If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Needles, look no further. Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.
Snaggletooth Primitive Camp sits on the southwest corner of the Chemehuevi Mountains and serves as the staging area for backpackers. Due to its location just off of U.S. Highway 95, and in close proximity to the town of Needles, it is a popular spot for seasonal visitors looking for a place to stop for the night. However, due to the surrounding scenic qualities and the openness of the area, many visitors who may have only intended to stop for just one night find themselves staying for a week.
Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). Campsite Selection Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.
Traveler
Nice little spot off the main hwy. Not much besides a rocky dirt area. Plenty of space though. Verizon cell service decent
Traveler
This is a perfect dispersed camping spot! Dirt road in was about 4 miles long from the highway but pretty well graded and easy to drive, big rig friendly.
Plenty of camping spots along the water with some shade trees. Dumpster onsite and a few vault toilets for the tent campers. Very safe crowd.
Traveler
Pulled in here to see an old burnt out RV being towed away with the assistance of BLM officers. Did a lap around the camping area and it did not feel safe at all. Lots of homeless camping since this is really close to part of Lake Havasu City. Couple of campers looked broke down and stuck there long term. Lots of tent camping with vehicles (homeless).
Talked to one of the BLM officers on the way out and he recommended that I don't camp there. They have lots of issues with this place. He said the places South of town and further North were much safer.
Guide
The site is small and basic; just a fire pit; perfect! Nice views of the nearby mountain and gorgeous sunsets. 4 stars as there is no protection from wind. Temp at night 36F in February.
Ranger
This is a cool spot and it’s much quieter than plasmas road or spots closer to quartzite. There’s only about 20 spots and they are all pretty decent. We have come several weekends and on holidays and still got great spots. Views are excellent . Here’s the only issue. There are full timers not moving after 14 days as is required by law. Some have really set up shop and this visit we are near someone who is running their generator all day and into the night. They have dogs off leash that they are leaving outdoors to roam and poop wherever. Now most everyone who is here is cool and nice but there are some really cool spots that I would like to camp at that someone has basically claimed. I do t want to be the “ Karen”, sorry all of you named Karen, but is there anyone we can call that might be able to enforce some rules. I would prefer these area be in supervised and there not ever need TK be rangers patrols g etc but that requires everyone to follow the rules. I will say it’s o my one area that of this site that this seems to be an issue and it certainly my didn’t ruin our time there. We still had a great time and DJ really live this area
Traveler
I stayed two nights and found the area to be perfect. It was not overly crowded, except for the area right off of the main road. If you go a little farther in on the trail you get a little more space. I full time in a class c and flat tow my Jeep and was able to get about half a mile off the main road for my own slice of heaven.
There are lots of flat areas for easy setup, but there are also quite a few areas that would be challenging to level. Depending on your rig you may want to walk the area first.
There was a little bit of highway noise, but nothing major. Town is about 10 minutes south, and interstate 40 is about 10 minutes north.
ScoutI just followed the GPS / Google Maps coordinates to go to the Craggy Wash dispersed camping area south of Lake Havasu City (was actually in Lake Havasu City when I searched for nearby dispersed camping sites via The Dyrt ...). Copied the coordinates provided on The Dyrt webpage, turned left off US 95 South where directed (& it was the correct road on the live map), but there is a locked gate there with big sign: "Private Property Keep Out.". So.....since it was only 4:10 pm PST (Dec. 28, 2024), I travelled on to Hi Jolly just above Quartzsite. I did leave the Google Maps app active as I turned back south on 95 just to see if the voice directions might provide an alternate entrance to Craggy Wash, but ....no.
Legend
This spot is best for a quick layover and then move on. Just an old gravel pit,th no water, no toilets, no trash. Only a few miles north of the town and Walmart. There were a couple of broke down burned out vehicles that added to the ambiance. No cell in the lower pit but ok cell on upper level.
Scout
Easy place to find a open spot in the back and quiet until some dumbass pulled in and starts their generator and blares Pink Floyd .
GuideWe spent 4 days here and it was very nice! People seem respectful on the UTVs. Local amenities are super super convenient!
Guide
Solid gravel roads, lots of space, small scrubery, nestled against rock formations.
Traveler
Good Verizon signal clean sites. Easy to get to beautiful area. You do need an Arizona trust camping permit. It cost $20 for the whole year. You can get it online.
Traveler
We loved it here, stayed the one night to break up the journey. The directions are great, and there are two sites here, we stayed in the second. It was nice and level. The views were beautiful, and having all the space and quiet to ourselves was magical. Didn't see any snakes or other critters.
TravelerWe stopped here as a one night stop on our way to New Mexico. It was a decently maintained dirt road, you should know how to crawl around potholes and/or have a higher clearance vehicle. I could see a 2WD getting stuck in the sand/fine rock areas. If you want to sleep in at all, definitely pick the west side of a large rock structure to help block the morning sun. It very quickly got hot, but with no canopy on the tent at night, we slept comfortably.
Guide
We stayed here for a night and the site was beautiful. We stayed in one of the spaces not too far down the road as it was our first time dispersed camping. I would definitely recommend staying further down the road as there were a few things we quickly realized:
ScoutSeems like a beautiful setting but we ran into a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake within feet of the campsite. They are aggressive and fatal. We left to go find somewhere else. Be careful.
LegendThis dispersed camping area which requires a ridiculously inexpensive online permit ($20 per year), was perfect for what we needed. Our closest neighbor was about ¼ mile away, and we had views and sunsets aplenty. There is access to the Lake Havasu, but only by OHV or on foot, we chose the latter.
The roads in from the highway are rough and rocky, but doable if you take it slow. Once again our 67 year old vintage camper did great getting to our spot, though we recommend parking and walking the roads before committing to the drive in.
There’s hiking opportunities right out your front door, and nothing but the highway or the lake to stop your progress. The nearby Cattail Cove State Park offers designated hiking trails through the rugged desert terrain.
Nothing in the way of services, so bring your own...but lots of space to be alone and private. And, with sun, sun, sun, the California/ Arizona skies are great for solar gathering, so bring out all your panels. Starlink internet worked well too.
Lake Havasu city is about 15 minutes up the road, and there you can find everything you might need in terms of services and supplies. Check out the world famous London Bridge while you’re there, too!
TravelerGreat little spot to stop on the way. Far enought from main road. Fantastic sky at night.
TravelerWe have a 37’ class A diesel pusher. The road in wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Go slow. Some tight spots so watch for oncoming vehicles. Beach is first come first serve. 7 day camping limit. Free. Restrooms and dumpsters available. Boat launch area. No wake zone for swimming. Shallow water is great for kids and dogs.
ScoutThe two spots are about 1.5 miles off the highway on a dirt road, you'll see a spot off the right on a narrow trail. BLM property. Free-roaming cows, didn't bother us at all. Beautiful sunset on our nights stay. The second spot is just around the first corner after the first one, less used, but probably flatter. Could hear the highway, but wasn't bothersome.
ScoutWe followed the directions and arrived in an area where some mobile homes were installed, apparently permanently. No possibility to stay there
RangerGreat little pull off camp spot. I wouldn’t spend more than one night here. The cows are super cute to wake up to. I didn’t smell them at all. The road is a little washboard and there aren’t a lot of good turn around spots. Overall very happy with the spot. It was quiet and perfect for a road trip camp spot.
ScoutGave only 3 stars due to sketchy cell (AT&T) and no internet. Only 2 spots, but there was a fire ring and free roaming cows. Great for an overnight stay.
GuideGreat spot just before Hole in the Wal About 1/4 mile down a road marked “4x4 high clearance only.” But if you’re just hitting the campsite you can make It in a lot less. There’s a turn around there for people towing trailers. No facilities, just a fire ring, red rock peaks and quiet. Absolutely stunning.
LegendStayed right off highway in big parking lot. Class C towing Jeep. Scouted out sites further up the road with Jeep but they were occupied even at noon. Appears to be a lot of permanent residents. Trash seems to be the Arizona state flower in the BLM dispersed areas.
ScoutI was given the boot at a 14 day spot and i wasnt ready i had to choose between craggy crowded or lone tree loud . I chose H.Heights. internet walks through small neighborhood store at the rv park xrss street. Bullhead oneway lake havasu the other .
GuideWe came in just before dark. We couldn’t find any empty spots as easy access spots were scarce as we are towing a 26 foot trailer. However if you have a small 4x4 - you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a spot.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Needles, California, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Needles, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Needles, CA is Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area with a 3.6-star rating from 23 reviews.
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