Camping options along the Colorado River near Blythe, California range from established RV resorts with full hookups to free dispersed sites on public lands. The area features several riverfront campgrounds including Mayflower Park and The Cove RV Resort on the California side, while Arizona Oasis RV Resort sits just across the state line in Ehrenberg. Most established campgrounds offer cabin rentals alongside tent and RV sites, with amenities varying from basic to resort-style facilities including swimming pools, boat launches, and recreation areas.
The Colorado River corridor experiences extreme summer heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F from June through September, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Midland LTVA (Long-Term Visitor Area) north of Blythe provides dispersed camping with minimal facilities but requires permits for extended stays. According to one camper, "You can purchase a two week permit for $40 or a season pass (September-April) for $180 that can be used at a variety of other long-term BLM spots in CA and AZ." Most dispersed areas require self-contained camping as they lack potable water and restroom facilities.
Riverfront access represents the primary draw for campers visiting the Blythe area, with several developed campgrounds offering direct Colorado River frontage. The riverfront sites at established campgrounds typically feature grassy areas, beach access, and boat launches, though they tend to fill quickly during peak season. While waterfront camping receives positive reviews, visitors note varying levels of maintenance across facilities. A reviewer at Mayflower Park described it as having "all the amenities for RV and dry camping" with "beautiful sunrise and sunset" views. Many campgrounds serve a mix of overnight travelers and seasonal residents, with several reviewers noting the presence of long-term campers, particularly during winter months when the mild desert climate attracts snowbirds.
$63 - $115 / night
"Right on the California/ AZ border, close to Blythe for groceries and restaurants. Great place for off road vehicles since you can drive to the desert trails in about 2 minutes and ride for hours."
"The place seems in the middle of nowhere, but is right next to the Colorado River and has a nice beach area. There are a lot of facilities, a pool, hot tub, etc. Would recommend!"
$15 / night
"Plan on bringing water and the nearest dump area is Blythe, CA. Close to Cibola Wildlife refuge.
Beautiful and quiet, family area.
Hosts are excellent and keep very clean bathrooms."
"We drove around 5mph towing our trailers so it took forever.)
There were other campers around us because we were on the river but it wasn't bad. "
$30 - $50 / night
"Reserved ahead in campground near next to the river. There are day use picnic spots between the campsites and the river which was unique."
"Note: Close by (1/4 mile?) Hidden River RV Park has a convenience store. Also note: Hidden River is more of an ATV/motor boat/beer drinking environment. Not my thing."
$70 - $133 / night
"The spots are a bit tight but once we found out the parking in the front (15 steps away) was free to park in the whole time we moved our truck and had plenty of room."
"Hippie Hole is a fantastic boondocking spot with easy access to the Colorado River and plenty of nearby walking trails."
"If you're looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Hippie Hole Camping Area is the perfect spot."
"Closer to the Blythe Intaglio area. Lots of hiking there."
"Midland LTVA is about 9 mi north of Blythe, paved road all the way. The LTVA is very large and open..little shade."
"Dump site on location. No water no bathrooms. Self contained only. Perfect if you just need a place to be for a while but not much to do within walking distance."
"The further off road your willing to go the more privacy you have. Some ATV noise close to the hills & trails."
"Free dispersed camping, about 2 miles outside of Quartzsite, with no services available, but lots of space and beautiful views of surrounding mountains."
"There is a lot of soft sand you cannot get around. Recommend ONLY 4WD and knowledge of how to drive on sand. I had traction mats & compressor to pump tires back up."
"The nearby Cibola National Wildlife Refuge and Colorado River offer a nice contrast with opportunities for wildlife spotting and cooling off by the water [https://spotiofficial.app/](https://spotiofficial.app"
LegendFree dispersed camping at the Kofa Wildlife refuge. Not going to share my exact coordinates, but there are plenty of spots here to choose from. Wonderful views, sunsets and desert flora and fauna.
LegendThis is my go-to spot when coming to Quartzsite each winter. Easy access to town that is so set up for RVers--dump stations, water fill, small grocery--everything you need to boondock for long periods of time.
While the limit is 14 days, I've seen people stay here much longer. It's a great place to meet community and enjoy winter in the sun. It does get windy at times.
GuideThis is a great place to spend the winter months, at this location there is a clothing optional section, and that is where I prefer to stay. People are very friendly and there are some awesome hiking trails that are within the borders of the clothing optional area. There is water trash and a dumping station just a mile and a half from the clothing optional area right now it costs $40 for 2 weeks or $180 for 7 months. But there are rumors that rates may go up. But they've been saying that for the past couple years
TravelerThe park manager will tell you there are aggressive coyotes around here but we found the unleashed dogs to be more of a problem. Lots of folks living off the grid and moving around the park every 14 days. Seeing the desert with the mountains all around at dusk is awesome. Will stay here in the winter months when the Midwest is frozen.
Guidelots of other campers, wide open space — not much privacy, but lots of room to camp.
GuideFriendly owners, great price and very spacious lots.
GuideSpots are far enough apart and clean. We were able to find a fairly level spot for our 5th wheel
GuideThis is an amazing location if your rig can make it. The end of it is where it’s at but it is a rough 6-mile ride on a very bumpy and dusty trail so don’t venture out without a 4x4, especially knowing this is a flood-risk area.
With that said, if you’re chasing clear starry skies and peace and quiet, this is the spot. Plenty of room to keep to yourself and for your neighbors to do the same.
GuideMy first time in the Quartzite area. Slightly surprised the place was not crowded. We had no trouble finding a spot it the dark, next to a fire ring, with good distance between neighbors.
The Colorado River region near Blythe creates a stark contrast between desert and waterfront camping environments. Summer temperatures in this area range from lows around 75°F to highs exceeding 115°F, while winter highs typically reach 65-75°F with overnight lows sometimes dropping to freezing. Water levels along this stretch of the Colorado River fluctuate seasonally, affecting beach access and water activities throughout the year.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Access the Colorado River directly from Hippie Hole Camping Area, where campers can launch from small beaches. "We paddle boarded, watched the night stars, the blue haring in the morning," notes a visitor to Hippie Hole Camping Area.
Wildlife viewing: Visit the adjacent Cibola Wildlife Refuge from Wiley Wells Dispersed camping area to spot migratory birds. According to a camper at Wiley Wells Dispersed, it's a "Gorgeous area and far from noisy freeway" with opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Desert exploration: Navigate the surrounding desert terrain for hiking and off-road adventures. One visitor at BLM Oxbow Campground shared: "We went out into the desert by the Hart Mining area and saw Big Horn Sheep and a Log Cabin from 1910."
River access: Many campgrounds offer direct Colorado River frontage with small beaches for water activities. A camper at BLM Oxbow Campground noted, "We were lucky to get a spot right on the river. The dirt roads getting back there were a bit rough especially for my brother whose van and trailer were low to the ground, but it was worth it."
Spacious sites: Dispersed camping areas provide more room between campers than developed campgrounds. At Midland LTVA, a reviewer observed: "The LTVA is very large and open..little shade. There is a host onsite and you can purchase LTVA stickers at the host trailer, cash or check...goes in an iron ranger locked box."
Desert sunsets: The open landscape creates spectacular sunset viewing opportunities. "Gorgeous camp, clean. Clean pit toilets right there. Gorgeous sunset & sunrise," according to a visitor at Oxbow Campground.
Permit requirements: Long-term visitors need permits at certain BLM sites. At Midland LTVA Dispersed, "You can purchase a two week permit for $40 or a season pass (september - april) for $180 that can be used at a variety of other long term blm spots in CA and AZ."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas require self-contained setups. "No water no bathrooms. Self contained only. Perfect if you just need a place to be for a while but not much to do within walking distance," notes a Midland LTVA camper.
Sandy terrain: Several camping areas have soft sand that can challenge vehicles. A visitor to Wiley Wells warned: "There is a lot of soft sand you cannot get around. Recommend ONLY 4WD and knowledge of how to drive on sand. I had traction mats & compressor to pump tires back up."
Resort amenities: For families wanting more facilities, some RV parks offer recreational options. At Arizona Oasis RV Resort, a reviewer found "Nightly activities, pool, beach, river, play area. If the local towns were a little more interesting it would better, but overall, a good place to stay."
Cabin options: Several riverfront campgrounds offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tents or RVs. One camper at Arizona Oasis noted: "From rv with full hooks ups, cabin rentals which are basic, beds and air with community shared showers and bathrooms. Mini houses to rent which we stayed in and they are perfect for a few couples and small Children."
Swimming areas: Look for protected swimming spots along the river. "The river area became packed from people setting out tents as soon as the sun came up," reported a family at Arizona Oasis, adding that "River was awesome for the kids."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are essential during summer months. At The Cove RV Resort, a reviewer found "The spots are a bit tight but once we found out the parking in the front (15 steps away) was free to park in the whole time we moved our truck and had plenty of room."
Cell service: Coverage varies throughout the area. At Midland LTVA, a camper reported "Limited cell on TMobile" while noting the area was "not very crowded end of Jan."
Dump stations: Plan where you'll empty tanks, especially when boondocking. At Midland LTVA there is "a RV black tank dump...but NO DUMP RINSE WATER AND NO POTABLE WATER," requiring campers to manage water resources carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV parks are available near Blythe, CA?
Arizona Oasis RV Resort is conveniently located off I-10 near the California/Arizona border. It's large RV-friendly with riverfront spots, cabin and RV rentals, laundry facilities, and clean amenities. The location provides easy access to Blythe for groceries and dining. Hidden Beaches River Resort is another option offering a quiet atmosphere despite its size, with many long-term tenants, excellent WiFi, friendly staff, and clean facilities. For those seeking more affordable options, Mayflower Park provides basic amenities including warm, clean showers.
Where can I find camping spots along the river in Blythe, California?
Blythe offers several excellent riverfront camping options. BLM Oxbow Campground provides dry camping with spots right on the Colorado River, though roads can be a bit rough. It's a fee-based site ($15 per vehicle per night, half price with a federal park pass) near the Cibola Wildlife Refuge with clean bathrooms. Another great option is Hippie Hole Camping Area, a boondocking spot with easy river access and walking trails, also adjacent to the Cibola Wildlife Preserve. Both locations offer beautiful natural settings perfect for enjoying the river environment.
Where are the best fishing spots in Blythe, California?
The Colorado River around Blythe offers prime fishing opportunities. Emerald Cove Resort provides beachfront access to the river, making it a convenient base for fishing excursions. For a more natural setting, consider Midland LTVA Dispersed camping area, located about 9 miles north of Blythe via paved roads. While primarily known as a large open camping area, its proximity to water access points makes it suitable for anglers. The Colorado River in this region is known for bass, catfish, and panfish. Local bait shops in Blythe can provide up-to-date information on current hotspots and effective baits.
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