Equestrian camping options near Willow Beach, Arizona are limited but alternatives exist for riders seeking to bring horses to this area. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet, creating varied desert terrain across its 1.5 million acres. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for horse camping in the region.
What to do
Desert trail riding: Access multiple trail systems through designated areas at Lake Mead Recreation Area. "This is a desert and free camping. ATV heaven. Dirt bike fun. Big area to get dirty and have fun. If your lucky you may find some bulls hanging around," notes a visitor to Packsaddle Recreation Site.
Fishing from shore: Shore fishing opportunities exist along the Colorado River and Lake Mohave. "I caught a huge carp that snapped my pole and a pretty large Bass. If you hike to thoes cliffs on the left it's a fish sanctuary see a couple striper in there," reports a camper at Road Runner Cove.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer the best chances to spot desert wildlife. "The water is the clearest I've ever seen and the water fowl dive freely along the banks. There is a treasure trove of wildlife here apparent just from the birds singing. It was a cacophony of songbirds just before the sun went down," writes a visitor to Arrowhead Cove.
What campers like
Desert landscape: The rugged Mojave scenery offers stark beauty year-round. "The terrain consists primarily of desert washes and rocky landscapes requiring experienced trail horses," according to ranger reports. "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," shares a reviewer about Road Runner Cove.
Night skies: The remote desert location provides excellent stargazing. "Beautiful skies with visible starry nights, scenic Lake Mead is nearby. I would go out of my way to stay here again," writes a visitor at Happy Trails Campground.
Privacy: Many dispersed sites offer solitude despite no dedicated equestrian facilities. "Total privacy at this hidden beach on Lake Mead. Listen though, its a pain, but if you get to the water and see someone else camping there... Follow the first come first serve rule," advises a camper at Arrowhead Cove.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires navigating rough terrain. "I've driven down other washboard roads but even with some speed this road was so tough on my van. We made it and the views and solitude were worth it but it was a loud, bumpy, stressful 2 mile ride," warns a visitor to Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Water access challenges: Lake levels fluctuate seasonally affecting water access points. "The best parts of this campground is that there is cell service, restrooms, and an RV dump station. It's a very dry and sad campground, with no view of the lake as it has receded too far with the low lake levels," notes a camper at Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Pack in all supplies: No horse-specific amenities exist at any campgrounds. "Do not leave food out and also there are no glass containers allowed at this location! Respect your wildlife community and those enforcing the sustainable practices," advises an Arrowhead Cove visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Shaded sites: Look for areas with natural shade for summer visits. "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," shares a Las Vegas Bay Campground visitor.
Moderate weather timing: Plan trips for March-May or September-November. "We stayed in late March which was a great time to stay. Low 70s during the day and maybe 59 at the coldest part of the nice," notes a camper at Las Vegas Bay.
Wildlife education: Prepare children for desert wildlife encounters. "There are Gila monsters, tortoise, mules and many more creatures that come visit the water-side," explains an Arrowhead Cove visitor, making this area valuable for nature education despite the lack of dedicated horse facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for level pull-through sites if bringing a horse trailer. "This is dry camp only. No hookups or dump station. Portable water is available. Sites are well developed," writes a visitor to Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Generator rules: Verify generator regulations at your chosen campground. "There is a no generator section meant for tents, but we didn't stay there as it seemed fully booked so I picked an RV/tent site at the far end. And it was lovely," explains a camper at Katherine Landing South Campground.
Overnight alternatives: Consider overnight parking between horse destinations. "This is a good spot if you just need to stop for the night. It's a great alternative to a truck stop or a Walmart because apparently there's an ordinance and Vegas Walmarts don't allow overnight parking," suggests a Searchlight BLM visitor.
