Bullhead City free boondocking is simple and easy to find near town. This is a post to help you find one of the many free locations when the weather is cold or for Summer as well. Snowbirds flock to the Arizona and Nevada areas to spend the Winter in areas like Quartzsite and these are so good stopovers en-route or for summer fun on the river in warm weather.
Most people imagine Phoenix or, of course, Nevada’s famous Las Vegas and the surrounding arid desert region when they think of either of the states. Although a sizable percentage of Arizona and Nevada is covered by the Sonoran Desert, this does not mean that the entire state is a vast desert wasteland. The high land in both States differs greatly from the lower arid areas. In contrast to Phoenix’s triple-digit summers, the air is fragrant with fresh pine, and the temperature is significantly lower in the north near Flagstaff. Even snow is present during the winter there.
Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Arizona?
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Did we mention that both states have a number of lakes in them? To assist the supply of water to the major metropolises of Phoenix and Tucson and Las Vegas, enormous reservoirs dot the terrain of Arizona and Nevada. Popular “beach” and boating locations include lakes like Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, and Lake Mead near Las Vegas. Along with this, there is excellent fishing. After riding “ATVs” through the desert all day, remote waters like Alamo Lake provide a location to “cool off.”
For the past eight years, we have had the good fortune to reside in Nevada. My wife and I have been able to experience the wide range of destinations across the state since we started RVing a few years ago. The nicest thing is that Arizona and Nevada have such a large amount of public land that boondocking is available all year long throughout the state.
Casino Camping Near Bullhead City
One of the most well-known feature of Bullhead City and Laughlin is “casino camping,” or free RV boondocking in the casino parking lots. Laughlin/Bullhead City is advantageously situated for the RV community along the North/South migration route along Hwy 93/95 and not too far from I-40 With extensive retail and casino camping options, it offers a practical and affordable stopover.
Most of the shopping is over the river from the Riverside Casino in Laughlin, but there is an outlet mall there as well. There are four grocery stores, a Ross, a Target, a GNC, two Walmart’s, a Pet Smart, and several computer repair shops. There are several services available to RV owners, including mechanics and repair facilities. For example, the R.V. Care Center on Ramar Road is trustworthy and reasonably priced.
In the area of Laughlin and Bullhead City, there are also RV parks that are extremely reasonably priced. In addition to a KOA at the Avi casino, which features a lovely golf course, the Riverside has an RV park. Additionally, Laughlin’s Big Bend state park has full hookup campsites. Numerous reasonably priced RV parks and resorts may be found on the other side of the river, from Bullhead City to the Mohave Valley.
6 Things to Do Near Bullhead City
In the midst of the immense desert that covers much of the southwestern United States, Bullhead City, which is situated on the great Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada, is an oasis of history, recreation, and modernity.
The region, which is not far from Laughlin, Nevada’s casino mecca, has a little something for everyone, no matter what tickles your fancy. Therefore, you’ll be happy in Bullhead City and adjacent Laughlin whether you’d like to hit the trails and hike into the desert to do some bird-watching or sip gin ‘n tonics and listen to an Elvis impersonator sing about his blue suede shoes.
1. Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail
The Colorado River Heritage Greenway Path, also known as North Reach Trail, is a picturesque 9-mile trail on the Laughlin side of the river. It provides features including bathrooms, covered picnic and lounging spaces, as well as a fishing pier.
If you want to do some exploring, you can visit five different trailheads which are open to cyclists, runners, and even horses. The route is typically not crowded because of the intense desert sun, and most people prefer to enjoy it in the morning or afternoon.
You’ll get a wonderful view of Davis Dam at the trail’s end.
2. Laughlin Labyrinths
The Laughlin Labyrinths are a collection of 9 stone designs and mazes that are situated on Thomas Edison Drive in Laughlin. Given their proximity to opulent casinos, they could seem a little out of place.
Even while most of the structures need a short climb to access them, the elaborate designs and breathtaking scenery will provide a welcome, if brief, respite from the loud casinos. Observe the warnings because they are somewhat dispersed and close to private property.
The Labyrinths are fantastic locations to explore early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun won’t be as harsh. They have previously been featured in a public television program.
3. Christmas Tree Pass
Leading through southern Nevada’s Newberry Mountains, Christmas tree pass begins near Laughlin and ends up at Searchlight, Nevada. It is such a unique place. The local residents near the pass have decorated all of the cedar tress like you Christmas trees at home.
The road leading to the pass is in the Lake Mead Recreation area, and though it’s just gravel, it isn’t too difficult. There are no areas where you will need a 4WD on the road but it is very wash boarded.
The views from the top of the pass include the Mojave Desert, various species of cactus, and the Colorado River Valley far below. There are ample pullouts if you’d like to park, snap a picture, or walk into the desert. Actually you probably won’t meet more than 1 or 2 cars on the entire drive.
If you go all the way to Searchlight before turning back, there are gas stations and places to buy food and drinks.
4. Big Bend Colorado River, Laughlin
Big Bend Colorado River, which can be seen in Laughlin along the Needles Highway, resembles an ocean beach oasis in the center of one of the driest deserts in the country.
Since it is a state park, the area is a perfect spot to escape the region’s notorious heat. The water is clear and cool because it originates from the bottom of Lake Mead. Try trekking up river and floating back down to the park on your back or an inner tube since the water is typically rather swift.
Children can play safely in reasonably shallow regions that are isolated from the river flow. If you want to stay the night, there are other camping areas nearby.
5. Grapevine Canyon
The Grapevine Canyon Trail in the Lake Meade National Recreation Area is difficult but full of breathtaking panoramas at slightly under 4 miles.
If you’ve got what it takes, the trail will take you by numerous waterfalls that only run after rain, typically in the spring, and ancient Native American petroglyphs.
From start to finish, the hike gains 400 feet in elevation, and the region can be prone to flash floods, so pay close attention to your surroundings and keep an eye out for storm clouds to the north. Don’t forget to bring drink, sunblock, and sturdy shoes. Don’t miss this great trail that was close to our Bullhead City camping area. Really cool and one we will walk againg.
6. Oatman Arizona
The wild burros roaming around Oatman, Arizona, a historic gold mining “ghost town,” which is located about 20 miles up into the mountains to the east. It was given the name Olive Oatman in honor of a pioneering young woman who was abducted and given to the Mohave tribe. She is best known for the Mohave face tattoos that she got while being held captive.
Many residents of Oatman, which is now a well-liked tourist destination, continue to prospect for gold in the nearby hills; modern prospectors utilize ATVs and metal detectors in place of the burros used in olden times.
14 Bullhead City Free Boondocking Locations
Nevada South Side Boondocking Locations
1. BLM Free Campsite
Address
Mohave Valley, Arizona
GPS: 34.811322, -114.574788
Elevation: 469′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Bullhead City free boondocking area is dirt. BLM free campsite is open year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 days at BLM free campsite.
Amenities:
Near Water
Pets Welcome
Best Review:
I didn’t see a gate. The spot is a little tight but my van fits fine. A little RR noise across the river and some trash but for the most part and so far I like it. This site was easy to find and had a number of easy to locate Bullhead City boondocking sites in the area. People are friendly, just ask anyone for the nearest BLM land.
2. Oatman Highway South
Address
Mohave Valley, Arizona
GPS: 34.816111, -114.468056
Elevation: 722′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Bullhead City free RV camping area is dirt. BLM free campsite is open year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 days at BLM free campsite.
Amenities:
Pets Welcome
Best Review:
Very pretty spot. During the day, you hear motorcycles on the highway and atv’s on the trails, but they’re a ways off. Expecting quietude after the sun goes down. Drawback is openness in the desert, so you probably won’t much enjoy daytime here from April to October. Nevertheless, there is plenty of drivable road/trail and plenty of space for privacy, if not solitude. This site was easy to find and had a number of Bullhead City RV camping sites in the area.
3. Golden Shores
Address
Historic Route 66
Mohave Valley, Arizona
GPS: 34.800038, -114.470723
Elevation: 666′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Lake Havasu District. First come -> first served. No reservations accepted. The road into this Bullhead City free camping area is dirt.
Best Review:
Pulled in just late in the day on a Saturday. There were some campers nearby with dun buggies but did not bother us much. The pull off is really big with lots of room to find your own spot. We got really good cell signal and download speed. The site is a bit up hill as you move a way from the road but there is level ground there. Great place to watch the sunset and the night sky. Close to town. This site was easy to find and had a number of Bullhead City free camping sites in the near this one if it is full
Bullhead City Side
4. Oatman Road Pull Off
Address
Golden Valley, Arizona
GPS: 34.90112, -114.42724
Elevation: 1302′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Lake Havasu District. First come -> first served. No reservations accepted. There are about five large pullouts right along the road between Oatman and Topock. Very good for one night. Great scenery. Not much traffic at night so it’s quiet. The road into this Bullhead City free boondocking area is dirt.
Best Review:
Staying here currently and it was super quiet last night. Didn’t see any wildlife but heading into Oatman today to rectify that situation. Will definitely stay here again. Nice gravel area with lots of room to move around. Nice change from the dirt we’ve been camping in the last 6 months (Imperial Dam LTVA). This site was easy to find and had a number of Bullhead City free boondocking sites in the area.
5. Oatman Arizona BLM
Address
Golden Valley, Arizona
GPS: 34.953263, -114.409991
Elevation: 1795′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Bullhead City free RV Camping area is gravel and .05 Off of road miles from a paved road. You may stay 14 at Oatman Arizona BLM. Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Lake Havasu District. First come -> first served. No reservations accepted.
Amenities:
Pets Welcome
Best Review:
About 8 miles south of Oatman at the foot of the mountain. There’s several turn offs as you get to the mountains and closer to Oatman Arizona. Great wifi because the towers are on top of the mountain. Turn off is just off the road. Plenty of room for at least 10 rigs and mostly level. This site was easy to find and had a number of Bullhead City free RV camping sites in the area.
6. Boundary Cone Rd
Address
Golden Valley, Arizona
GPS: 35.00008, -114.41257
Elevation: 2152′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Lake Havasu District. First come -> first served. No reservations accepted. Pull off from Boundary Cone Rd on North side, about 1 mile West of the Hwy Sixty six junction. It is large enough for 3 large toy haulers. About 10 miles from the Avi Casino and water and dump station at the KOA across from the AVI. The road into this Bullhead City free boondocking area is dirt.
Best Review:
Directions to this campsite are to a small, open area with a large pile of burned debris in the middle of it, with debris scattered all around. There are 2 small fire rings, if you choose to stay here. There is enough room for 2 large rigs, if you like to be close to one another. We did not stay. Up the road there are several pull offs that you could use, if you have a small or med sized rig. This site was easy to find and had a number of easy to find Bullhead City free camping sites in the area.
7. Oatman
Address
Golden Valley, Arizona
GPS: 35.038252, -114.393558
Elevation: 2789′
Management: Public
The road into this Bullhead City free boondocking area is gravel. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. A nice little place on the route 66 just 2 miles from Oatman. It’s close to the road but there are really few cars passing by!
Best Review:
Love the little town of Oatman… If u like old haunted mining town with wild Burros running the town you will too. Would love to come back when everything is up and running again. Drove about 2miles in from main Rd on Silver Creek. Pretty packed road, but pull offs are in some pretty soft dirt. Wouldn’t recommend if raining to come here. Found a decent site behind a tree. Curious locals on ATVs and dirt bikes, but left us alone. Hot night, minimal bugs, and very windy. Very quiet and dark. This site was easy to find and had a number of Bullhead City free boondocking sites in the area.
8. Route 66 pull off (BLM)
Address
Golden Valley, Arizona
GPS: 35.026183, -114.299625
Management: Bureau of Land Management
The road into this Bullhead City free RV Camping area is dirt. The maximum RV length at Route 66 pull off (BLM) is unlimited.
Best Review:
New gravel lot with Route 66 info sign. Couldn’t find anything north of Oatman and after going through the pass wasn’t going back south. Shows up as BLM land on the map so went for it. Very quiet and beautiful stay especially right off 66. Not sure if it is technically legal but no signs or anyone bothering us. Wouldn’t stay more than a night. Great Verizon signal unlike around Oatman or south of. No facilitates, pack out, and don’t abuse it! This site was easy to find and had a number of free Bullhead City RV camping sites in the area.
Laughlin North to Searchlight
9. AVI Casino Free RV Parking Lot
Address
10000 Aha Macau Pkwy, Laughlin, NV 89029
Laughlin, Nevada
GPS: 35.018592, -114.64257
Elevation: 485′
Management: Casino
The road into this Bullhead City free camping area is paved. AVI Casino Free RV Parking Lot is open Year-round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 3 days at AVI Casino Free RV Parking Lot.
Best Review:
The lot is practically full at this time but no problem finding a spot. Wish the parking area lights were a little dimmer. Awesome taco shop at the gas station. Even though there are no signs saying otherwise, YOU MUST BE SELF CONTAINED! Instead of the security guard coming around at around 9pm, he decides to wait until 2am to rap on your door and tell you to move! This Bullhead City free camping site was easy to find and had a number of free camping sites in the area.
10. Balancing Rock Campsite
Address
Laughlin, California
GPS: 35.103179, -114.774858
Elevation: 2575′
Management: National Monument
The road into this Bullhead City free boondocking area is dirt and 3 miles from a paved road. Nice location with some protection from wind. Free Dispersed camping in the Laughlin area. First come -> first served. No reservations accepted.
Best Review:
None
11. Pioneer Casino
Address
Laughlin, Nevada
GPS: 35.15549, -114.57401
Elevation: 525′
Management: Casino
Free camping in the parking lot… Register at the casino… The road into this Bullhead City free RV Camping area is paved.
Best Review:
It’s December 2020. I’ve been on the hot springs trail for a couple of weeks. I’m on my way to visit my favorite cousin on AZ. Always wanted to see Laughlin and Bullhead City. So I find myself in the parking lot of the Pioneer Casino Hotel. It is all true. You can stay here for free. However you must have a fully contained RV. On arrival, drive to the north side of the lot. This site was easy to find and had a number of Bullhead City camping sites in the area.
12. Telephone Cove
Address
Searchlight, Nevada
GPS: 35.229776, -114.59444
Elevation: 680′
Management: Public
The road into this Bullhead City free camping area is dirt and aprox. 4 miles miles from a paved road. Telephone Cove is open year round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 7 days at Telephone Cove.
Best Review:
We stayed here in January in a 34’Class A motorhome. The road from the main road is dirt, rough, and slightly narrow at times. Just take it slow and easy and you’ll have no problems. Cell signal is sketchy, was able to text good, but not able to hold good signal for calls or streaming online. This site was easy to find and had a number of Bullhead City free boondocking sites in the area.
13. Christmas Tree Pass
Address
Christmas Tree Pass Road
Searchlight, Nevada
GPS: 35.264019, -114.778462
Elevation: 3553′
Management: Bureau of Land Management
Free dispersed camping on BLM land near Bullhead City. Lots of room for any sized rig. OHV traffic is common here. Christmas Tree Pass Road is the southwestern border of the Spirit Mountain Wilderness. The road into this Bullhead City Arizona free boondocking area is dirt.
Best Review:
Stayed here with our 40ft toy hauler. There is only one spot big enough that would allow for this side trailer. Nice and quiet. Nice drive down Christmas tree pass road with the truck. Road a little washboard but not horrible. This site was easy to find and had a number of Bullhead City free RV camping sites in the area.
14. Southern Nevada Visitor Center
Address
East side of Highway 95 (Veteran Memorial Highway), north of the Laughlin Hiway
GPS: 35.223153, -114.85945
Elevation: 2556′
Management: Rest Area
The road in is Paved. Southern Nevada Visitor Center is open all year. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. The road into this Bullhead City free RV camping area is dirt.
Amenities:
Drinking Water
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Trash Cans
Best Review:
Truly one of the best Visitor Centers I have ever stopped in. Beautiful and spacious rest area. Plenty of pull through parking for RVs and semis. There were several RVs all along the fence in the large gravel parking area and very few if any semis. Enough room for you to sit outside, and put your slides out. Good Verizon signal. This site was easy to find and had a number of easy Bullhead city free boondocking sites in the area.
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