kingman Wash offers direct beach access for those with appropriate vehicles. "This campground is amazing! There are bathrooms, but I did not use them. Donkeys roam around and the bugs are pretty extra. The 3 mile off road was a little intimidating with my 20ft camper but we made it! So worth it!" reports Peaches E.
Desert night skies: The dark skies at Las Vegas Bay Campground provide excellent stargazing conditions despite relative proximity to urban areas. "At night I've always heard coyotes and owls. Access to Lake Mead is a 15 minute drive away. Restrooms are flush facilities and clean," shares Lance E.
Privacy between sites: Many camping locations around Willow Beach feature natural vegetation barriers. "They have planted lots of trees in the campground for shade in the middle of the desert. So from the highway you come in at, it looks like a little oasis in the middle of the desert," notes Theresa R. about Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Road conditions vary significantly: The access road to Kingman Wash requires careful navigation. "The road is about 3 miles, but takes about 25 minutes to traverse. It's hilly, bumpy and holey. High clearance vehicle suggested, but we made it in a Kia Soul!" explains Amy G.
Hot springs accessibility is seasonal: Road Runner Cove and other backcountry areas close during extreme summer conditions. "This place is hard to get to but worth it. It's very isolated and secluded and it surrounded by trees. If you can make it you can camp and have a whole lake to yourself," reports Overland Pioneer.
Water levels affect campsite availability: Lake Mead's fluctuating water level impacts beach camping areas. "Only issue is with the water so low the level stuff is way back," notes Mike M. about Kingman Wash, while other campers mention former lake-adjacent sites now require longer walks to reach water.
Choose established campgrounds with shade: Boulder Beach offers reliable amenities for families. "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," shares Ashlee L.
Pack extra water for children: The desert environment demands significantly more water than typical camping trips. "Weather wise be prepared for the heat. It was 101°F when we arrived, 80° at night. Bring lots of water to drink!" warns Peaches E. about conditions at Kingman Wash.
Consider timing for water activities: Morning hours provide calmer conditions for paddling with kids. "The water is great and is perfect for my paddleboard!" notes Peaches E., while other campers mention afternoon winds can create challenging conditions for younger paddlers.
Measure access roads carefully: Some dispersed sites have size limitations. "Rough road in but larger rigs can make it without getting stuck if careful," advises Mike M. about Kingman Wash. Other campers recommend scouting ahead before bringing larger rigs down unpaved roads.
Hook-up availability: Canyon Trail RV Park in nearby Boulder City offers full amenities for those needing services. "Very clean park with mostly level gravel pull thru sites. Dog areas and common areas were clean. Did not use the facilities but other campers were enjoying the pool and spa," reports Lane H.
Tank management strategy: Limited dump stations means planning water usage carefully. "Free dump station and potable water. Dispersed spaces asphalt pads, concrete picnic tables, fire rings and gorgeous views," notes Robin P. about Las Vegas Bay Campground, making it a good option for refreshing tanks during longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Willow Beach in Arizona?
Yes, you can camp at Willow Beach Campground and RV Park in Arizona. This campground is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and offers developed camping options with scenic views of the Colorado River. There's an entrance fee to access the area, which is waived if you have an America the Beautiful pass. For those seeking more primitive options, Black Canyon of the Colorado Dispersed offers backcountry camping opportunities downstream of Hoover Dam with existing fire rings and beautiful emerald green waters.
What amenities are available at Willow Beach Campground?
Willow Beach offers numerous amenities for campers. The campground features clean bathrooms, WiFi access, and well-maintained facilities with a helpful camp host. The marina area includes a camp store/market for supplies, boat rentals (kayaks and paddleboards), and fishing opportunities for trout, striped bass, and other species. Arizona Hot Springs is accessible nearby, adding natural hot springs as an attraction. The campground provides spacious sites with scenic views, and the entire area is pet-friendly. Picnic areas are available, and the facilities are consistently described as clean and well-maintained.
Is RV camping allowed at Willow Beach?
Yes, RV camping is definitely allowed and well-accommodated at Willow Beach. The Willow Beach Rv Park offers spacious sites suitable for recreational vehicles, with reports of excellent maintenance and beautiful views. Sites are well-maintained with helpful staff to assist with check-in. For those seeking alternative RV options in the Lake Mead area, Emerald Cave Dispersed is accessible from Willow Beach and provides access to scenic areas along the river. Remember that RV camping requires paying both the entrance fee and camping fees unless you have an America the Beautiful pass.
How do I make reservations for Willow Beach Campground?
To make reservations for Willow Beach, check in at the marina/camp store after entering through the main gate. Camping fees start at $50 per night, plus the $25 entrance fee to the recreation area (waived with an America the Beautiful pass). For alternative options in the region, consider Meadview RV Park, which offers reservations when other nearby campgrounds are full. For water-based adventures, Moonscape Canyon Dispersed Camping offers information on guided tours from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, which can be arranged through NPS-approved outfitters.
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