The four-mile gravel road into Telephone Cove winds down through desert terrain before opening onto Lake Mohave's shoreline, where dispersed camping sites spread along the water's edge. This free camping area within Lake Mead National Recreation Area attracts boondockers seeking direct lake access without developed campground constraints.
Campers set up wherever space allows along the sandy beach and rocky shoreline, with the most coveted spots positioned right at the water's edge. The atmosphere remains relatively quiet during weekdays, though weekends and summer months bring heavier use. Roy S. notes the area maintains "5-10 boondockers at any given time, well dispersed" during off-season visits. Two vault toilets and a large dumpster serve the camping area, while a small boat launch accommodates jet skis and smaller watercraft.
The access road presents the main challenge for larger rigs, with washboard sections and a few steep grades that require careful navigation. Several reviewers successfully brought Class A motorhomes over 35 feet, though Steve M. recommends against "anything bigger than a 35 ft RV" attempting the descent. Cell service varies by location, with the strongest signals reportedly found at the north end of the camping area.
The seven-day stay limit is actively enforced by park rangers who patrol regularly. Summer temperatures can be extreme, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for many visitors. Campers exploring the broader region can find [campgrounds around Bullhead City] for additional options with full hookups and amenities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingLake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located in Nevada
Coordinates
35.23063435800055 N
114.59367772858072 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 3/24/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/24/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/24/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 3/24/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/24/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Lake Mohave - Nevada Telephone Cove — Lake Mead National Recreation Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 23 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 1 hr 39 min from Las Vegas, NV
- 2 hrs 58 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 3 hrs 7 min from St. George, UT




























