Camping near Willow Beach offers diverse terrain where the Arizona desert meets the Colorado River at elevations ranging from 647 to 1,200 feet. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly, with summer highs regularly exceeding 110°F and winter lows dropping to the 40s. Several locations provide yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping, with structures typically located on elevated platforms for better airflow and heat management.
What to do
Water recreation access: Davis Camp Park provides direct Colorado River access with designated swimming areas and boat launch facilities. "Loved being able to set up our Napier Sportz tent with our Subaru at the river's edge on the Colorado River just outside of Bullhead City, Az. (across from Laughlin, NV). So clear! Lots of families with jet skis, which we found entertaining although noisy," notes one visitor to Davis Camp Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The secluded coves around Lake Mead offer excellent wildlife observation points. A camper at Arrowhead Cove reports, "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 over the mountains."
Desert hiking trails: Multiple paths connect camping areas to scenic overlooks with minimal elevation gain, suitable for most fitness levels. "If you park at telephone cove and boat up to here that's also a way to get there as well. This is free camping!! Great place, wasn't busy today but in less than a month this area will be busy with boats and trucks," advises a camper about exploring around Arrowhead Cove.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many camping areas offer secluded spots right at the water's edge. "We landed in Vegas and headed straight out of the city to this campground. I booked it online, not ever having seen it in person, but I'd stay again in an instant. We had site 23 - very shaded and 'green' - site 24 (not ours) was very open to the desert," shares a visitor to Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Natural shade coverage: Despite desert conditions, several campgrounds maintain vegetation for natural shade. "This is by far the best national Park campground we have stayed at. 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," reports another Las Vegas Bay Campground guest.
Yurt camping convenience: Yurt accommodations provide amenities not available with traditional camping. "They do have full hook ups and private little rentals if need be. Super impressed! Great roads for biking. Friendly people as well," notes a visitor to Ridgeview RV Resort, which offers alternative lodging options similar to yurt camping near Willow Beach, Arizona.
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Some dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Arrowhead Cove, a camper warns: "There is a sign at the entrance of Mead-Davis Powerline Rd road that says 4x4 recommended... Take this to heart. Getting in is a little harder than getting out because there is one particular steep, rocky hill on the drive in."
Seasonal considerations: Temperature extremes affect camping comfort throughout the year. "We stayed in late March which was a great time to stay. Low 70s during the day and maybe 50 at the coldest part of the night. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere even though you are 20 minutes from Vegas," shares a Las Vegas Bay camper.
Glass container restrictions: Lake areas enforce strict rules about containers. "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 who received a warning.
Tips for camping with families
Campground selection priorities: Families should consider noise levels and amenities. "We group camp here with fellow youth sports families. The kids love the open areas to run and play in though there are not great playgrounds. The sites are mostly level but could use some maintaining," notes a visitor to Katherine Landing South Campground.
Water safety preparations: Bring appropriate flotation devices for children at waterfront sites. "173 campsites available so even on a busy weekend there are places to stay. Large sites with trees in between. Clean bathrooms. Showers and laundry on site," reports a Katherine Landing visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Educate children about desert wildlife safety. "There are Gila monsters, tortoise, mules and many more creatures that come visit the water-side. It was refreshing rinsing off in the crisp, clear water! Bring water shoes as most of the coastline is rocky," advises an Arrowhead Cove camper.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most sites offer limited utilities, so prepare accordingly. "In my travels I would for sure say this camp ground is for the folks not worried about the lake or have a boat they need to launch. They do rent at the marina but it's advised you reserve because pickings are slim to none," notes a Callville Bay RV Park visitor.
Alternative camping options: Consider yurt or cabin rentals during extreme temperatures. "As an alternative to the NPS campground across the road, this mobile home park has some full hookup RV spots in the rear of the mobile home park next to the laundry/restrooms. Cost for RV as of Feb 2022 was only $29.38 for full hookups," reports a Callville Bay camper about nearby accommodations.
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on shade availability during summer months. "We arrived with our 36 foot class a motorhome and weren't sure if there was room. Met by the camp host or some very nice employee and told us which spaces we could pull it into. Was very quiet not a whole lot of people."
