Glamping options near Needles, California range from riverside tents to upscale yurts, all positioned along the Colorado River corridor. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F between June and September, making spring and fall the optimal seasons for outdoor stays. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with minimal annual rainfall, creating desert conditions that dominate the landscape except along the riverfront areas.
What to do
Riverside activities at Big Bend: The Colorado River offers swimming in designated areas with sandy beaches. A visitor noted, "The beach area is amazing. Honestly, it's super neat and crystal clear river water and sandy beaches. The best part of this site for sure!!"
Water recreation at Davis Camp: Rent jet skis or bring your own boat for river adventures. "If you have an ATV of any sort this is the place to park and explore for sure... the hidden gem is everyone with ATVs rides right down to the river and it's super neat for sure," reports one Needle Mountain Road camper.
Day trips to Lake Havasu: Located about 45 minutes from Needles, Lake Havasu offers additional water recreation opportunities. "Biking distance from the London Bridge and other Havasu attractions," mentions a visitor to Lake Havasu State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private river access: Many glamping spots feature exclusive river entry points. "They have their own entrance to the river which is super neat because if you rent jet skis you can get back to your lodging any time of the day. Also if you have a boat you can load and unload it with the private ramp which is a bonus," explains a guest at Colorado River Oasis RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Restrooms and showers at established sites receive consistent praise. One camper at Davis Camp Park reported, "Very clean, friendly staff. Campsites are just as expected. Roads are clearly marked and they supply you with a large map. The restrooms and showers were very clean."
Social spaces: Many glamping sites offer communal areas. "They have a decent clubhouse, well-kept laundry room, a cool little fireplace where you can sit with friends, burn wood, and eat a meal on the tables a really neat group area for a bunch of friends or family that's for sure," notes a visitor to Needles KOA.
What you should know
Extreme heat management: Summer temperatures require careful planning. "What is an issue today is the heat. As I write this at 10:11 at night, it is 100° F. When I arrived in Needles this afternoon, it was 114° F. The water that comes out of the spigots here is like bathwater," warns a KOA visitor.
Crowding at popular sites: Many riverside locations fill quickly during peak seasons. A camper at Big Bend notes, "We tried to stay at the campground, but it doesn't take reservations and all the sites were full by Thursday afternoon in February."
Local wildlife awareness: Nocturnal animals frequent camping areas. "Raccoons, and skunks roam these areas at night so have your food and vehicles secured," advises a camper at Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Beachfront access: Seek sites with gentle water entry for children. "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," shares a visitor to Needles Marina Resort.
Recreation amenities: Look for glamping locations with pools or playgrounds. "The kids love the open areas to run and play in though there are not great playgrounds. The sites are mostly level but could use some maintaining," notes a family staying at Davis Camp.
Shade structures: Many sites offer shade ramadas critical for child safety in hot weather. A camper points out, "The sites have hookups, a grill, a fire pit and shade ramadas. There are a few bushes separating you from other campsites."
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Full service sites with reliable utilities are available. "FHU's, wifi, cable TV. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Excellent customer service. Sabrina and Wayne both helped us get hooked up, and helped with our cable TV issues," reports a visitor to Colorado River Oasis RV Resort.
Temperature considerations: Air conditioning is essential during warmer months. One RVer explains, "We pulled in very late, and it was still very hot! They have the swimming pool open all the time! We rented a cabin and there was no air condition on when we arrived and we turned it on and went swimming at 10:30 at night."
Site selection strategy: Some glamping locations have premium spots worth requesting. "Some of the best spots were 122, 63, 55 they had some shade. They don't have tables so bring your own," advises a guest at Ridgeview RV Resort.
