Best Campgrounds near Needles, CA

Plenty of space. Just three of us here tonight.

Sites are just off the road, but the road is very quiet once sun set.

Fantastic views and a nice breeze.

Telephone Cove is a beautiful and very peaceful location. We visited on a Tuesday in early April. Although it seemed somewhat crowded for a weekday, everyone we encountered was friendly. We really appreciated how quiet it was at night – no loud parties, generators, or disturbances. We only stayed for one night but would definitely stay here again. The only reason for not giving it a full five stars is that some RVs were parked extremely close to the bathrooms. It looked like they might be longer-term stays, and their proximity felt like it encroached on privacy when using the facilities. Overall, though, it's a great spot, and we had a positive experience.

A little windy at night when we went but it was a very beautiful spot. No shade really so keep that in mind for summer months.

This campground lies within the most populous state in our union, but feels like it’s a million miles from nowhere. The only thing that might remind you of civilization is the distant glow of interstate trucks moving along the highway which cuts through the Mojave National Preserve some 30 miles distant. 

Situated on a high vantage point the sites offer options to observe the vastness of this desert plain. The sites are mostly small with only a few offering room for larger rigs but lots of space in between sites. The campground loop road is dirt and narrow, so maybe scout ahead if you need more clearance for turns. 

The picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring are cool, and the vault toilets are super clean, at least when we were there. Fresh water is available at the Visitor’s Center just down the road. 

You can hike, road bike or mountain bike right out of the campsite. In fact, one of the coolest hikes we’ve been on is the famous “hole in the wall” which makes you twist through these beautiful marble canyon walls. While it’s not for the faint of heart, it is easy enough for anyone who can climb a ladder. Other, less committing hikes are all around, including some longer distance trails. 

Access to the campground and visitor’s center is easy and paved, but north of the campground the road is 4 wheel drive access only. This makes it great for mountain or cyclocross bikes, with fewer cars and traffic. Driving through the park can be an adventure in and of itself -- defnitely go see the Joshua Tree forest and the lava caves on the north side of the preserve.  

There’s not much nearby at all so come prepared to be self-sufficient. The nearest towns with restaurants are to the east or west along the interstate.

This campground lies within the most populous state in our union, but feels like it’s a million miles from nowhere. The only thing that might remind you of civilization is the distant glow of interstate trucks moving along the highway which cuts through the Mojave National Preserve some 30 miles distant. 

Situated on a high vantage point the sites offer options to observe the vastness of this desert plain. The sites are mostly small with only a few offering room for larger rigs but lots of space in between sites. The campground loop road is dirt and narrow, so maybe scout ahead if you need more clearance for turns. The picnic table, tent pad, and fire ring are cool, and the vault toilets are super clean, at least when we were there. 

Fresh water is available at the Visitor’s Center just down the road. You can hike, road bike or mountain bike right out of the campsite. In fact, one of the coolest hikes we’ve been on is the famous “hole in the wall” which makes you twist through these beautiful marble canyon walls. While it’s not for the faint of heart, it is easy enough for anyone who can climb a ladder. Other, less committing hikes are all around, including some longer distance trails. 

Access to the campground and visitor’s center is easy and paved, but north of the campground the road is 4 wheel drive access only. This makes it great for mountain or cyclocross bikes, with fewer cars and traffic. Driving through the park can be an adventure in and of itself. There’s not much nearby at all so come prepared to be self-sufficient. The nearest towns with restaurants are to the east or west along the interstate.

This is April, and so far, no problems with anyone. Yes, there are homeless people, but where should they go? Hopefully, people will keep it clean. There is trash we have seen been left behind. an old trailer is burnt down. It's fun to walk around and explore a little. Every one has been nice so far. We have enjoyed our stay but it's difficult to turn around 39ft around but we did. We are on our way up to utah so we stopped here to explore lake Havasu.

This is a quiet, remote spot accessible by car if you drive slowly and the road isn’t washed out. Unfortunately it’s pretty trashy, which is a shame. The water is beautiful, with a gentle lapping in the breeze.

Stayed here two nights, nicely spread out sites, with a variety of types. Walk in, drive in, pull through etc. Nice area away from traffic and noise. NPS staff a nearby visitor friendly. we did a few nearby hikes. Was a bit windy and rained a bit, but that’s what happens in April.

From the moment we called the lady (I can not remember her name) was the sweetest and most helpful!! She explained where they were located and where to go and what to do when we arrived for late check in. There is a map that shows what spots are still available, you mark out what spot you want and put your 40-50 dollars in an envelope with a slip containing your info. Super easy. Sites are gravel and pretty level!

The campground is amazing Nice large sites. Clean and well.maintained The only real draw back is the number of loud power boats on the lake We tried to get a site here about 2 weeks ago we were really fortunate to find a site open for 2 nights mid week 50 amp with wate. Dog friendly.

This is one of my favorite campgrounds.  It's easy to get to and is in the middle of the beautiful Mojave Preserve.  All camp sites now must be reserved on Recreation.Gov.  Luckily, we had enough bars on Verizon to do it on the spot when we arrived.  We found plenty of sites available that were large enough for our 30 foot travel trailer.  The campground was only about a quarter full.

Although the campground is dry camping, there is a dump site and water is available to top off your tank.  They also provide trash receptacles.  

The nearby visitor center closes at 1500, and there is no store or fuel in Mojave.  Most people drive to Baker, CA for fuel, or over to AZ, about an hour away.  I would come next time with a fuller tank of fuel.

I ended up staying 3 nights here. The first in the regular paid campground--$50 a night--yikes for water/electric. 

Then I discovered the overflow parking lot. $25 for dry camping. Much better views and you still have access to the park's amenities--showers, potable water, hiking trails, etc. Plus the vibe is more communal. 

For the overflow sites you need to check in at the gate and you're assigned a site. Some of them are flatter than others. Mine was pretty level. 

A big storm rolled in while I was here and it was fun to watch the lighting across the lake. Lots of bunnies and birds. But you are super close to town. Can hear the road noise and sirens at night. Biking distance from the London Bridge and other Havasu attractions.

I learned quick that I need to add a shovel to my essential supplies for BLM camping. My van was able to negotiate making an entrance, but I am leary of getting stuck. The roadway clearing similar to if a snow plow blocked you in at the end of your driveway. Different size depths to smooth out to make an entry off the main road in.

Long bumpy road to get to (20 min of driving ruts).

No ATT service (with booster) otherwise would have stayed.