Camping near Willow Beach is available year-round with overnight lows typically dropping to 30-45°F in winter months and summer highs reaching 115°F from June through August. The Black Canyon area sits at approximately 650 feet elevation with limited natural shade and strong winds that frequently sweep through the canyon corridors. Flash floods can temporarily close access roads during monsoon season (July-September).
What to do
Kayaking Colorado River: Rent kayaks at Lake Mead RV Village marina and paddle north toward Hoover Dam or south through Black Canyon. "We took the RV to the shores of Lake Mead and parked for a rock skipping contest and to cool off. The water was very warm which wasn't at all what I expected," notes Christy C.
Hiking trails: Boulder Beach Campground offers direct access to the Historic Railroad Trail that follows the old railroad grade used during Hoover Dam construction. "We checked out the MTB and Downhill riding nearby and stayed a couple more nights. A great place to use as a base camp for some serious riding (double-diamond)," shares Aaron from Canyon Trail RV Park.
Fishing: The Colorado River below Willow Beach offers some of the best rainbow trout fishing in the region. Water temperatures vary significantly depending on dam releases. "We had an amazing lake view site with full hookups. It was only 7 minutes to the Hoover Dam and 5 minutes into Boulder City," reports Chris H.
What campers like
Secure facilities: RV parks near Willow Beach maintain gated access and regular security patrols. At Las Vegas RV Resort, "The resort is gated with a person at the gate 24/7. The restrooms were very clean and the swimming pool was not crowded at all," notes Andrew W.
Weather variability: Winter temperatures provide comfortable camping conditions compared to summer extremes. "We absolutely love this place. Need reservations early. Well maintained. Too hot in summer," explains Aaron S. from Willow Beach Campground.
Boating access: Multiple marinas provide boat launching facilities with varying proximity to popular waterways. "This campground is a great stop for boaters, anglers, and anyone who just wants to enjoy beautiful water with a desert backdrop. Cottonwood Cove is shared between a campground, a marina and a motel," writes Michael K.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely by campground location, with higher elevation sites offering better reception. "We had a beautiful site with great view of Lake Mead and mountain views. The WiFi was fairly good for this size campground," reports MickandKarla W. from Lake Mead RV Village.
Entrance fees: Most campgrounds require payment of National Recreation Area entrance fees ($25 for a 7-day vehicle pass) in addition to camping fees. "One note is that you will have to also pay the park fee before entering the RV park. It isn't much ($25 for a 7 day pass) but it was just something I wasn't aware of before we arrived," explains Jenny W.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels change dramatically and affect shoreline access. "We stopped here on the way to Utah and scored a 'lakefront' spot. These are closest to the lake, but when we visited, Lake Mead was very low, so the shoreline was about 1/4 mile away," notes Michael C.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season scheduling: Plan family trips during spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures that limit outdoor activities. At Cottonwood Cove Resort RV Park, "My husband and I have been coming to Lake Mojave for years. Marina is nice and has everything you'll need. Water is so clear you can see the fish underneath as you paddle out," writes Jessica W.
Dog restrictions: National Recreation Area regulations limit where pets can be allowed. "Dogs not allowed waterside but a nice cove (6 Mile Cove) is just a short drive and dogs allowed there," advises Larry L.
Limited kid-focused amenities: Most rv parks Willow Beach, Arizona and surrounding areas cater primarily to adults. "We had an amazing lake view site with full hookups. The only down side was it wasn't made with kids in mind. It's more of a retirement area. Make sure to have plans or stuff for the kids to do," recommends Chris H.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement: RV sites at Canyon Trail RV Park offer full hookups with varying utility arrangements. "Full hookups. Electric pedestal was a bit old but the 50amp socket inside was brand new. Very close to downtown Boulder City," notes Jeff.
Site selection priorities: Premium waterfront sites fill quickly but offer unobstructed views. "We had a beautiful lake view site with full hookups for our rv. 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," shares MickandKarla W.
Road access considerations: Many access routes have tight turns and steep grades. "The entrance is attractive. Huge park with over 800 spots. Hard to see numbers after dark so make sure you have your map and know the street names to turn on," advises Darcy K.
