Tent Camping near Bullhead City, Arizona
Bullhead City is near the northwest corner of Arizona and is near to Nevada and California. It has become a major recreation area because it is located on the Colorado River south of Lake Mead. Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area is in nearby Nevada. Bullhead City has become popular with outdoor enthusiasts and tent campers for a few good reasons--the scenery, the river and lake.
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Considerations
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The backcountry around Bullhead City in the Lake Mead National Recreational Area offers tent camping in remote areas, giving a sense of freedom in the great outdoors. You can find maps at the welcome center or through the Bullhead City Chamber of Commerce.
Tent camping is allowed in any area that is not posted as a no-camping area. These areas in the backcountry are completely undeveloped, and there are no services. There are some developed campgrounds that have water available as well as the occasional ranger station.
The Area
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Bullhead City is near several recreational areas. The Colorado River offers white-water rafting, and there are many camping areas along the river. Also nearby is Lake Mohave, which offers a different style of water activity. Campsites abound, both in developed campsites and in the backcountry.
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Travel
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There are some areas of Lake Mohave that are accessible only by boat. These are secluded beach-type areas where camping is allowed. There are no services, but you can be secluded. Camping is allowed for up to 14 consecutive days at one site. At the end of your 14 days, you may move to another site. Other areas around the lake and in the backcountry are accessible by foot or by horseback. There are some roads for all-terrain vehicles.
Warning
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The wilderness areas around Bullhead City are remote. Be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return from your backcountry adventure. Take plenty of water and food you will need.
Automobiles and trucks are allowed on specified roads in the area. The desert is a fragile area, so officials ask that you stay on the roads and avoid driving in other areas. The roads are rough, and four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
Types
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There are many RV campgrounds around Bullhead City and around Lake Mohave, as well as the Lake Mead Recreation Area to the north. Most of these sites have tent camping areas. If you do not want to rough it in the backcountry, the RV parks offer a more modern experience.
Tent camping areas have water and electricity available. They also have showers, bathrooms and laundry facilities. A tent camper may also use any amenity or service available at an RV park.
An RV park can be an excellent base for exploring on day trips around the Bullhead City area.
In Town
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Although most visitors go to Bullhead City for great outdoor adventures, there are some places to camp inside the city. There are a few RV parks in the town, and some city parks allow tent camping. The city parks have water and electricity and allow primitive as well as RV camping.
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References
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- Photo Credit arizona desert image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
