Best Campgrounds near Palo Verde, CA
Camping near Palo Verde, California centers around the Colorado River, with a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites spanning both California and Arizona borders. Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground offers riverside camping with full hookups, while Palo Verde County Park provides more basic facilities for both tent and RV campers. Across the border in Arizona, BLM Oxbow Campground and Hippie Hole Camping Area provide access to the Colorado River with basic amenities like vault toilets and trash service. The Cibola National Wildlife Refuge also offers primitive camping opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
The camping season runs year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making winter the preferred time for most visitors. Most dispersed sites on BLM land have a 14-day stay limit, while some areas permit longer stays during winter months. Cell service is generally reliable near major roads but becomes spotty in more remote areas. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and campers should bring their own water as potable sources are limited. The area's flat desert terrain makes most sites accessible to standard vehicles, though venturing farther from established roads may require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles.
Riverside camping options provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating on the Colorado River. According to reviews, Walter's Camp offers "great access for swimming and fishing" with "clean facilities and plenty of hot water." Hippie Hole Camping Area is noted for its "easy access to the Colorado River and plenty of nearby walking trails," making it popular with kayakers and wildlife watchers. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly, though wildlife areas may have leash requirements. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts will find numerous trails throughout the surrounding BLM lands, with several campgrounds serving as convenient base camps for day trips into the desert landscape.