If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Palo Verde, look no further. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
The Corn Springs Campground is located deep in a canyon of the Chuckwalla Mountains and has a $6.00 per night camping fee. Situated adjacent to a stand of California fan palms. This oasis supports abundant wildlife and is an important stopping place for migratory birds. Wheelchair accessible. Corn Springs was a major occupation site of prehistoric Native American Indian groups. The petroglyphs at Corn Springs are one of the finest examples of rock art in the Colorado Desert. They display a wide variety of elements and cover a long time span, with the earliest petroglyphs dating as far back as 10,000 years. In addition to being a route for Native American Indians moving east and west, Corn Springs was used by the Chemehuevi Indians who moved into California about 1,100 A.D. These Native American Indians lived in harmony with the desert ecosystem, utilizing many of the native plants.
$20 / night
Gecko Campground is the largest campground in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. It consists of a north loop and a south loop. These loops are paved roads and offer numerous vault toilets.
Scout
I camped here in late November (not during any festival or anything) so this place was very nice and roomy with great cell service, and a quick and easy drive in - just a few minutes from town. Zero hassle. Very rocky if you’re tent camping but other than that, no problems.
Scout
The first night they put us tent camping in an rv spot which was great. In the morning they said we had to pack up because somebody needed the spot. We moved to their "tent" section which was actually the walk way to the hot tub. Middle of the night drunk people walked right by our tent being super loud and woke us up. Can't blame them since the park had us put our tent in the walkway. Don't stay here!
Ranger
There are endless camping possibilities in Kofa. Primitive, dispersed real wilderness camping. No water. No toilets, no hookups, generators... and you have to have a 4x4 to get there! Just my kind of spot. I've explored all over this area by jeep, and by foot and never get bored going off on some new abandoned mine trail. There are hidden caves all around and great hikes to get there!
I'll just share my two favorite hidden gems in the area: Signal Peak is a must, and if you do, I recommend camping around Skull Rock. For a scenic offroad trail + neat cabin stay head to Kofa Mine Cabin!
For Signal Peak and the Skull Rock stay, you can park regular cars along Palm Canyon Road where the Kofa Natl Wildlife Refuge Brochures and info are and hop into a 4x4 for the rest of the drive. You'll need it. Don't attempt get to skull rock in any regular, vehicle, or anything without high clearance.
**NOTE: I have left a car in this lot with no issues while camping up in the canyon over night, but of course, do so at your own risk.
From that parking lot you head up to Kofa Queen Canyon and pick your spots for camping. There are plenty of good spots for tent on ledges, or on cots down near skull rock. Here you can grill and have general campfire fun.
The road to Skull Rock is undeveloped, needs high clearance and is a tight squeeze for wider vehicles. It will not accommodate campers or trailers. Tent camping only (aside from maybe your serious bug out vehicle!)
Skull rock camp spot is about a one hour and 45 minute drive from Yuma. From HWY 95 turn (east) onto Palm Canyon Road (not too far past the Border Patrol Checkpoint. Drive east 3.2 miles to Kofa Queen Canyon (KQC) Road on the left (north now). Follow KQC Road northeast about 7.5 miles into the Canyon to where a subsidiary Canyon opens up to your right (south). Passenger cars won't manage this last road. You'll need high clearance and preferably 4wd. The road inside the canyon is alternately rocky and sandy, and braids in and out with the wash. Just follow the 'better-looking' route if unsure at a junction. Enough people come up here you should be able to see lots of tire tracks.
*NOTE: There is no cell service at the campsite.
From here we drive down the trail bit further to get to Signal Peak (roughly 4,800ft), it's Kofa's highest peak. This is a strenuous hike with steep slopes and some scrambling, and should only be done by experienced hikers in good physical conditions with proper hiking boots. The beautiful view from from the top is absolutely worth the hike.
Dogs: Although I know of people who have brought dogs up here, it is a very rocky hike and could be very hot or treacherous for your pup. You may consider bringing a dog only if he is an avid hiker and has very strong paw pads (or hiking boots), and can physically handle the demands of this hike. Also, dogs as per Kofa National Wildlife Refuge Rules - are required to be on a leash at all times.
For the Kofa Mine Section, head on your way out to the Kofa Mine Museum and then just past it take the turn to Big Eye Mine - 15 mile offroad trail where a real, high clearance truck/jeep 4x4 is needed. There are at least 2 hairy sections that I even got a jeep stuck in for a minute. All of this area is full of mines and great open camping spaces.
Kofa was established in 1939 to be managed: “…as a representative area of lower Sonoran Desert habitat with a maximum diversity and abundance of native plants and animals and to protect and preserve the desert bighorn sheep and its habitat…” Since 1955, over 560 desert bighorn sheep have been trapped on Kofa and transplanted to other areas in Arizona, as well as to the states of New Mexico, California, Colorado, Texas and Nevada, to re-establish herds extirpated from habitat loss, development and over-hunting.
Unless you are a skilled Arizona adventurer, I'd advise against hiking or even offloading (in case something goes wrong) during the hot summer months when temperatures can rise to over 115 degrees F.
Scout
Close to the big tent but road noise is an issue. Great service when the network isn’t overloaded during the big tent event.
Traveler
We arrived late afternoon and were hoping for a quiet place to stay for one night. 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. Fireplaces at every campsite. 50% off with the annual national park card. Great spot, definitely a recommendation!
Scout
Not a bad place to stay, nothing fancy but it all works. Wifi Not the best, especially now with the BIG Tent Show. Free way close by, but doesn't bother us. Lots of nice people here that stay Year around or all winter. Will probably stay again.
Traveler
Come slow things down at this wonderfully secluded campground. About 6 miles off the main highway down a rough dirt road lies this hidden gem. Whether you’ve got a boat to launch, a travel trailer, or a good ol’ fashion tent, you’re welcome here! Located right on the beautiful Colorado River! Heads up, this place gets packed during the warm months!
Legend
A big dusty parking lot of RV’s with both full hook-ups electric/water/sewer and dry camping options. There are a couple of clean flush toilets and a large dumpster available near the main entrance. The managers are sweet and helpful people and have been in the area for years!
The upside is that you can easily walk/bike to the Big Tent RV Show and just about anywhere in downtown Quartzsite, the downside is that you can hear the incessant hum of Interstate 10 and during January show time, it is crowded. We stayed here during the duration of the Big Tent RV Show in 2019 (10 days), while working the Renogy solar booth and easily walked back and forth every day.
Sunrises and sunsets are endless and jaw dropping! Easy access to town for food, gas, firewood, laundry, and just about anything an RVer or camper could need.
Check out this article for more info about the Quartzsite region: https://thedyrt.com/magazine/local/rv-campers-guide-quartzsite-az/
Traveler
Not much to do if you don’t like off-roading. There are places to rent Atvs and side by sides if you don’t have your own. Bathrooms stink, but it beats squatting in the sun and sand in your bum. Bring a tent or a trailer and make sure you have 4 wheel drive.
Scout
Cool place in the mountains. About 6 miles of dirt road, but fairly well maintained with minor washboarding. About 8-10 sites, most have level spots for car or tent. Small section of petroglyphs, unfortunately some have been ruined with graffiti. Overall pretty clean and well maintained for a BLM site...please keep it that way people!!!
Scout
Living in a tent is a challenge, but it pushes me and bring out my basic survival instincts. Especially during the cold nights. But with preparation (be prepared as taught in boy scouts) and adapting to changing circumstances, it becomes a normal reality. Solar panel, 12v 100ah deep cycle battery and you have all the reserve power to recharge phones etc. And for that 12v 70watt electric blanket when needed.
GuideWe stayed on this BLM land during the Quartzsite RV & Sports Show in January. The fee is $40 for 14 days. There is so much open land to camp on and it is level for the most part with beautiful 360’ views of mountains and desert. It was also very clean with no trash to speak of. The land is right off 95 and next to the big tents with easy access to the show.
For more campground and park reviews, check out our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.
Legend
As a tent camper this one was a bit of a stretch for me to feel comfortable, however if you are a boondocker this is an ideal spot for the adventurer who wants to be off grid with a community designed for just that.
Slab City and East Jesus are known as the last free place in America as noamads flock here during cool months and find themselves in many cases not wanting to leave. It is a community without a city limits but with basic rules of understanding that everyone dwelling there or camping there basically respects the thoughts of respecting one another and living self sustaining lifestyle.
Most staying are in travel vehicles of many kinds and have large water catchment systems as there is no sewer or water supply available. For an average tent camper you can visit however there are no amenities making for a rough stay if you opt in for more than a day or so.
There is within the community Salvation Mountain and a outdoor art gallery constructed from the leavings of those in the desert. You will find things made of old parts, used tires, pieces of old buildings repurposed and all free!!
I give it a 4 for the unique experience and urge you to check into the “library” if you make it there. They will let you know if you have arrived during any special occasions such as their community prom or karaoke night at their nomadic bar. Yep, it is a can’t miss.
ScoutTHIS was my first time here in Quartzsite,Az. I stayed at La Posa South. It has been awesome!
I have made many acquaintances ,and friendships
With neighboring RVers, tent dwellers and van dwellers.The beautiful sunsets and sunrises.<
Although there is no electricity ,they do have clean / toilets , dumpsters and potable water as well as non potable.
They also have non - potable water, and places for emptying our Rv tanks.
Yok can buy a pass ($180 to stay for 7 months in the winter,from Sept.15- April 15.
If you decide to stay in summer you pay $75. You can cam 14 days and then move 25 miles away every two weeks.
There are many options to accommodate your camping experience.
I have taken beautiful pictures since being here.
I most deffinately will be coming back.
TravelerI 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. NOTE: The walking dock to get into your boat is not setup and is not functional. Fishing spots are around the camping sites... fishing from shore into the river is doable... but the flow of the river means you probably will be like I was just practicing your casts. The trails on the Arizona side off of Levee Rd. We're great. We went out into the desert by the Hart Mining area and saw Big Horn Sheep and a Log Cabin from 1910. The weather was great... wind did get a bit gusty in the afternoons. Other than that great sunrises and sunsets. Camp fire rings were full of past ashes. We dug ours out to make it better for a fire. The Vault bathrooms are Really Bad. Luckily I brought my privacy pop-up tent and Lowes bucket with a toilet seat. That was way better than the stench of the toilet. No water so you need to bring your own, same with firewood, toilet needs... no toilet paper provided, no sinks or clothes pins required. We were the ONLY campers in the main campsites by the off duty camp host trailer on the river on Sat night and woke up to an empty campground.
RangerMy last stop before I continued my trip into California and what an awesome stop it was. I’ve spent a month in Arizona roaming around and each area has me fantastic!
I’d immediately recommend having a truck or suv so you can really explore the entire area. I was camping in my overland Tahoe on this stretch and it handled the area well. My buddies has a Tacoma and Land Cruiser respectively so we were set.
It’s all about exploration out here. Lots of RVs bringing their play toss out here so you’ll run into a lot of dirt bikes and utvs which is awesome. Numerous mining areas and ranch buildings still dot the area and are fun to respectfully explore. Sunsets are beautiful, shade is non existent, and rocks aplenty. Cell service was non existent for majority of my trip, and no water that we came across. Saguaros and ocotillos are everywhere which add to the AZ landscape
Do your best to understand the local rules and regs here and abide by them. This is an area we need to respectfully use so we have it for decades to come
Scout
Very pleasant and quiet right on the Colorado River. Lots of wildlife as it's in a NWR area. Clean pit toilets, dumpster and helpful and friendly hosts. 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. Turn off onto Dusty dirt road for about 1/3 mile. Stay limit 14 days.
RangerStayed for two nights with a group of friends. Super nice camp host, good fishing on the river. We had 2 cars so we were able to float down the river in an inflatable raft for a day trip and drive back up w/the second car. Site has water, bathrooms, wood for sale and is super close to town if you need to pick something up at the store, but still feels far enough away to be a nice retreat.
Not much else to do other than fish and float (no close hikes).
RangerMy brother drove out from upstate NY to camp with me. We camped in several BLM dispersed camping areas in AZ and this was one of our favorites. We were lucky to get a spot right on the river. The dirt roads getting back there were a bit rough especially for my brother whose van and trailer were low to the ground, but it was worth it. (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. There was only a fifth wheel directly behind us on the river spaced much farther away than if we'd been in a paid park. Across the road a delightful woman was camping with her converted cargo trailer and pet pig. There were some other campers not too far away but you couldn't see them. We had glorious sunsets each night. We were there in January 2021 and the weather was nice in my opinion; a bit chilly at night. We stayed at least 10 days a really enjoyed it.
The only negative was that around 5 or 6 pm most evenings very loud military planes flew over. It was a bit startling the first time, but we got used to it. We unhitched so could drive to Blythe CA for groceries (there's not much available in Quartzsite AZ.)
I'll definitely be going back to this campground.
LegendCamping along the river is great, but the main dispersed camping area looked as if there was a fire there recently. Some campers there, but lots of burnt trees and ash.
I did find a beautiful spot along the river, and a nice clear path to the river. The sounds of the river reached my RV and was so soothing and relaxing,
TravelerMost of the sites are grouped together near the Colorado River but there are a few nice sites right on Oxbow Lake. We got the best one at the south end. No neighbors except nearby farmers plowing their fields all night long, some noise but not enough to bother us. We really enjoyed kayaking on the lake, it’s about 2.5 long. We saw dozens of coots, plus one cormorant and a great egret.
RangerThis marker is closest to the Camp Host, Attila, who greeted me upon arrival. There are several ’areas’ available. Right on the Colorado River, technically this lil part of land is AZ. Beautiful camp, clean. Clean pit toilets right there. Gorgeous sunset & sunrise.
ScoutThis is a dry camp, but fee based. $15.00 per vehicle, per night. Or half price with a federal park pass.
Plan on bringing water and the nearest dump area is Blythe, CA.
Close to Cibola Wildlife refuge.
Beautiful and quiet, family area.
Hosts are excellent and keep very clean bathrooms.
LegendNice BLM CG on Colorado River. Colo and AZ state line seems to bisect this area. CG has tables, fire rings vault toilets, dumpster, but NO water or RV dump. $15/$7.50 senior. 14d limit.
TravelerIt was great when I got there, they have covered tables with parking beside them, they have spots to park along side the banks, they have a small swimming beach like area. The only drawback from when I was there is extremely windy.
ScoutThis is primitive camping. There is well water for showering and Cooking. It has vault toilets There’s about 30 spots with a few that have trees. You can off-road , shoot, campfires and some beautiful sunrises and sunsets
Guide
We stopped at Wileys Well rest area on WB I10. The hum of the freeway & idling big rigs was overwhelming. Pulled up my Dyrt app which directed me over freeway, past the prison & up towards camping sites. 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. Gorgeous area and far from noisy freeway.
Tent camping near Palo Verde, California, offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the beauty of the desert landscape while taking advantage of the amenities provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Palo Verde, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Palo Verde, CA is Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - East with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Palo Verde, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Palo Verde, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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