Best RV Parks & Resorts near Cima, CA

Ranger Review: Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios at Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

CAMPGROUND REVIEW

Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is located 14 miles east of Searchlight, NV, on the shores of Lake Mohave. The decent into Cottonwood Cove is quite dramatic (about 2900 ft), for which the roadside cactus can attest, as the types of cacti change even with the slightest elevation change.

The "lower" in Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground's name characterizes it's lower elevation compared to the "upper" campground, which naturally has higher elevation.

Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is included in Lake Mead National Recreation Area campgrounds, and keeping with their custom, all sites are first come first serve. The Cottonwood Cove area has low elevation, at about 650 feet above sea level, which means it gets very hot during the late spring, summer, and early fall months.

Only a few of the 45 sites have shady cottonwood trees, and there are only uncovered picnic tables, so come prepared with a shade canopy for much needed relief! There are beautiful views of Lake Mohave, three very clean restroom buildings (no showers), water on taps, and fire rings at every site. There is an RV dump station located near the entrance to the Upper Campground (although the Upper Campground is closed).

The Lower Campground is situated behind a hill, which obstructs cell service. Walking only a short distance to the marina area, you'll find a strong 4G signal. The park service provides fee-based internet at the campground, but we didn't try it.

Cottonwood Cove has a full service boat marina, gas, motel, RV resort (with full hook-ups), watercraft rentals/supplies, sandy beach, and shaded picnic tables with BBQs.

Here's a drive-along tour of Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground: https://youtu.be/s6AQ6KqtxPg

Overall, we enjoyed our stay at this campground. It was a peaceful place, with jackrabbits, a couple of hungry ducks, many songbirds, and the stars at night were bright & beautiful. 4 stars (not 5 stars due to lack of provided shade).

PRODUCT REVIEW

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. While camping at Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground, we tested Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios (model T51).

https://midlandusa.com/product/x-talker-t51vp/

Camping in an isolated area behind a large hill was the perfect place to review these radios. However, with the hill as an obstruction our range was limited. [Note: We also tried these radios at home, and our maximum range was 3 small neighborhood blocks. Perhaps to achieve the maximum range of "28 miles," you'd need to be on the open ocean on a calm day or out on a very flat prairie.]

Here's a video demonstration of the Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios:

https://youtu.be/ocCEzY-MgUc

As you can see in our review video, we compared the Midland radios with a very inexpensive set. Midland's quality is far superior.

The Midland's instruction booklet is easy to follow, buttons are easy to operate, radio is comfortable to hold, and the belt clip is very tight (exercise care unlatching to prevent breaking). And… the NOAA Weather Radio scan was our biggest surprise, as you'll see in this video:

https://youtu.be/nZvTipRcln8

The radios can be charged while positioned on the charging stand or via a charging cord plugged directly into the radio and to an electrical source (such as a portable power bank).

Overall, we are very impressed with the clear reception and convenience of the Midland X-Talker Two-way Radios. We are looking forward to using these radios during our future no-cell service camping, fishing, and hiking adventures. 5 stars

ALOT OF PEOPLE GO OUT TO THE LAKE AND STRIKE OUT ON SPOTS BUT WITH THIS LITTLE HIDDEN GEM YOU STILL GET THE CLOSENESS OF THE LAKE BUT AWAY FROM ALL THE WILD NIGHTS.

This mobile home park is located in Searchlight Nevada they have pull through sites with full hook ups and free Wi-Fi they have a mobile home park that is age restricted for 55+ however if you’re looking for those rates like 265 per month including water and sewer however what we’re looking for is overnight or RV rates which they include for hook ups including power and free Wi-Fi the pricing is $20 per night $145 per week $425 per month and it can go up to 450 depending on if you have a 30 or 50 amp hook up.

You’re literally right down the street from Lake Mojave where you can fish go boating there’s tons of water activities and you’re right down the street from the Cottonwood Cove resort and Marina you have casinos nearby gas stations McDonald’s a few places to gamble they also have a super dope jerky place where you can get some yummy beef jerky or honey and you’re only about 30 to 40 minutes away from Las Vegas and Boulder city but really if you come here after enjoying a day on the water this place is honestly tucked back a hidden gem for sure and during the day they have somebody to check you in if not they set up a night check in for you So overall this place is super cute and quaint it’s super quiet and well-maintained also a lot of highway patrol live here full-time so it’s super secure and safe you’re right down the street from Nipton as well which is a cool little town if you’ve never been to it it’s actually on the Nipton Road but either way super impressed with this place they do have some tables scattered around but the fact you get full hook ups in your RV you’re good to go

I’ve also included pictures of the McDonald’s which do offer showers for truckers in RV years if you just needed a nice shower and you didn’t want to get your RV dirty or whatever your case may be they also have propane fill up tanks at the terribles and they always have everything that anybody can need now take note it is by the lake so the prices are gonna be going up as far as ice and other little things but they’re the gateway to fueling people for the lake but just so you know they do have showers at that terribles and propane fill up

Pure Review:  

Stayed here on the 29th of May 2021. Was a little warm during the day but hella cool at night. The campground is kinda remote, way better than "Hole in The Wall." You can get there in a 2wd car during dry conditions. Nice sites with a table and fire pit. Room for trailer or tent camping. Might have to arrive early to get a good site. 

************************FACTS*********************************************

Price: $12 (first come basis)

Water: NO  

Amenities: Picnic tables and fire ring/grill

Access: A freaking Prius made it

Cell service: Verizon 2-3 bars @ top of hill next to site 24

Pit toilet: Clean

Privacy: Yes/NO depends on your site.

Pure Tip:

Drive the loop before you pick a site. Better ones are at the back. Enjoy!!

Somewhat rundown campground. (Upper CG is all closed and abandoned) 45 sites, all Reservation.gov except for sites 1-3. $20/$10 senior. Most sites are short backins and big TTs and 5th wheels, RVs will have limited options. There are some nice shaded sites. Restrooms were dirty and needed cleaning. No cell signal but the Marina vendor has a wifi system available for a fee. This marina is still functioning as a boat marina and boat launch. Two stars due to overall rundown condition, sites obstructed with downed tree debris, and apparent lack of maintenance staff.

Tucked at the end of a road off the main highway in Searchlight. There is nothing in town other than some gas stations and a McDonalds so make sure you pack everything you need. Upon pulling in there were no signs of where to go so just drive up to the motel check-in and look for a board with envelopes and you will find your name and spot assignment. I recommend calling to get the assigned spot you want. I stayed in lower campground RV Site #8, pull through 40' Front Row. There was a busted up concrete pad and a picnic table that has seen some better days. The spots are right next to each other so if you have obnoxious neighbors, that could be a problem. Luckily for us we had great neighbors. If you want extra room to lounge outside your RV, then I recommend you book an extra site so that you have that space, other than that you will be sitting basically up against the RV next to you. Some of the front row spots have random trees so if you have slideouts, be mindful of that. My view was the Motel parking lot so be aware that Front Row does not mean Water view. Campground is dirt/gravel and absolutely nothing fancy about it and no nice views until you walk past the motel. I walked through the motel grounds and it was clean but it looked like it was deserted in a way. I saw one of the rooms and although they had a great patio area overlooking the water, the rooms were old and dated. We also drove to the other side of the campgrounds where there were tent sites/no hook-ups and I don't recommend it. It looked run down and depressing. Just a short walk from the RV campgrounds and over a small hill (watch for dog poop) you will reach a beautiful cove, The greatest thing about this location! It's super clear and the sand is soft. Great place for water activities. Also, the night skies are great for stargazing. It's a short drive from Vegas and it gets the job done.