Riverside camping near Blythe offers access to the Colorado River basin, where temperatures exceed 110°F in summer months but drop to comfortable 70°F days in winter. Yurt accommodations at several campgrounds along the Colorado River provide temperature-controlled shelter with canvas or solid walls, essential during extreme desert conditions. Most campgrounds sit at approximately 300 feet elevation along the river corridor.
What to do
River swimming spots: Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground provides direct water access 6 miles off the main highway. As one camper explains, "Stayed on the river with great access for swimming and fishing. Very quiet this time of year, also great access to BLM lands for Off road."
Desert hiking trails: Corn Springs Campground offers canyon hikes within walking distance from camp. A reviewer notes, "Beautiful canyon hikes, climbs and views. Petroglyphs and historic mining cabin." The area features ancient rock art and abandoned mining structures.
Riverside sports: The Colorado River provides excellent flat water for multiple activities. At Emerald Cove Resort, "They have roomy RV pull-through spots. A short walk from the Colorado River for all your water activities." The resort includes boat launch facilities directly into the Colorado.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer opportunities to see desert wildlife. At Mayflower Park, one camper observed, "Sandhills cranes fly over in morning. Spectacular!" The river corridor attracts numerous bird species year-round.
What campers like
Quiet winter camping: The Blythe area transforms during cooler months. At Mayflower Park, one visitor shared, "Stayed the week before Thanksgiving/mild weather. Mid week so not crowded. Reserved ahead in campground near next to the river."
Affordable sites: Most campgrounds maintain reasonable rates compared to other riverside destinations. Corn Springs charges only $6 per night according to campers. Walter's Camp provides full hookup sites at competitive rates with riverfront access.
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many campgrounds maintain good amenities. A Walter's Camp visitor mentioned, "Clean camp, showers with great pressure and plenty of hot water."
Convenience store access: Several campgrounds offer on-site supplies. At Hidden Beaches River Resort, "The general store comes in handy and sells liquor, beer and wine." This eliminates long drives for forgotten items.
What you should know
Summer heat warnings: Desert temperatures become extreme from June through September. One Corn Springs camper reported, "One night we slept there it was so dang hot at night that we slept out on the ground with our dog as opposed to inside the camper van."
Road conditions: Access varies between campgrounds. Walter's Camp requires driving "6 miles off the paved road. Roads were graded last week and pretty decent drive, although its posted that 4x4 is sometimes recommended."
Water quality concerns: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. A Walter's Camp reviewer cautioned, "There are water hose hookups, but I would not introduce this water into your RV. It is brownish and not well treated."
Yurt camping options: Yurt accommodations at Emerald Cove Resort provide solid alternatives for those without RVs. A visitor noted, "They have cottages you can rent if you don't have an RV or have extra people visiting with you." Corn Springs also offers yurt accommodations for desert camping.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Big River RV Park provides family-friendly amenities with waterfront access. A visitor confirmed it was "super welcoming" with a "campground clean and close to water."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds become busy during peak seasons. At Emerald Cove, "Be prepared for lots of noise and activity because it's a busy place."
Wildlife awareness: Children should be supervised around local wildlife. One Emerald Cove camper mentioned, "Be sure to say hi to the donkeys that wander throughout the grounds," while adding to "block your area off with chairs so they don't poop on your stuff."
Activities for kids: Family-oriented campgrounds offer organized programs. Emerald Cove features "Miniature golf, arcade, poker room, darts, and overall an awesome site."
Tips from RVers
Spacing between sites: Expect variable site sizes and privacy. An Emerald Cove camper observed, "Sites were just too close together and it's dirt and there was some trash."
Power reliability: Check amperage options before booking. Many campgrounds offer only 30-amp service. A Hidden Beaches visitor mentioned, "They offer full hookups and beachfront. There are showers and laundry room."
Winter considerations: The Blythe area becomes a popular winter destination for snowbirds. Campgrounds fill quickly between November and March. A Mayflower Park reviewer noted, "The views of the river and the mountains in the distance were so nice."
Yurt camping alternatives: For RVers seeking different accommodations, yurt camping near Blythe provides alternatives during maintenance. Emerald Cove's yurt options received positive reviews from multiple campers seeking temporary housing.
