Best Campgrounds near Needles, CA

Campgrounds for various types of camping can be found in multiple areas near Needles, California, a desert community along the Colorado River. The region includes established RV resorts like Desert View RV Resort and Needles KOA, as well as mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins. Pirate Cove and Fenders River Road Resort offer waterfront camping with cabin options approximately 3-5 miles from downtown Needles. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Craggy Wash Dispersed Camping Area provides free camping about 30 miles northwest in Arizona. Most campgrounds in the Needles area feature amenities such as electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, while the dispersed camping areas offer more basic, self-contained experiences.

"This would be our first stop as a RV camper. KOA in Needles CA and I would have to say we loved it! Friendly staff, nice clean swimming pool, and the amenities and facilities clean," noted one visitor. The extreme desert climate significantly impacts camping conditions, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F from June through September. Winter months (October-April) provide more moderate temperatures ideal for camping. Many campgrounds remain open year-round despite the heat, though visitors during summer should prepare for extremely hot conditions. Water access is a critical consideration, as most established campgrounds provide hookups while dispersed sites require campers to bring their own supply. Cell service varies throughout the region, with stronger signals near town and more limited coverage in outlying areas.

Several visitors mentioned the Colorado River access as a primary attraction for camping in this area. Campgrounds along the river offer swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities that provide relief from the desert heat. A camper wrote, "The sites are kinda tight but well worth it if you can get a river view! Dog friendly with a nice dog beach." Public lands near the city support a range of camping styles from fully-developed resorts to primitive sites with no facilities. Campers report high satisfaction with sites near the Colorado River, though many note the importance of stocking up on supplies before arrival as services in Needles are limited. Reviews consistently mention the stark beauty of the desert landscape, wildlife viewing opportunities including wild burros, and the exceptional stargazing conditions due to minimal light pollution in the surrounding desert.

Best Camping Sites Near Needles, California (156)

    1. Desert View RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Needles, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 326-4000

    "This site is a walk away from Needles KOA, so if you need anything small, it's a very short walk to their store (where they carry some foods and drinks)."

    "Close to town for meals, shopping and cheap gas across the state line. Could hear big trucks on adjacent freeway but quiet enough for a good nights rest."

    2. Needles KOA

    12 Reviews
    Needles, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 326-4207

    "Rough crowd around and needles is a disgusting town. It will suffice if you need to stop for a night. Level spots descent size. Well stocked store with very friendly staff"

    "KOA in needles ca and I would have to say we loved it ! Friendly staff nice clean swimming pool , and the amenities and facilities clean . The park overall I would say a 10 out of 10"

    3. Pirate Cove

    11 Reviews
    Needles, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 326-3831

    "We camped with a group out on one of the points for some good off roading. LOTS of nice trails to go, lots of desert to cover. Some sand, some rocky areas, a nice assortment."

    "The RV spots are full hook up and on dirt / sand....and right next to the water. You typically share a beach with three other RV sites though we had the beach mostly to ourselves during our stay."

    4. Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Needles, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 298-1859

    $10 - $40 / night

    "This was a small, 24-site campground near the Colorado River. The sites are not reservable so first come first served. The grounds and bathroom were clean."

    "Its FCFS and the sites are usually full or nearly full. Mostly with the snowbirds during the winter months. The sites are fairly large and spaced out."

    5. Fenders River Road Resort

    5 Reviews
    Needles, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 326-3423

    "Stock up on your groceries before you get to Needles California as there are no grocery stores, I would also suggest getting your fuel across the river in Arizona as the fuel prices here are beyond outrageous"

    "Get gas before you get to Needles or you will pay a lot more. On the river, great beach to walk on. We avoided all the bad winter weather. Would definitely go back."

    6. Needles Marina Resort

    3 Reviews
    Needles, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (760) 326-2197

    "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."

    "Close to restaurants, gas stations, attractions."

    7. Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area

    27 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 505-1200

    "Found a great spot away from the main campground areas. Road is very rough going in. Recommend high clearance vehicles. Made a great fireplace protected within the the rocks."

    "The entrance is just north of Walmart on the east side of the road. We drove up about 2.5 miles and found a fairly flat open space with fabulous cellular service."

    9. The Palms River Resort

    1 Review
    Needles, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 326-0333

    10. Route 66 Golden Shores RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Needles, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 788-1001

    "Small rv park but beautiful view of lake full hookups great prices!"

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Recent Reviews near Needles, CA

667 Reviews of 156 Needles Campgrounds


  • Kate S.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Laughlin Avi KOA / Journey

    Dirty, Bad Water, No Wifi

    Stayed 3 nights. Mold in showers and mildew on shower curtains. You can tell they don’t clean the stall walls or scrub around the shower base because there is mold and gross stained calcium everywhere and marks on the stalls from water and dirt didn’t change from day to day. Water pressure was terrible in bathrooms; had cold showers most of the time. Campground manager has a Trump flag so that should tell you a lot. Office was closed during open hours. Laundry hours not ideal when you’re out all day at the beach. Wifi never worked but they claim they have it. Talked with other campers and they said it has never worked for them. Signal but it doesn’t stay connected. Surprised this place can even carry the KOA brand name. It’s so poorly maintained and dumpy.

  • Kimberly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Hualapai Mountain Park

    Nice views but amenities vary

    The trip is a bit challenging pulling a trailer as it is steep and winding. There are no amenities at the RV sites, which was disappointing, and they cost the most. The hosts are friendly and knowledgeable. The views are spectacular. I was just staying the night on my way through and picked this campground so I wouldn't have to hook up without realizing I wouldn't have access to the bathroom and showers.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Lake Havasu State Park Campground

    Great sunsets.

    Spacious spots with great views. Boat ramp, rentals, beaches, trails, cabins and a wonderful desert garden.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Sunrise RV Park

    Loud traffic

    Bathrooms were very clean. WiFi very weak. Unfortunately the freeway was very close and very loud with constant traffic all night.

  • Hunter I.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Hualapai Mountain Park

    Amazing location

    We were on our roadtrip from California to New Mexico and we stopped here on our way home after finding this location on the Dyrt app. We arrived after the rangers had left for the day so we had to put cash in an envelope at the pay station. It is not $15 like the app says, it is $30 a night for tent camping and if you arrive late, have exact change because you won’t be able to get change back. We were the only ones tent camping that night and our spot was the best one in the area! We could hear the Elk mating call a few times throughout the night but it did not disturb us. We also cooked a bomb meal and slept super hard over the night, and woke up to a beautiful sunrise where we watched on top of a large rock that was in our site.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Chloride Western R.V. Park

    5+ stars

    This place is great! It is super clean and the spots are big and level. Mike and Lori the owners are very friendly and really love having guest. They have some full time RVers but everyone here is polite and the park is very quiet. The laundry and bathroom facilities are clean and available 24 hours. The town of Chloride is rich with mining history and the locals are very friendly. We did a lot of ATV riding while here. Lots of rain recently made a couple roads a little scary but we went far enough to see some old mines. This is definitely a great spot to stop for a night or more, and at only $45 for full hook ups and WiFi worth the stop! We didn’t have any cell service but it wasn’t a problem since we didn’t have the WiFi

  • D M.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Snowbird RV Resort

    Retaliatory evictions, disagreement of manager,dog owner responsibilities

    ***SNOW BIRD RV RESORTS***

    NON LEGAL EVICTION 10/2/25

    VIOLATION OF LEASH LAW & PET OWNER RESPONSIBILTY***

    I Dennis Fagan, 10/02/2025

     recieved a notice from management . 

    The noticed stated that I need to pick up dog poo against the fence line, so maintenence workers dont step in it or should havevto pick up Dog poo when clening out at fence line. Since I dont own any pets I went to management.

    I informed her I don't have any pets, and my yard is clean of debris and trash. She stated it is tenants responsibility to pick up dog poo. I recited the rules that state, All dogs must be on leash and not tresspass into others lot. I Also stated it is the responsibility of dog owner to clean up after their animals and they should locate the dog owners and give them the notice and or fines.

    She said if you dont like it I will just terminate your lease, cause I am not arguing about this , I do not want to hear it. Threw her hands up and walked away to her office. 

     A new order of tenants responsibilitys newly made up and what circumvents the real and original rules of park to managements threats of termination of renting. 

    My lot is clean and neat and I do not own no Dog and feel not responceable to pick up after others dog craping on my lot. She/manager got pissy with me and said I was to be and had to pick up any dog crap on my lot. Which there's none. Then said or else I could move out and go to another park. I told her yea, I know that. And I know I'm not the one who's responsible for any dog crap being on my lot. That i dont even own a Dog. Then she threatened to terminate my rental space. Then in a beavalent tone, well them I'll write you up a termination of residency and refused to discuss this at all.

    So yesterday after she went off and end of her work day, sent a letter to vacate property, taped to my door. I found the rules of park sent to me and it dose not say anything about all residents having the job of cleaning up after other dogs on our lots. As a matter of fact it says the dog owners are not allowed to trespass on our lots even with dog. And those dog owner were responsible for policing there dogs and walking on leash and not allowed tresspass on other lots.

    So I think she pick a very bad hill to die on, but im going to fight her on this principal of making up punishable rules that were not part of any move-in rules given, emailed to me on day one. After eight months, to evict a 60 year old man cause anyone disagrees with her/ managements notions that everyone in park are responsible for the owners of dogs and the crap left behind the owner refused to pick up after there dog.

     Stated all others are required to pick up after anyone's dog that happen to trespass on our lots. When the rules state that they are not to trespass on our lots in first place. Second to have dogs on leash and third are not to trespass on other lots invading privacy of others.

    And was not in any of the previous move-in rules of park. I told her/manager my lot is clean and I keep it that way. That she can not be serious to make it our responsibility the clean up after others that violate the rules in first place, that don't pick up after there own dogs, when walking and they trespass on lots so dog can crap at fence line of bushes, just so there maintained crews dont have to deal with what is the responsibility of the park to go after the offenders of the real and expected rules of the park and make up new rules to get it resolved and not even address the real issue. No matter how un just or fair it may be. They burden with threats of eviction. Then threaten and actually evicte people cause we dont share her/managements circumventing the established rules and views to make up rules that try and replace the real parks rules on dog owners, to any and all none dog owners. That should pick up after there dogs when walking there dogs.

    To place fines to the violators and threaten to eviction to them. No dogs are allowed to be off leash and are not to trespass on others lots to cause destruction and mess up others area they are not allowed to be on in the first place. 

    Too, they should be fined as other parks do and if this issue keeps up then its the responsibility of management to evict those that are literally braking the rules and are trespassing onto other lots with there dogs. And allows those to check out what goods are at other people's lots. Making this a possible way to incurage for others to steal or take things off tresspassed lots. These that do not follow the real rules of park should bare retaliation of management, not the rule abiding and elderly citizens that mind there own place. 

    Her/management evicting me cause, I disagree of my being told I'm responsible for others dog owners lack of abiding and violating to, said rules. I find it absurd they would be evicting for knowing it is the true responsibility (of management) to find who is violating parks rules and to address them for there obvious infractions. To make it easier on there camp workers when trimming bushes and fence line as stated. As if its not possible that the camp workers should be having to work around the dog owners clear violations or should have to rack up said dog poo. Instead they'd rather place blame and responsibility onto elderly and other renters only. On made up new rules that are not in renters rules as they write is everyone's responsibility not managements.

    If they can enforce there rules in the first place and fine and kick out violators ignoring said rules as other parks do. We'd not have a dictators ego and stressing out others when not nessasary and violates the tenants peace of mind. To live without management harassment when they feel like imposing dictatorship rules over established rules that obviously are not being inforced.

    I think its a low handed disgraceful act of management to place sole responsibility on none dog owners of rule violations, done by others not the victims of someone violating the rules. And go to evicting persons that keep there lots well maintained and abide by the real rules set and given on first arrive.

     Saying no tenants have any rights to disagree with management that places and shifts responsibility of the owners of dogs to everyone else, so there camp workers don't have to deal with the poo in there way of trimming trees and bushes.

     And treaten to eviction anyone that don't want to jump and do there every made up rules to satisfy there egos as dictators not addressing or to inforce the rules of park and said violated the established rules. Then violate the rights of other tenants and stressing them out and placing a fear factor on everyone's heads, that they may serve an eviction on you if you disagree or dont feel it's our jobs to clean up after violators of rules we originally agreed to moving into park.

  • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    W Big Wash Road Dispersed

    Not for a big rig

    With all the resent rain the 2nd spot to camp the road has washed out a bit….very uneven ground. We decided to head back toward the highway to see if the spot closer to the road would be better


Guide to Needles

Camping near Needles, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the Colorado River: Enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating right on the river. One camper mentioned, "We had a site right on the water and it was mostly quiet. We rented PWCs just down river and parked them on the beach 20ft from our RV." This makes places like Davis Camp Park - Mohave County a great choice for water lovers.

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: There are several trails nearby for hiking. A visitor at Hualapai Mountain Park said, "I took some hikes... they have a bunch of trails to explore." This park is perfect for those who enjoy nature and want to stretch their legs.

  • Visit Local Attractions: Don't miss out on the famous London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. One camper noted, "Lake Havasu City has some tourist attractions worth checking out, such as the London Bridge."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Cattail Cove State Park Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms have flush toilets with warm showers, and while a little dated, they were clean and did the job."
  • Community Feel: Many campers enjoy the friendly atmosphere. One camper at Cattail Cove State Park Campground said, "We were simply blown away by the community, camaraderie, and fellowship we found here."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for River Island State Park Campground mentioned, "You cannot beat the mountain views, and we wished we’d stayed longer than just four days."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at River Island State Park Campground noted, "Verizon service was spotty at best, not reliable."
  • First-Come, First-Serve Sites: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Davis Camp Park - Mohave County shared, "The sites on the water are all dry sites and FCFS."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for windy conditions, especially in open areas. A camper at Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area mentioned, "The wind kicks up every afternoon so you will want to position your rig to block the majority of it."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. One camper at Cattail Cove State Park Campground said, "The lake shore offers a good boat launch with a massive trailer parking area, and a small swimming area as well."
  • Potluck Events: Some campgrounds host community events, which can be a fun way to meet other families. A visitor at Cattail Cove State Park Campground mentioned, "Each year this small park hosts a thriving Christmas potluck."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family. A review for Kingman KOA noted, "Pleasant staff. A whole lot of birds in the bushes and trees chirping as the sun came up."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Kingman KOA mentioned, "Narrow sites for big rig parking but they were long enough."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations nearby. A visitor at Lake Havasu State Park Campground said, "The RV dump tanks were close by, as is the vast boat launch area."
  • Bring Cash: Some campgrounds may require cash for payment. A camper at Hole in the Wall Campground advised, "Just bring exactly $12 in cash with you to pay at the stand."

Camping near Needles, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo travelers. With beautiful parks and friendly communities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Needles, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Needles, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 156 campgrounds and RV parks near Needles, CA and 54 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Needles, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Needles, CA is Desert View RV Resort with a 4.2-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Needles, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 54 free dispersed camping spots near Needles, CA.