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Best Dispersed Camping near Parker Dam, CA

263 Reviews

Multiple dispersed camping options exist near Parker Dam on BLM land and Arizona State Trust lands. Havasu BLM Dispersed, located about 6 miles south of Lake Havasu City, offers free camping on hard-packed gravel surfaces that accommodate various vehicle sizes including large RVs. The area features open terrain with few natural barriers between sites and minimal privacy. Several access points exist along Highway 95, with varying road quality.

Arizona State Land Recreational Area requires an annual permit ($20) and provides more secluded camping with mountain views and lake access. Roads are notably rough, with several reviews mentioning rocky terrain requiring careful navigation. The area offers hiking opportunities and proximity to Lake Havasu. Cell service varies throughout the region, with patchy coverage in more remote sites. A camper noted, "The roads in from the highway are rough and rocky, but doable if you take it slow." Most dispersed areas completely lack facilities—no water, toilets, or trash service—requiring campers to pack everything in and out.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Parker Dam, California (55)

    1. Havasu BLM Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    12 miles
    Website

    "Only minutes from Lake Havasu City. Lots of room to find a semi level spot. You can park far enough off the highway no highway noise. Lots of big rigs. No issue for 40’ pusher and 24’ car hauler"

    "Havasu BLM is Dispersed camping. Relatively flat, a lot of space to find a spot to park. Surfaces are hard packed generally with gravel base."

    2. AZ State Land Recreational Area Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    Parker Dam, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    $15 - $20 / night

    "There is access to the Lake Havasu, but only by OHV or on foot, we chose the latter. 

    The roads in from the highway are rough and rocky, but doable if you take it slow. "

    3. Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area

    27 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 505-1200

    "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."

    4. Shea Road BLM Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Parker, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 505-1200

    "I headed out on the road toward the coordinates but ended up camping about 4 miles before even getting to them. Maybe it gets more secluded?"

    "Not super remote. Had two bars of ATT service was able to stream movies. We were about 75 yards from the next camper which was a little close and I think that’s gonna be the norm at this location."

    5. The Steps Dispersed Camping Havasu Arizona

    1 Review
    Parker Dam, CA
    3 miles

    6. Dutch flats dispersed

    1 Review
    Parker Dam, CA
    9 miles

    "This isn’t a hidden gem, a lot of ATVs and dirt bikes are out here and it’s crowded at more spots more than others but overall it’s a cool place to camp out if you need to."

    7. North of Rovey's Rock

    1 Review
    Parker Dam, CA
    3 miles

    8. Arizona State Trust Land, Lake Havasu City South

    3 Reviews
    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 542-4631

    $15 - $20 / night

    9. Swansea Ghost Town

    4 Reviews
    Parker Dam, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 505-1200

    "This location is very remote and a high clearance vehicle is needed. The drive in is a dirt road and very tough the last couple of miles."

    "Walking around at night exploring the abandoned structures was surreal. You could almost hear the voices of the past and imagine what life was like in this town at the turn of the century."

    10. BLM mp 138.0 spur Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Earp, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 326-7000

    "There are full timers not moving after 14 days as is required by law. Some have really set up shop and this visit we are near someone who is running their generator all day and into the night."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Parker Dam, CA

181 Photos of 55 Parker Dam Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Parker Dam, CA

263 Reviews of 55 Parker Dam Campgrounds

  • Larry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Very Large14 day limit BLM

    This is one five of 14 Day LVTA camping areas in the Quartzsite vicinity. 

    It was a very large site that had entrances on both sides of the road that each had their own host. Lots of flat open spaces. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM). BLM lands have special rules, fees( sometimes none) and can be popular with boon-docking.. I have seen other reviews saying it was free to stay here, but there are signs that say LTVA permits are required for use between September 15th and April 15th. Seasonal fee is $180.00 and 14 day permits were $40.00

    I only had a look around, and decide to move on looking for actual free locations.

  • Larry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 20, 2021

    Plomosa Road

    OK, but not for me.

    This is one five of 14 Day LVTA camping areas in the Quartzsite vicinity. It has a host on site. Lots of flat open spaces. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management(BLM). BLM lands have special rules, fees ( sometimes none) and can be popular with boon-docking. I only had a look around,. It did seem smaller and more densely populated than the other areas. I decided to continue on up the road and ended up staying in open BLM area just beyond Quinn pass. I have T-mobile service and phone was good, but data was painfully slow.

  • Wayne B.
    Jan. 19, 2023

    Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    14 day free BLM camping

    This is my third night staying at this BLM camping area. First and foremost it offers 14 days of free camping, so any things that it lacks in convenience, should be somewhat expected. The camp host you sign in with was super friendly and told me of events going on in Quartzite. It's mostly flat and rocky with some taller trees for shade depending where you set up at. There's no water or black tank dump site in the camping area. It's only a couple miles from town which is pretty convenient. Town gets busy so plan ahead for food and water. Stores can run low on supplies for sure. If you Park close to entrance side, you will hear traffic noise ALL night. Very busy highway.

  • Pinkie K.
    Feb. 28, 2021

    Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful Place and Lots of Cactus

    We attended a camper rally Feb 10-14, 2021 and this also happened to be the first time we took our new rig out on the road. The drive to the spot from the 10 was easy and the camping spots (pull out areas) are nice and flat. It was quiet and the stars were clear and beautiful. During the day, there were several off road vehicles the drove by as where we camped was just off the dirt road so you may want to pull off the road as far as possible since it's very dusty. We brought our son's bike and we were glad we did. Lots of places to ride and gave him something to do.

    Great place to walk and explore but if you have a dog, please keep them close as there are a LOT of cactus and big thorns everywhere. Our dog got wrapped up in some and it was quite the moment but he's OK. It's also very rocky so watch those tender paws.

    The site's close to the town of Quartzsite which is cute and quirky but has everything you need; water, dump station, food, etc. Noise was non-existent at Roadrunner and we had a great time.

    No amenities so pack in and pack out and please, leave no trace. This area was very clean so let's leave it that way. Happy Camping!

    ***

    March 12-14, 2021

    Ended up back in Quartzsite for a family birthday and it was cool to know the area and where to park ours and a rental RV.  I truly dig this place. We parked further back from the dirt road this time so didn't have to worry about closing our camper door every time someone drove by in a off-road vehicle. Also had boots for our dog to keep the paws safe. He's still getting used to them.  =)

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 15, 2024

    BLM 17 mile road dispersed

    BLM 17 mile road dispersed

    Ok area for an overnite but area is not that big forultiple camps. Crossing the big wash is not recommended. Road is a wide grade sandy road. Cell is very good. No water, no toilets, no trash, no tables, just rough boondock.

    Better option is either Burro Creek BLM fee CG or the few free dispersed at top of Burro Creek CG access road.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 6, 2025

    Signal Road BLM dispersed

    Signal Road BLM free dispersed

    Only 1.1 miles from Hwy 93, gravel road has been upgraded to a wide smooth surface. WARNING, past this flat area Signal road gets very steep and with wash dips and there is no easy turnaround for large RVs or TT for at least 3 miles. No tables, no trash, no water, just pure free dispersed. Cell signal is 5 bars on T-Mobile. Only 11 miles north of Burro Creek BLM CG.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2022

    Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Nice free BLM dispersed, close to Q

    This camping area is one of 5 BLM free 14d dispersed camping areas in the Q area. Host on site to issue free permits but not sure why? Lots of nice open desert pavement areas and some scattered saguaros. Cell signal is fair to good. No amenities, no water, no trash, no toilets. Only a few miles south of Q on hwy #95. LTVAs are between here and back to Q.

  • Jeffrey F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 28, 2024

    Swansea Ghost Town

    Very remote, but interesting

    This location is very remote and a high clearance vehicle is needed. The drive in is a dirt road and very tough the last couple of miles. I didn’t see many spots right at the ghost town, but plenty all over before and after. I had one or two bars of service on Verizon. If you like exploring and solitude, this place is for you.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2023

    Gold Nugget Road - Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot for OHV

    The views of the mountains are nice here! Right off the highway, there is lots of noise. This area is a bunch of level gravel lots. Accessible to any kind of big rig or camper. You can explore a bit to get a place that is more private, but you will want 4x4 and high clearance. Lots of fire rings scattered about, and some trash here and there.

    If you want to get some exercise in, there is an abandoned mine 1.5 miles up the road. Seems like lots of people take off-road vehicles up that way.

    No services, pack in, pack out. Verizon service was good.

Guide to Parker Dam

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Parker Dam, California, where you can enjoy the serenity of nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into the wild.

Dispersed campers should check out Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area

  • Located in Lake Havasu City, Craggy Wash - Dispersed Camping Area provides ample space for campers, making it a popular choice for those seeking solitude.
  • The access road is well-maintained, but a higher clearance vehicle is recommended to navigate the occasional potholes and sandy areas.
  • Campers have reported a friendly atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for peaceful nights under the stars.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Parker Dam, California

  • When visiting Havasu BLM Dispersed, be prepared for a more rustic experience, as there are no facilities like toilets or trash disposal.
  • It's advisable to arrive early to secure a good spot, as this area can get crowded, especially on weekends.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the stunning views, but remember to pack out what you pack in to keep the area clean.

Enjoy hiking and biking while free camping near Parker Dam

  • The Swansea Ghost Town offers unique trails that lead through historical ruins, perfect for those who enjoy exploring while camping.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider heading to Shea Road BLM Dispersed, where you can find trails that are less traveled and ideal for hiking or biking.
  • Many dispersed sites near Parker Dam provide direct access to scenic routes, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities right from your campsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Parker Dam, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Parker Dam, CA is Havasu BLM Dispersed with a 3.2-star rating from 17 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Parker Dam, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 55 dispersed camping locations near Parker Dam, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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