🚐 Boondocking Near Lake Havasu City, AZ: 4 Free Camping Spots + Off-Road Trails & Honest Reviews

March 23, 2025

Welcome back, fellow travelers! If you’ve been following our 15-part Arizona travel series, you know we’re not afraid to take the road less traveled—literally.

Last time, we journeyed down Historic Route 66 and explored a Western ghost town off a sketchy dirt road. This week, we’re heading south to the sparkling blue waters of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to uncover four boondocking gems—and one or two duds—plus some thrilling off-road adventures.

We’re Mark and Paula, RVers with a love for scenic drives, dusty trails, and the occasional desert surprise. Whether you’re RV camping, overlanding, or just looking for a spot to park under the stars, this guide will give you a real look at free dispersed camping near Lake Havasu City—and which spots to skip.

🌵 1. Blankenship Wash Dispersed Camping – Best Overall Experience

📍 GPS: 34.606, -114.3676

Just 3 miles off Highway 95 and close to the heart of Lake Havasu City, Blankenship Wash turned out to be our favorite stop on this leg of the journey. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site offers well-spaced campsites and enough peace and quiet to hear your own thoughts—or the jingle of your RV keychain.

✅ Why We Loved It:

• Well-maintained road (at least the first half-mile—perfect for larger rigs)

• Great cell signal and access to town for essentials (like a blower for all that Arizona dust)

• Beautiful views of the surrounding desert

⚠️ What to Watch Out For:

• The further in you go, the sandier and sketchier the road becomes.

• We did notice some signs of homelessness (abandoned clothes and gear).

• Camp host checked in multiple times—some might find that comforting, others intrusive.

Still, with easy access to town and a handful of nearby OHV trails, Blankenship Wash is a solid pick for campers looking for balance between solitude and convenience.

🛞 Off-Roading from Blankenship Wash: Washboard Adventures

We decided to test out Washboard Wash, looping it with Blankenship Wash Trail for a fun afternoon ride.

Let’s just say… our side-by-side wasn’t built for washboards. The ride was so rough we half expected our fillings to pop out. While others with better suspension might enjoy the challenge of finding that "perfect speed" to skim across the ridges, this was our least favorite ride in Arizona so far.

Bonus tip: We later learned this trail is closed from January 1 through June 30 due to seasonal rain damage—though we saw no signage.

🏕️ 2. Lone Tree Campground – Social Spot with a Hidden Gem

📍 GPS: 34.6266, -114.3277

Just a few miles north of Blankenship Wash sits Lone Tree Campground, another BLM area that’s popular among the OHV crowd.

Pros:

• Busier, with a community feel (if that’s your thing)

• Direct access to some desert trails

• Proximity to the legendary Bunker Bar trail

Cons:

• Little privacy due to how closely packed rigs were

• Trails here are rougher—our side-by-side wouldn't make it far

🚨 Insider Tip: The Better Way to Bunker Bar

Instead of risking your suspension on the rugged OHV trails, take Highway 95 to Heights Blvd. and follow signs to The Bunker Bar. It’s open October through April, Friday through Sunday. This open-air desert oasis offers surprisingly good food, quirky attractions, and a family-friendly vibe.

🚫 3. Craggy Wash – Crowded & Questionable

📍 GPS: 34.5935, -114.3619

Craggy Wash is one of the most well-known dispersed camping spots near Lake Havasu City. With a location even closer to town, it seemed like a great idea—until we got there.

👎 What We Found:

• Very crowded—rigs practically stacked on top of each other

• Sketchy vibes: We later spoke with a nearby camp host who mentioned a history of crime in the area

• Limited privacy and high foot/vehicle traffic

While there are trails nearby, we couldn’t find a safe or legal way to access them from our campsite at Blankenwash. If you’re looking for solitude, safety, or space to spread out—Craggy Wash probably isn’t your spot, unless you are willing to drive quite a way in.

🏜️ 4. The Steps – Unique but Tricky (Permit Required!)

📍 GPS: 34.3336, -114.136

About 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City and just 8 miles from Parker Dam, The Steps is by far the most unique boondocking area we visited—but it comes with a twist.

This area sits on Arizona State Trust Land, which means you’ll need a permit to camp here. Permits are affordable and good for a year, but only allow 14 days of cumulative camping. Learn more and apply here: Arizona State Land Department

🌄 What Makes It Special:

• Striking landscape with "steps" carved into the hills

• Miles of adventurous OHV trails

• Peaceful, remote setting

🧭 Camping Tips:

• Power lines dominate the lower part of the camping area, but if your rig can handle it, drive higher up for better views.

• We tucked ourselves around the corner for a more scenic and quieter stay.

🚨 Be Warned:

• No signage about the permit requirement—we only knew because we researched ahead

• Some areas had too much trash for us to clean up ourselves

• Trails can be challenging and sandy—use a tracking app and know your rig’s limits

Our ride up to Rovey’s Needle offered one of the best views of the trip and was well worth the climb.

🎒 Essential Tips for Boondocking in This Area:

1. Stock up before you camp – While Lake Havasu City has plenty of stores, some of these sites are 15–20 miles out.

2. Get your permits in advance – Especially if you plan to stay on Arizona State Trust Land like The Steps.

3. Check trail status – Seasonal closures (like on Washboard Wash) may not be posted.

4. Pack it in, pack it out – Sadly, trash is an issue in some areas. Leave your site better than you found it.

5. Use a reliable GPS or trail app – Ownership boundaries crisscross the region, and many trails aren’t marked.

🎥 Don’t Miss the Video!

We captured the sights, the dust, the rides, and the real deal with each location. Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel. You’ll get a better feel for each site and see how our side-by-side fared on the trails!

🔜 Coming Up Next…

Next week, we’re heading south to explore Parker, AZ, and show you even more incredible off-the-grid spots and unique desert attractions.

So don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow our journey, and hit that bell so you don’t miss the next episode.

💬 Got a favorite Lake Havasu camping spot?

Let us know in the comments below! We love discovering new places through your tips and recommendations.

🧭 Final Verdict: Where Should You Camp Near Lake Havasu?

Camping Area	Pros	Cons	Best For
Blankenship Wash	Quiet, close to town, good for big rigs	Some trash, road gets sandy farther in	Most campers & beginners
Lone Tree	Lively vibe, Bunker Bar nearby	Busy, trails are rough	Social boondockers & OHVers
Craggy Wash	Closest to Lake Havasu	Overcrowded, safety concerns	Short stays, urban access
The Steps	Gorgeous views, unique landscape	Permit required, some trash, tricky access	Off-roaders & adventurous rigs