Dispersed camping sites near Searchlight, Nevada offer access to Lake Mohave shorelines and high desert landscapes at elevations between 2,000-3,500 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The area's proximity to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area makes it popular with boaters seeking primitive camping options away from developed facilities.
What to do
Boating and water activities: Lake Mohave at Cottonwood Cove Campground provides water recreation opportunities. "Cottonwood Cove has a full service boat marina, gas, motel, RV resort (with full hook-ups), watercraft rentals/supplies, sandy beach, and shaded picnic tables with BBQs," notes reviewer Colette K.
Desert hiking and exploration: The Joshua tree forest around Knob Hill offers scenic walking routes. "We took the third dispersed site. All 3 that we saw were quite large. Great for any size vehicle. Verizon service was great. Nice secluded area," reports Stephen G., who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Wildlife viewing: "The peaceful place, with jackrabbits, a couple of hungry ducks, many songbirds, and the stars at night were bright & beautiful," writes Colette K. about her experience at Cottonwood Cove. Early mornings and evenings provide the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The remote desert setting around Searchlight BLM offers exceptional night sky viewing. "We were all alone when we went to sleep and the only light or noise was from the nearby highway," reports Mitchell C., highlighting the area's darkness for astronomy enthusiasts.
Accessibility to supplies: Despite the remote feel, basic amenities remain available nearby. "This mobile home park is located in Searchlight Nevada... you're literally right down the street from Lake Mojave where you can fish go boating... you have casinos nearby gas stations McDonald's a few places to gamble," explains reviewer Brittney C. of Cree's Mobile Home Park.
Desert landscapes: The Joshua tree forests provide distinctive scenery. "Gorgeous views of mountains and Joshua Trees as far as the eye can see. The spot we were at had a nice little stone fire pit and was very clean save for a couple of shell casings and bottle caps," writes Jonas about his experience at BLM Knob Hill Primitive Camping.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed sites require careful navigation. "The dirt road to the site was rutted but far from impassible even in our little sedan," reports Jonas about Knob Hill Primitive Camping, indicating passenger vehicles can reach most sites with caution.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed areas lack basic amenities. "Regular flush bathrooms were pretty clean (no showers)," notes Wayne B. about Cottonwood Cove Campground, one of the few developed options with facilities.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations require planning. "The nights (sun down here at 4:30pm) are awesome and star gazing is amazing and you can hear coyote's in the distance," mentions Wayne B., highlighting the dramatic temperature drops after sunset.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: When camping with children at Six Mile Cove, monitor water conditions. "Pit toilets, calm water, on beach camping. Come during the week for the most solitude. Can get busy on the weekend," advises Matt R., suggesting weekday visits for families seeking quieter experiences.
Pet supervision strategy: For pet-friendly camping near Searchlight, Nevada, maintain close supervision. "Wild coyotes roam these areas," notes Laura M. from her stay at Searchlight BLM, adding, "This is a good spot if you just need to stop for the night... it's so quiet here."
Limited shade considerations: "No camp host here, but service truck drives through at about noon everyday. Trash bins available... A few palm trees and some sites have nice shade," explains Wayne B. about Cottonwood Cove, emphasizing the importance of bringing shade structures to desert campsites.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Cal-Nev-Ari RV Park offers full hookup options. "Each spot has trees for shade and the surrounding mountains are a beautiful back drop during the day and definitely at sunset. There is a small casino next door with food and of course gambling," reports Alicia F.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on your specific needs. "The RV area has full hookups and also a place to fill propane tanks. If your staying awhile plan to pay electricity they charge for that," explains Brittney C. about Cal-Nev-Ari RV Park.
Water accessibility: RVers should note water access points at developed sites. "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," writes Claudia B. about Davis Camp Park, indicating the river proximity that makes this location popular.
