Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Parker Dam, CA

Large campground with many permanent squatters. Positioned directly on the Colorado R. about 3-4 miles below Parker Dam. This could be a nice campground with the mountain views over the river. But the rundown nature and lack of maintenance here is very noticable. This place is definitely past it's prime. There is no cell service so you must rely on wifi, of which, there is none. I asked at the office...nope, none. There is a nice area right on the river to walk your dog or whatever. Sites are cramped, and there is not much gravel. Worst picnic tables I have ever seen situated between the tight(!) spots. Tiny homes are available for sale along the shoreline, so camping spots are slowly being devoured.

Great way to afford enjoying Lake Havasu. Note this is an Arizona State Park so daily vehicle rates do apply if just visiting and/or camping. Located on the east side of Lake Havasu side in Arizona state border. California to the west separated by the Colorado River/Lake Havasu. Lake Havasu City is 19 miles away and the Parker strip is 8 miles away (Lake Havasu separated by the Parker Dam). Remember you're camping in a hot, dry desert climate and limited shade as only palm trees and small shrubs. Campground has showers and restrooms as well as RV dump station. If you're looking for a place to enjoy Lake Havasu, lounging in the water or boating, highly recommend Cattail Cove State Park. A little more remote than right in the city.

Crossroads Campground is located on the riverfront of the beautiful Lower Colorado River. This campground is popular with winter visitors looking to enjoy the warm winter temperatures and relax on the riverfront. This campground has great access to fishing, boating and off-roading.

Natural Features:

The campground is situated on the shoreline of the Lower Colorado River. The river runs through a backdrop of steep rocky terrain, and wind shaped sand dunes. The area is teeming with wildlife, especially fish, migratory birds and small mammals.

Recreation:

The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.

Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch open year-round.

Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking, biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.

Facilities:

This small campground contains individual campsites and one accessible campsite. All of the sites are dry camping (no water) and provide a picnic table and grill. 

One vault toilet is available. There is a Campground Host available to answer questions.

Nearby Attractions:

The Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads Off- Highway Vehicle Open Areas offer miles of off-road adventures. Rock hounders enjoy hiking and driving through the area to search for unique rocks. 

Rock House Visitor Center has a free boat launch and a visitor center stocked with brochures and information about the area.

Buckskin is another favorite if you don’t mind the heat but want to be within walking distance to the water. The river is extremely busy during the summer months. You can swim close to shore but can’t swim across the river as you’ll get ran over. Great beach areas to beach boats and play in the water for the kids. We stayed in 57 which was close to the dump station but wasn’t busy until Sunday at check out time. There is a dog park on site. Cell phone service is terrible. (Verizon). The resturant and store recently closed. As well as the gas station. We heard that on the California side there was a newer site opening and an arcade but never checked it out.

You either LOVE or HATE the desert. Its hard to find an in-between. Black Meadow Landing is for all campers- whether you love or hate the desert BML will be a place that you will want to go back to. Just above the Parker Dam on the California side of fantastic Lake Havasu is a little slice of paradise. I had been going to Black Meadow Landing from 1984 to 2013- I had tent camped there as a kid as well as RV-ing. You can find all of the amenities one would need while being in the middle of a desert oasis. Too hot for the tent you brought? Rent a hotel room (I have never been in the rooms). Dont feel like cooking? Go to the diner. Forget something? You have a store right there. Need Gas? They have an on-water Cheveron for your boating needs or your land-bound vehicle needs. I golfed here during the monsoon season- its far too hot during summer to bring your clubs.
In the wonderfully hot nights I have chased wild burros attempting to get up close to them (as a young kid basically growing up here... stay away from wildlife.... watch and observe from afar). Wild Rams roam around every so often. Skunks will check out your trash at your site so be sure to dispose of your trash before you tuck-in for the night. Fishing is wonderful here. We used to fish from the docks and catch Large Mouth Bass and Catfish. Crayfish are plenty around the area and can be caught easily. You will see Carp and Perch and Bluegill as well. BML is right on the water and there are many RV sites that are waterside. I am not certain about tenting sites close to the water however you have a lagoon to swim in, a sheltered cove full of boating slips.

Since this is Lake Havasu, be forewarned that during holiday seasons it can get pretty crazy busy and the crowds are plenty- on the water and at the lake even at this campground. Most of the ordeal is up in Havasu City and populates in the Channel and under the London Bridge... so you are a ways from it all however close enough to make the North End a day trip.