Along the Colorado River, dispersed camping near Laughlin, Nevada provides options for desert recreation at elevations between 500-700 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F between June and September, with mild winter conditions drawing seasonal visitors to the river corridor. Camping options range from free dispersed sites to full-service RV resorts with riverside access.
What to do
River swimming access: Davis Camp Park offers direct water access for cooling off during hot desert days. "Loved being able to set up our Napier Sportz tent with our Subaru at the river's edge on the Colorado River just outside of Bullhead City, Az. (across from Laughlin, NV). So clear! Lots of families with jet skis, which we found entertaining although noisy. We just parked our beach chairs in the water as it was hot!!" reports Claudia B.
Boat launch access: Free camping at Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove includes boat launching facilities for smaller watercraft. Steve M. notes, "Beautiful area just outside of Laughlin, Nevada. Right on a Cove of Lake Mead. Four Mile unpaved Road to get down to the lake and anywhere between 15 to 20 camping spots depending on group size. Small boat launch for jet skis but not for bigger boats."
Desert biking: The areas surrounding Telephone Cove have developed mountain biking trails accessible from camping areas. According to Keef W., "Mountain biking has picked up in this area with easy access to a wide variety of both single track and downhill."
What campers like
Riverside Casino shuttle service: Riverside Casino and RV Park offers transportation between the campground and entertainment venues. William J. explains, "The casino shuttle is only a phone call away and very quick to respond. Full hookups with 30 or 50 amp. Really big spaces that can accommodate any size rig and a p/u or towed vehicle and then some."
Swimming pools for heat relief: Desert View RV Resort provides pool access to combat summer temperatures. "The pool is a nice relief from the desert heat. Basically a good place to stop in the middle of a hot and dry stretch of highway asking a reasonable price compared to the surrounding RV campgrounds," explains Kelli P.
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer vegetation barriers between camping spots. At Desert View RV Resort, "Nice tall Oleander shrubs provide shade and privacy between sites. Generous sized pull through sites. This time we stayed in the back row (in front of the full timers) and it was so quiet," says Sotnos B.
What you should know
Heat considerations: Desert temperatures affect water quality at campsites. At Needles KOA, Alex M. reports, "What is an issue today is the heat. As I write this at 10:11 at night, it is 100° F. When I arrived in Needles this afternoon, it was 114° F. The water that comes out of the spigots here is like bathwater."
Seasonal pricing and crowds: Weekday camping offers better value and space. At Davis Camp, Jaime C. suggests, "Weekends are the worst. People respect no space." The campground applies different fee structures during peak periods, with Lane H. noting, "We did read that during holidays and summer weekends there are charges for wristbands that seem pretty high; we did not see any of those charges on a late October weekend stay."
Free camping options: Limited free options exist with varying restrictions. William J. explains Riverside Casino's policy: "Across the street in the casino parking lot next to the road is dry camping area. Free for seven days and more if you play the games and get 25 points a week. Numbered spaces that accommodate any size rig."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly spaces: Several campgrounds offer recreation areas for children. Lane H. shares about Davis Camp Park: "We group camp here with fellow youth sports families. The kids love the open areas to run and play in though there are not great playgrounds. The sites are mostly level but could use some maintaining."
Pet weight restrictions: Mirage RV Resort limits pet size specifically. Brittney C. points out, "They allow dogs up to 25lbs." This restriction differs from other local campgrounds where larger dogs are permitted.
Tent camping with river access: Family tent camping at Davis Camp provides direct water access. "Tent camping is allowed that close. Literally tent camping is allowed that close. Forgot your ice? They sale that on site as well," explains Brittney C.
Tips from RVers
Desert site selection: Choose sites carefully for shade protection. T K. advises about Ridgeview Resort: "Some of the best spots were 122, 63, 55 they had some shade. They don't have tables so bring your own." Shade becomes crucial during summer months when temperatures exceed 110°F.
Big rig access considerations: Not all areas accommodate larger RVs. At Telephone Cove, Steve M. cautions, "Do not recommend trying to take anything bigger than a 35 ft RV down there. Two vault toilets and a garbage dumpster. Road is recently grated."
Early arrival recommended: Secure prime spots by arriving early, particularly for free camping areas. "I arrived Friday at 3:00 p.m. and found the last spot," reports Steve M. about Telephone Cove, while Michele H. notes about Davis Camp, "The beaches were VERY crowded so we had to get to the water early to secure a spot."
