The best camping near Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area

Located on the western shores of the Colorado River at a large bend right across from Bullhead City, Arizona, Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area is a popular destination for year-round outdoor recreation in southern Nevada. Boasting two miles of sandy shoreline downstream from Davis Dam, boating, jet skiing, paddling, swimming, and fishing are especially popular, while the surrounding landscape of desert, canyons, and riparian areas offer great birdwatching and miles of hiking trails. Amenities and casinos can be found in nearby Laughlin, while one developed campground with full hookups, restrooms, and showers make it easy for campers to explore the recreation area’s 2,100 acres all year.

Big Bend of the Colorado Campground offers 24 sites for tent and RV campers.

• Best for RV campers: Paved loop offers full-hookup sites. Opt for the pull-through sites for easy parking.
• Best for tent campers: Several dry camping sites are situated along a dirt road and are available at a cheaper rate than the full hookup sites.
• Best for ADA campers: Three sites are ADA-accessible and available for campers with the proper ADA permits.

1. Arrive early in the day, especially during peak periods, since all campsites are first-come first-serve.
2. If your travel plans are flexible, try visiting during off-peak and non-holiday times and during the week.
3. If you have an RV with air conditioning, time your visit for the height of summer, when high temperatures can make camping unpleasant without air conditioning.

Over the summer, temperatures routinely reach above 110°F. While water activities are pleasant then in the cool waters of the river, other outdoor recreation can be dangerous. Weekends over the summer are especially popular and visitors should plan to arrive early, before the park reaches capacity and closes. The park is also popular in the winter, especially with snowbirds seeking warmer weather. While the winter weather is usually very mild, it can get quite windy then. Spring and fall offer ideal weather for water and other outdoor activities.

• When the park reaches capacity, which can occur in the morning over summer weekends, the park closes to visitors, including drop-offs and walk-ins. Plan to arrive early during peak periods.
• All areas of the park, including campgrounds and day-use areas, are first-come first-served and cannot be reserved in advance.
• Fires are only permitted in the provided grills, and only when there are no fire bans in effect.
• Glass containers are not allowed in day-use areas, including the beach and picnic sites.
• Boating and fishing on the Colorado River is regulated by three states: Nevada, Arizona, and California, and you may need licenses from all three.