Glamping options near Mojave National Preserve provide comfortable accommodations for visitors exploring the region's desert landscape, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Located in southeastern California, the preserve spans 1.6 million acres of desert terrain with elevations ranging from 880 to 7,929 feet. Several developed campgrounds with glamping amenities sit along the Colorado River corridor, providing a refreshing contrast to the preserve's arid environment.
What to do
River activities: Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area offers excellent water recreation with sandy beaches and river access. A reviewer noted, "Amazing place to set up for the day, camping is available with water and power hook-ups. We spent the day on in the beach area. Definitely a little gem on the Colorado River."
Desert hiking: The area surrounding Needles KOA provides access to desert trails with mountain views. While temperatures limit summer hiking, winter visitors enjoy mild conditions for exploring. As one camper mentioned, "Mountains to the NE of us. They have a pool, cleaned regularly but not heated."
Casino entertainment: Many glamping sites provide access to nearby casinos in Laughlin. A visitor at Colorado River Oasis RV Resort shared, "It's neat if you take the water taxis across to the casinos and walk the boardwalk, there are so many bugs so be prepared."
What campers like
River access: Campers consistently praise sites with direct river entry points. A Colorado River Oasis RV Resort guest explained, "They have their own entrance to the river which is super neat because if you rent jet skis you can get back to your lodging any time of the day. Also if you have a boat you can load and unload it with the private ramp."
Cooling options: During hot months, swimming pools provide crucial relief from desert heat. A camper at Riverside Adventure Trails RV Resort shared, "The pool was an absolute lifesaver in the August heat! Friendly locals and several chatted to us in the pool and social room."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high on campers' priority lists. A visitor at Needles Marina Resort observed, "Talk about clean! This place has exceeded that by all means. The bathroom was immaculate as can be. With kids if the bathroom isn't clean our babies are not going in."
What you should know
Extreme temperatures: Summer heat in the region is intense, often exceeding 110°F. One camper at Big Bend at the Colorado River State Recreation Area shared, "Did not camp, only came for one day. But did take driving tour through the campsite. Only saw 3-4 RV's. Maybe bc we came mid July at it was over 110 F!"
Reservation systems vary: While some glamping sites take reservations, others operate first-come, first-served. A visitor noted, "This was a small, 24-site campground near the Colorado River. The sites are not reservable so first come first served."
Additional fees: Some locations charge separate utility fees even for tent campers. A reviewer at Big Bend of the Colorado warned, "if you have the NV state park pass be prepared to pay 10 dollars additional without an RV it's one of the few places I have noticed that make you pay even if you are tent camping."
Tips for camping with families
River beaches: The Colorado River offers shallow areas with sandy beaches perfect for children. A Needles Marina Resort guest mentioned, "Super dope place right on the river with little sandy beaches on the river and a cool water inlet that is surrounded by grass for a fun family day."
Indoor activities: For extreme weather days, look for resorts with indoor recreation. Riverside Adventure Trails RV Resort provides "Book exchange and games/jigsaws" according to a recent visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Desert wildlife may visit camping areas after dark. One camper warned, "raccoons, and skunks roam these areas at night so have your food and vehicles secured."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full hookups are available at most glamping sites in the region. A visitor to Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area noted, "Great campground for either tents, trailers, class A or C motorhomes. Quiet and close to Colorado River."
Shade structures: Many RV sites include shade structures, critical during hot months. A camper mentioned, "the spaces are pretty spaced out but still NO trees, also you're super close to a major street in Laughlin so not really impressed by that."
Dump stations: Convenient dump facilities make extended stays more manageable. One RVer shared, "they do have a dump station right when you pull in so it's convenient for before and after dumping needs."
