Dispersed camping areas near Needles, California cluster along Highway 95 and surrounding BLM land at elevations between 600-1,000 feet. The desert climate features summer temperatures frequently exceeding 110°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most sites sit on hard-packed desert soil with sparse vegetation, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies including water.
What to do
Explore mountain trails: At Craggy Wash, visitors can find interesting hiking opportunities among rock formations. One camper noted, "Cool spot to fly the drone, caves and weird stuff left behind by previous campers," while another mentioned, "I loved how we felt completely secluded while only being a few miles from town."
Wildlife watching: The area near The Y Dispersed Campsite offers unique animal encounters. "Burros frequent the area looking for food from travelers and often stand in the middle of the road. They also gather among the campers," reports one visitor. The site is located just "2.5 miles from downtown Oatman."
Water activities: Camping at Lake Mohave provides access to swimming and boating. A camper described it as having a "Shallow water zone great for kids and dogs" and noted it's a "No wake zone for swimming." Another mentioned it was "Beautiful especially if you have kayaks or small fishing boats, easy to launch from camp."
What campers like
Desert solitude: Many visitors appreciate the quieter spots away from crowded areas. At Havasu Heights, one camper shared, "If you go a little farther in on the trail you get a little more space... I was able to get about half a mile off the main road for my own slice of heaven." Another noted, "There's not a lot of light pollution so you can get great stars and moon pictures."
Proximity to amenities: Free camping areas maintain convenient access to nearby services. At Lone Tree Dispersed Camping BLM, a reviewer noted it's "15 to a planet fitness for showers and 10 minutes to Loves gas station for another shower option." Another mentioned, "It's a great spot to fill up with fuel before crossing into California."
Varied terrain: The landscape offers diverse camping experiences. "Nestled against rock formations" is how one camper described BLM Dispersed off 95. At Craggy Wash, a reviewer mentioned "great rock formations" and "I had plenty of places to park my Big Girl 30 footer. Pretty level sites."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. At Needle Mountain Road, "Turn was right off the freeway and opened up into a vast expanse. Decent dirt road network some noise from traffic but not bad." In contrast, at Craggy Wash "The roads aren't in great condition, but pretty much any vehicle can make it. Just take it slow and watch out for the rocks in the road."
Trash issues: Some sites have waste management challenges. "This free BLM camping area is just north of Lake Havasu airport. Main negative is the significant trash that is scattered around in bushes, side cubbies etc," reported one Craggy Wash visitor.
Site selection timing: Popular areas fill quickly. At Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove, a camper advised, "I arrived Friday at 3:00 p.m. and found the last spot." Another noted, "It's free so it fills up fast on weekends with campers and day use water enthusiasts."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Protect children from wildlife and environmental hazards. At Havasu Heights, a visitor warned, "Beware the coyotes are hunting your little dogs. An occasional Donkey will walk thru & your dog looks like their enemy."
Noise levels: Some areas provide quieter environments for families. A Lake Mohave camper appreciated "how quiet it was at night – no loud parties, generators, or disturbances." In contrast, at Lone Tree, a visitor reported that neighbors "ran their generator every morning at 3am."
Swimming options: Sites with water access offer cooling relief in hot months. One Lake Mohave visitor noted the "Shallow water is great for kids and dogs" and that it provides a "No wake zone for swimming."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. At Havasu Heights, an RVer advised, "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."
Vehicle clearance: Some roads require higher clearance vehicles. A Telephone Cove visitor warned, "The road in is all dirt and there are a couple of washes that could cause trouble for longer trailers with low clearance."
Finding secluded spots: At Craggy Wash, a camper reported, "You DO need to go a ways in.. like a mile or two to get a decent spot, though the road isn't all that bad, so it's just cruising along until you find the one." Similarly, at Havasu Heights, "It was not overly crowded, except for the area right off of the main road."
