Dispersed camping areas near Willow Beach, Arizona provide tent campers with dry desert terrain at elevations ranging from 600-1,200 feet. The temperature fluctuates significantly between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below 40°F. Primitive tent sites typically require driving on unpaved roads that can become impassable during rain events.
What to do
Shoreline fishing: At Road Runner Cove, campers can catch various fish species from the shore. "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. Huge fish everywhere and cliffs to jump from," notes one visitor.
Land sailing: The dried lake beds near tent camping areas provide ideal conditions for wind sports. "Ivanpah is a world-renowned spot for land sailing. The BLM has set the playa aside for use only by non-motorized vehicles and the lake is fantastic! All types of land yachts, kite buggies and other wind-powered craft sail there," explains a camper.
Kayaking excursions: Launch directly from shoreline campsites when water levels permit. "We Camp in the roofnest tent ⛺and Kayaking the next morning. What a epic experience," shares a camper at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
What campers like
Cell connectivity: Despite the remote locations, many dispersed sites maintain good cellular coverage. "Cell signal is booming @ this site, more so than Govt Wash which is across the way. But Govt Wash has a better road," reports a visitor to Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Privacy between sites: Valley of Fire Dispersed provides ample space between camping areas. "We stayed for one night, loads of space, fairly level as well. Just a little bit off the road and really quiet," mentions one camper.
Established fire rings: Most primitive areas have existing fire rings from previous campers. "Found a flat spot next to a fire ring after traveling down a bumpy road," notes a Valley of Fire Dispersed camper, while another points out "There are some fire rings if you're interested."
What you should know
Road conditions: The access roads to tent sites require careful driving. "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," explains a camper at Eight Mile Dispersed Camping.
Water level fluctuations: Lake access varies dramatically based on water levels. At Gregg's Hideout, a visitor reported: "Water level was very low so access there was a hike."
Weather preparedness: Temperature extremes affect camping comfort. "I was here in August... Of course it was hot then... Water level was very low so access there was a hike," notes a Gregg's Hideout camper.
Park entry fees: While dispersed camping is free, a National Recreation Area entry fee applies. "Note that this area is free camping, however Lake Mead has an entry fee, unless you have a Senior Pass," clarifies an Eight Mile camper.
Tips for camping with families
Assess vehicle capability: Only attempt certain access roads with appropriate vehicles. At Windy Point Campground, a camper warns: "Although you can make it to the campground in 2wd, I wouldn't take a car. SUV/truck preferred. Tent camping/car camping only, no RV sites at all."
Pack in all water: No reliable drinking water exists at dispersed sites. "While camping at Lake Mead, you can opt to stay in there campground that has electrical hookups, but we prefer to boondock... you are able to use the dump station and freshwater to fill up your tanks at Boulder Beach campground," advises an Eight Mile camper.
Wildlife awareness: Desert wildlife is present around tent sites. "Coyotes are very present so I personally wouldn't tent camp anywhere here but I saw several people with no problems tent camping," notes a visitor to Eight Mile Dispersed.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Many tent camping areas near Willow Beach have challenging access for larger vehicles. "I would never haul a trailer in there," warns a camper at Eight Mile Dispersed, while another at Mid-Basin Cove notes: "Dispersed camping on the beach, fires and pets allowed."
Generator etiquette: Be aware of generator noise at sites with multiple campers. One Valley of Fire Dispersed camper mentions: "On the other hand, busy all year round with people running their generators all night, be aware."
Trash management: "There is a dumpster at the front but no bathroom or other facilities. Hike out what you hike in," reports an Eight Mile camper regarding the minimal infrastructure at most sites.
