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.

Best Camping Sites Near Palo Verde, California (173)

    1. BLM Oxbow Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 317-3200

    $15 / night

    "I met up with an old Marine buddy of mine and my 15 year old son for some camping, fishing and offroading with my friends Polaris Razr. There is a nice boat dock that is well used."

    "(We drove around 5mph towing our trailers so it took forever.)

    There were other campers around us because we were on the river but it wasn't bad. "

    2. Hippie Hole Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8373

    "Hippie Hole is a fantastic boondocking spot with easy access to the Colorado River and plenty of nearby walking trails."

    "If you're looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Hippie Hole Camping Area is the perfect spot."

    3. Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Cibola, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 854-3322

    $25 - $65 / night

    "Very quiet this time of year, also great access to BLM lands for Off road, etc, disperse camping is an option. Hosts were great."

    "Close to town but far enough to feel like we were away from it all. Smaller park. I think 44 spaces. They had laundry room I didn’t use. Sell Propane if you need it."

    4. Arizona Oasis RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Blythe, AZ
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 232-4288

    $63 - $115 / night

    "Right on the California/ AZ border, close to Blythe for groceries and restaurants. Great place for off road vehicles since you can drive to the desert trails in about 2 minutes and ride for hours."

    "The place seems in the middle of nowhere, but is right next to the Colorado River and has a nice beach area. There are a lot of facilities, a pool, hot tub, etc. Would recommend!"

    5. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - East

    2 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    6 miles

    "While I think you're supposed to pay to camp here, no one came around to check or collect payment. "

    6. Palo Verde County Park

    1 Review
    Palo Verde, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 482-4236

    "Around 18 sites w/table and fire pit, 1st come, 1st serve. $15 per night, $7.50 w/America the Beautiful Pass or $75 for a year permit good for other BLM CG's within the Yuma BLM Field office."

    7. Wiley Wells Dispersed - Mule Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Palo Verde, AZ
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 467-3201

    "There is a lot of soft sand you cannot get around. Recommend ONLY 4WD and knowledge of how to drive on sand. I had traction mats & compressor to pump tires back up."

    "The nearby Cibola National Wildlife Refuge and Colorado River offer a nice contrast with opportunities for wildlife spotting and cooling off by the water [https://spotiofficial.app/](https://spotiofficial.app"

    8. Coon Hollow Campground

    1 Review
    Palo Verde, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "You can off-road , shoot, campfires and some beautiful sunrises and sunsets"

    9. The Cove RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Blythe, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 922-5350

    $70 - $133 / night

    "The spots are a bit tight but once we found out the parking in the front (15 steps away) was free to park in the whole time we moved our truck and had plenty of room."

    10. Destiny McIntyre RV Resort

    1 Review
    Palo Verde, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 922-8205
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Recent Reviews near Palo Verde, CA

402 Reviews of 173 Palo Verde Campgrounds


  • Kindall S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Dome Rock Road BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    great spot for quick stay!

    not many campers so there was PLENTY of spots open. Nice and quiet, highway noise wasn’t too bad and didn’t hear the road at all. Felt pretty safe too!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2025

    Redcloud Road Dispersed Camp

    Free, no bugs

    It was kind of funny. The roads very bumpy, but my sedan made it no problem. Just pay attention to the ground because there are some anthills. Stayed out of their way and they’ll stay out of your way. Not really noticing any bugs, light breeze, I went a mile off of the road so I can barely hear the highway. I like that the mountains will block the sun in the morning so I can do some yoga and meditation. Got up to 105 today so I’ll probably be out of here by seven. Up at four or five in the morning. I can’t tell if this is a good place for hiking, but there’s lots of places to camp and it’s all free. You could show up here in the middle of the night and you’d probably find a campsite, although it’s dark and I would not recommend it. If you’re planning to go here, get here when it’s light out so you can have an easy time of set up, etc.. and you don’t wanna get any surprises. I thought I might see a snake or two, but I haven’t seen anything. I’ve had my shirt off and there’s been no bugs so for me, avoiding a hotel and paying a fee to campsite, this was a winner.

  • Michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Lake Tamarisk Desert Resort

    Off season overnight stay

    Kathryn at the desk was awesome. We arrived around 3:30 after driving 375 miles. Didn’t utilized the park amenities. The pool and hot tub looked very inviting. Not much to see around Desert Center but the oasis created here was definitely worth the stop. Will reserve for our return in November

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Imperial Sand Dunes

    Hot

    Definitely a sick spot to camp especially if you have desert toys if not stop in el centro and get a trash can lid to slide down the dunes. Tons of restrooms.

  • Jesse W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Ramsey Mine Rd BLM / Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    Really easy spot to get into beautiful and empty. I don’t see anyone or hear anyone at all where I’m at plenty of space for a lot of people.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Plomosa Road

    Great location

    Huge location. Plenty of room. Nice and quiet

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2025

    BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore

    Great spot

    Dispersed camping that is seriously unbelievable. Pull right up to the water. Fire rings around the north shore. I thought high clearance would be a must (in some spots for sure) but I did see a Camaro parked next to their tent. This is a hidden gem. There are donkeys and deer that roam the area so watch for them.

  • Jayne N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2025

    Plamosa BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Our Very Favorite Spot

    6 months of boondocking and Plomosa Rd is our favorite. Lots of area to camp for any size rig. Everyone is well spaced out. The town of Bouse is at one end Quartzite at the other. We stayed 1/2 way between on this 23 mile road. Endless bike riding trails and very little traffic on Plomosa so riding on it works too. The little quiet town of Bouse has a Produce Stand 2 days a week for excellent fresh produce, small grocery store, and free town refuse area. You’ll have to dump in Quartzsite or 30 minutes away in Parker which has all the big stores as well. Exploring the desert and rockhounding thru old mines is perfect from this road.


Guide to Palo Verde

Camping near Palo Verde, California, offers a unique blend of desert beauty and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

What to do

  • Explore the desert landscape: The area around Palo Verde is filled with stunning desert scenery. Campers often enjoy hiking and taking in the views. One reviewer mentioned, "Gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, fabulous sunrise/sunset, and plenty of desert flora" at the Scaddan Wash BLM Dispersed Camping Area.
  • Fishing opportunities: If you’re into fishing, the BLM Oxbow Campground is a great spot. A visitor shared, "The host was very friendly and showed us the beautiful campground next to the river. Lots of RVs and tents; mostly visitors for fishing over the weekend."
  • Stargazing: The clear desert skies make for excellent stargazing. One camper at the Dome Rock Road BLM Dispersed Camping Area noted, "Beautiful sunsets. Do watch out for the cactus if you have pets."

What campers like

  • Free camping options: Many campers appreciate the availability of free camping areas. One reviewer at the Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area said, "This camping area is one of 5 BLM free 14d dispersed camping areas in the Q area."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy the wide-open spaces available for setting up their rigs. A visitor at the Plomosa Road mentioned, "I spent 2 weeks here and loved it. I was a little close to the road, so there was road noise during the day."
  • Friendly atmosphere: Many campers find the community vibe welcoming. One camper at the La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area said, "I enjoy the friendly likeminded folks and the beautiful weather!"

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Most campgrounds in the area lack basic facilities. A reviewer at the Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area pointed out, "It's mostly flat and rocky with some taller trees for shade depending on where you set up at. There's no water or black tank dump site in the camping area."
  • Noise from highways: Some campgrounds are close to busy roads, which can be noisy. A visitor at the Dome Rock Road BLM Dispersed Camping Area mentioned, "This is a very nice long term campsite, very close to the highway noise."
  • 14-day camping limit: Many BLM areas have a 14-day limit for camping. One camper at the Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area noted, "You must register your vehicles with the camp host by filling out a form for free."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with plenty of room for kids to play. A family at the La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area enjoyed the space, saying, "Plenty of wide open space, you can camp near the entrance or far back in the area depending on your preferences."
  • Bring water and snacks: Since many campgrounds lack water, it's essential to pack enough for everyone. A camper at the Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area reminded others, "Plan ahead for food and water. Stores can run low on supplies for sure."
  • Plan for activities: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games or nature walks. One reviewer at the Quartzite - La Posa mentioned, "We explored the landscape, collected awesome geodes, and crystals."

Tips from RVers

  • Check road conditions: Some roads can be rough, so it's good to know what to expect. A visitor at the Scaddan Wash BLM Dispersed Camping Area advised, "Just remember to drive slow and take your time."
  • Stay connected: If you need internet, check cell service before settling in. One camper at the Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area mentioned, "Cell signal is fair to good."
  • Respect the space: RVers often appreciate the quiet and privacy of dispersed camping. A camper at the Plomosa Road said, "How close your neighbors are depends upon where you park."

Camping near Palo Verde, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Palo Verde, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Palo Verde, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 173 campgrounds and RV parks near Palo Verde, CA and 58 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Palo Verde, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palo Verde, CA is BLM Oxbow Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palo Verde, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 58 free dispersed camping spots near Palo Verde, CA.