Cabin lodgings near Earp, California offer river frontage along the Colorado River in a desert climate where summer temperatures consistently reach above 110°F. The landscape features rocky canyon walls contrasting with the flowing river, which serves as the main recreational draw for visitors. Most cabins are situated within established resorts and RV parks that remain operational year-round.
What to do
Boating access points: River Island State Park Campground has designated launch areas for watercraft. "There is a boat launch and an area where ever the dogs can cool off in the lake," notes one visitor who appreciates the park's water access amenities.
Swimming in protected coves: Islander RV Resort offers sheltered swimming areas ideal during hot months. A regular visitor explains, "There are a few little coves that are perfect for swimming if you don't have a watercraft."
Golfing nearby: Black Meadow Landing provides golfing opportunities as part of their amenities. A camper mentions, "Golfing, Disc Golf, horse shoe, bocci ball, marina, club house with a ton of activities from yoga and sewing to line dancing and pub nights."
Morning fishing: Early risers can take advantage of prime fishing conditions. "The extremely loud boats started racing up and down the river around 730 am so not ideal for those that like to sleep in but they were fun to watch," reports a camper at Echo Lodge.
What campers like
Tiki bar amenities: Emerald Cove Resort offers affordable food and drinks at their river-view tiki bar. "Their food is good and very affordable. So are the drinks. Karaoke in the evenings is fun and it's nice to have a store to buy ice etc," explains a frequent visitor.
Quality shower facilities: Campers highlight the exceptional shower facilities at some locations. According to one visitor at River Island, "I had the best shower here that I've had at any campground I've been to during my 7 weeks on the road."
Waterfront cabin placement: Echo Lodge offers prime water-adjacent sites. A guest reports, "For our stay we stayed in a site right up against the sand and 20ft or so away from the water which was amazing!"
Wild burro sightings: The area is known for wild donkeys that roam freely. A camper notes, "There are wild donkeys along the road leading to all the campgrounds so be careful when driving around that area."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: River Island State Park Campground has connectivity challenges. A visitor cautions, "Only downside, for me, was no T-Mobile cell service or WiFi. Had to walk to the office to get WiFi."
Resort membership requirements: Some properties operate under membership models. A visitor to Emerald Cove Resort explains, "It's a membership park, you get 3 free nights stay but have to attend a 90 minute sales presentation."
Limited groceries: Plan food needs in advance as shopping options are restricted. "The closest gas station is 45 minutes away," warns a visitor, highlighting the remote nature of these destinations.
Temperature extremes: Summer heat requires planning for cabin stays. "We weren't too fond of the 120° we experienced on our stay, but the cool water kept us all comfortable," a guest at River Island reports.
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activities schedule: Lake Havasu State Park Campground provides recreational opportunities for children. A family camper notes, "Enjoy Lake Havasu by being right on the lakeside. What better way to beat the dry, Arizona desert heat."
Evening pool time: Resort pools offer relief from daytime heat. "The kids love to swim at the pool at night and watch karaoke," shares an Emerald Cove visitor.
Beach coves for younger swimmers: Look for protected swimming areas away from boat traffic. "This is a small park, but the stay has been great. It's quiet, the staff is super friendly," mentions a visitor who appreciated the calmer environment.
Dog-friendly options: Many cabin rentals allow pets. A visitor to River Island notes, "There is a boat launch and an area where ever the dogs can cool off in the lake."
Tips from RVers
Overflow parking benefits: Big River RV Park provides overflow camping options. "The campground was booked but the overflow doesn't need reservations. Just drive in. The over flow is better in my opinion because it is paved and the regular campsites are not paved."
Power limitations: Be aware of electrical restrictions when booking cabins. A camper at Black Meadow Landing reports, "We found that we were unable to run our A/C and microwave without tripping the power supply."
Winter temperature swings: Seasonal visitors note more comfortable conditions during cooler months. "The weather is close to perfect in the winter, gets pretty cold at night. I wouldn't recommend going in the summer as the temps reach well over 100."
Wind considerations: Prepare for evening gusts in cabin camping areas. "It's always very windy at night, so remember to put your awnings up! We made that mistake our first time there."