Searching for the best camping near Needles, CA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Needles. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"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."
"This is a 14 day BLM campground. 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."
"Decent dirt road network some noise from traffic but not bad."
"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"
"Close to town. Cons - although there is a sign clearing stating 14 day stay limit, there are many who are using this as a permanent camp."
"I needed a stop to break down the drive from the California Central Cost to Northern Arizona and it did the trick. It's not an exceptionally exciting spot, but it's quiet."
"Yes, the front of this camping area, right off the highway, has a ton of trash."
"An occasional Donkey will walk thru & your dog looks like there enemy, Wile E Coyote!"
"Beautiful area just outside of Laughlin, Nevada. Right on a Cove of Lake Mead. Four Mile unpaved Road to get down to the lake and anywhere between 15 to 20 camping spots depending on group size."
"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. "
"I was given the boot at a 14 day spot and i wasnt ready i had to choose between craggy crowded or lone tree loud ."
"If you go a little farther in on the trail you get a little more space."
TravelerBut the place I ended up is just BLM land off the highway. There's a turn off the highway, super easy to miss, and it immediately goes up a hill. There's a gate at the top that just says "please close gate - Bureau of Land Management" so I just went in. The road is very smooth and well worn as of this review, my prius had no problem. Not a single other soul in sight. The road sorta stops after the electricity thing (why am I blanking on what these are called?), but it looks like high clearance vehicles have gone through.
This spot is amazing. Free public land. There are only a few pull off spots. Very quiet and beautiful.
Please practice leave no trace etiquette! This spot is gorgeous, let's keep it that way :)
Traveler10/15/2020 Location updated Thank you, Dyrt Staff
This is the gem of the area. I love the Monolith Gardens Trail and try to hike it everyday. There are extensive trails for people, dogs, bikes, and equestrian people. Best to visit in winter as it’s been hell raising hot all summer 2020. Bring water. The Campground has NO water, NO toilet, and NO trash service currently but town is a mile away. October and April are best weather. This is a primitive experience hiking on moon-like landscape.
Note: updated 10/15/2020. The Dyrt map reflects correct location. When approaching from the East, turn around at AquaFrie/Sundown Streets
Ranger10/15/2020 Location updated Thank you, Dyrt Staff
We followed the OLD directions link from The Dyrt app. This location is no longer listed as a camping spot on the app. So, follow the correct listing on the other side of the highway......Apple Maps said to go north of pin point, then head south on Co. Highway 125 which was washed out in places. May be okay for a high clearance van, but not our travel trailer in tow. This is just below the Mohave County Landfill. We gave up with many cactus spines in our tires. We had to return to I93 where we started. Google maps directions are from the south following Co. Highway 125 north. Possibly, this can be reached better from the south where Co. Highway 125 leaves I93 and head north. Or, the GPS marking is incorrect, and should be marking the west side of I93, closer to Kingman.
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.
GuideI ended up here after the place I had originally intended to stay didn't work out, and I am so glad I did. Yes, the front of this camping area, right off the highway, has a ton of trash. But it doesn't take much driving to get past it, and once you do you end up with a beautiful view of mountains and horizon. The highlight was watching the sun set behind the mountains.
The campground: The road leading back is dirt and gravel, and it does have some ruts and a few big dips. It was a jarring ride, but ultimately my crossover did fine. Some of the sites do have markers with numbers; I was back near marker #6 where I found a clean, flat gravel space to park for the night. There were only two other campers, both closer to the front, and we were all able to be very spaced out. The noise from the highway was minimal, just an occasional low rumble. I felt pretty comfortable traveling on my own there, but there is very little privacy because everything is so wide open. I think if someone had parked closer to me, I would have felt like everything I was doing was on display and would have been less comfortable.
The area: This place is right off of highway 95, and your closest gas/food is about 20 miles away (Needles, CA). Needles tends to have pretty pricey gas, so I recommend you have as close to a full tank before you head down or up 95.
Booking: Primitive camping on public land: no booking, no fee, no assigned spots.
Cell service: I have Verizon and this is maybe the best cell service I have ever had.
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.
LegendThis BLM road spur is across the hwy to the south from the other 139.0 north BLM dispersed area. However this site has much more open desert pavement fingers to camp on and access roads are better. Good cell and likely OTA tv, but no water, trash, restrooms or designated sites. Free BLM dispersed, 14d limit. This site is close to the boundary of the CRIT reservation lands.
LegendBeautiful area just outside of Laughlin, Nevada. Right on a Cove of Lake Mead. Four Mile unpaved Road to get down to the lake and anywhere between 15 to 20 camping spots depending on group size. Small boat launch for jet skis but not for bigger boats. Do not recommend trying to take anything bigger than a 35 ft RV down there. Two vault toilets and a garbage dumpster. Road is recently grated and other than a little bit of noise until 10:00 p.m., a great place for a night or several. Stay limit here is 7 days. I arrived Friday at 3:00 p.m. and found the last spot.
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.
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
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Needles, CA?
Several BLM dispersed camping areas exist near Needles, CA. BLM mp 138.0 South spur dispersed offers open desert pavement with good access roads, cell service, and no designated sites or facilities. Another option is Wild Horse Road Dispersed, located about a quarter mile down a road marked for high clearance vehicles. While no facilities are available, you'll find fire rings and beautiful red rock surroundings. Additional options include BLM land near Parker to Needles Wagon Road and dispersed sites along Highway 95. Most sites are accessible via dirt roads that may require higher clearance vehicles, especially if venturing deeper into the desert for more secluded spots.
What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping around Needles, California?
Dispersed camping on BLM land near Needles generally doesn't require permits, but standard regulations apply. At Snaggletooth Primitive RV Camp, like most BLM areas, the 14-day stay limit is enforced. Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area follows similar rules with free camping but requires practicing Leave No Trace principles. Fire restrictions are common, especially during summer and high fire danger periods - always check current fire regulations before your visit. Pack out all trash, as no garbage services are provided. Camping must occur in established sites where others have camped before, typically within 150 feet of designated roads. Always close any BLM gates you pass through and be aware that some areas may have seasonal wildlife or environmental closures.
What is the best time of year for dispersed camping near Needles, CA?
The best time for dispersed camping near Needles is from late fall through early spring (October to April). Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, making camping dangerous without adequate cooling. W Big Wash Road Dispersed offers beautiful sunset views during the cooler months. Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove provides lakeside camping that's most enjoyable outside summer's extreme heat. Winter brings mild daytime temperatures (60-70°F) perfect for outdoor activities, though nights can drop into the 40s or below. Spring wildflower blooms make March-April particularly scenic, while October-November offers stable weather before winter sets in. Always check weather forecasts, as desert conditions can change rapidly, and flash floods are possible during summer monsoon season.
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