J
John R.
Legend
LegendLaughlin Avi KOA / Journey
Sardine
Very disappointed. Super small dog park without water. Lots of empty sites but still stuck campers together. No room for tables if you have a neighbor. No dog beach.
Camping near Needles, CA
161 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 Campgrounds near Needles (161)
1. Desert View RV Resort
"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)."
"A quiet little mom and pop campground in Needles Ca.with a laundry room and restrooms even a pool everything well kept and clean."
2. Needles KOA
"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
"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
"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."
from $10 - $40 / night
Check Availability5. Fenders River Road Resort
"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
"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
"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."
8. Needle Mountain Road
"the place to park and explore for sure... this place was PACKED RVs as far as the eye can see... every nook and cranny someone was in there, but the image of the river I showed is right before this needle"
"Nice spot , pretty close to the main road but plenty of room to drive further away from road noise"
9. Laughlin Avi KOA / Journey
"Close to the casino, golfing, the Colorado River, Needles, Laughlin and Bullhead City. Has its own launch ramp for water toys. Not much I the way of trees for shade, and mostly dirt."
"The cool thing here is that the AVI casino is directly across the street and is the only thing around for miles, so you’ll most likely be spending your time there like we did."
10. Rainbo Beach Resort - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Drive Time
- 40 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 1 hr 46 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 3 hrs 2 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 3 hrs 10 min from El Centro, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Needles, CA
90 Photos of 161 Needles Campgrounds
Alex M.
Needles KOA
Bare Soul W.
Havasu Heights
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Lone Tree Dispersed Camping BLM
Kathy M.
Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area
Michele H.
Davis Camp Park - Mohave County
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Katherine Landing North Campground
marycatmathis ..
Old Kingman Highway Dispersed Camping near Bullhead City
Steve M.
Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
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Piute Range Dispersed Camping — Mojave National Preserve
Kevin J.
Lake Havasu State Park Campground
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Arrowhead Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area
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Crazy Horse Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Needles, CA
739 Reviews of 161 Needles Campgrounds
Icy B.
GuideW Big Wash Road Dispersed
Decent Spot
Decent spot for overnight. Nothing special. Cows and donkeys everywhere so thats pretty cool.
- Icy B.Guide
Crossroads Campground
Cool spot
Got here around 6, tree across the way had this spot in total shade. Spot to walk down to the river.
- Tina S.
ScoutEmerald Cove Resort
A++
#1 rv resort. So many great things to say about this super clean place. Right on the river, friendly staff, laundry machines on site. So many things to do for kids and adults. Arcade, pools, karaoke, it's gated with security, general store, boat launch, etc.
- JJohn R.Legend
Cattail Cove State Park Campground
Hot and new.
Beautiful park with a new section that has 50 amp service. Old section is 30 amp with more mature trees. Beautiful beaches.
- ddavid j C.Scout
Crossroads Campground
SummeRize
Very quiet,&clean.
Aly S.ScoutHualapai Mountain Road
Easily accessible
Used the app to find this spot, GOS coordinates were perfect. The off-road was gentle enough to for my Jaguar SUV (not a 4x4!) although I navigated the terrain carefully. I parked about 0.5 mile down the trail. There were 5-6 others there but it was very quiet. Beautiful view of the full moon rising over the hills.
Tim C.
TravelerIslander RV Resort
Lake Havasu best RV spot
Stayed at the Islander for 2 weeks in March, could not have picked a better place or time. Resort is full of friendly people, great staff and everything worked like it was supposed to. All facilities are clean and well maintained. Site size is great, being on the island means not much traffic and easy access to a walking/biking trail. Lots of activities onsite and much to do in the local area. Thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Islander.
Vahste (.GuideHualapai Mountain Road
Homeless encampment at entrance.
Pretty rough roads throughout the BLM but still manageable with my rwd. Plenty of spots to choose from. Active range shooters non stop, hordes of bugs, and what appeared to be a homeless encampment at the entrance.
Guide to Needles
Located along the Colorado River, Needles, California provides both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas for travelers. The region includes several riverside options like Needles Marina Resort, Fenders River Road Resort, and Pirate Cove that offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV camping. Desert View RV Resort features sites separated by oleander bushes providing privacy between spaces. Most established campgrounds in the area provide full hookups, showers, and toilets, while areas like Craggy Wash near Lake Havasu City offer more primitive dispersed camping experiences.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making air conditioning essential during warmer months. As one visitor noted, "We avoided all the bad winter weather. Would definitely go back," highlighting the appeal of the region during cooler seasons. Most campgrounds maintain year-round operations, though reservations are recommended, particularly for riverfront sites during peak periods. Camping in this border region benefits from access to services in both California and Arizona, with many reviews mentioning significant fuel price differences across state lines. Cell coverage is generally reliable near established campgrounds, though it may diminish in more remote areas.
Riverside camping represents the most popular option near Needles, with campers frequently praising water access. "Great little store. Very clean accommodations. Well kept grounds. Close to restaurants, gas stations, attractions," wrote one reviewer about Needles Marina Resort. Several campgrounds feature designated dog beaches and swimming areas, while privacy varies considerably between locations. Desert View RV Resort receives positive reviews for its hedges between sites that create a sense of privacy not found at neighboring facilities. Campers frequently mention the value of shade structures in this desert environment, with established sites offering varying degrees of protection from the intense sun. The contrast between the arid landscape and Colorado River access creates a distinctive camping environment that attracts visitors year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Needles, CA?
What camping is available near Needles, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Needles, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 161 campgrounds and RV parks near Needles, CA and 57 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Needles, CA?
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 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Needles, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Needles, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 57 free dispersed camping spots near Needles, CA.
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