When I first pulled into Craggy Wash, it felt like stepping into another world. The jagged cliffs and rugged desert landscape make this free camping area feel like a secret hideaway just outside of Lake Havasu.
It’s all about simplicity here—no hookups, no amenities, just you and the desert.
But that’s part of what makes it special. The sunsets are unreal, casting a golden glow over the rocky hills, and the nights are so quiet you can hear the wind whisper through the canyons.
I snagged about a mile in, giving me the perfect balance of solitude and proximity to town. Lake Havasu’s just a short drive away, so if you need supplies or want to cool off in the water, it’s super convenient.
Just be prepared for the dry heat—it can get intense, especially in summer, but early spring or fall is perfect for camping here.
One thing I loved about Craggy Wash was the community vibe. Even though it’s a dispersed camping area, there’s always a mix of fellow campers, from RVers to van lifers and tent campers. Everyone’s friendly but respectful of each other’s space. Plus, the wide-open sky is unbeatable for stargazing at night. If you’re looking to camp off the grid with killer views and easy access to Lake Havasu, Craggy Wash is where it’s at.
The Details on Craggy Wash Free Camping
Location: Lake Havasu City, Arizona
GPS: 34.5935, -114.3619
Date / Temp: We camped here for four nights in early November. The highs were in the 80s, and lows were in the 60s. It was warmer than we would’ve liked, but the rock formations provided shade later in the day.
Amenities: This site offers no amenities and practices a “Pack In, Pack Out” policy. We couldn’t find a free, potable water spigot anywhere. However, there are many filtered water options in town ($0.75 per 5 gallons). Also, there are many trash cans in town that are easily accessed on city land.
Wifi / Cell: We received a good signal with both AT&T and T-Mobile (using our WeBoost Cell Booster). The speeds were amazing! We could easily stream music & movies and upload YouTube videos super quickly.
Noise: This site had TONS of campers, but we were able to find a semi-private location. Generators hummed in the distance, but that never bothers us. If you’re looking for complete solitude, this spot probably isn’t for you.
Grocery / Errands: Downtown Lake Havasu is 8 miles from the campsite and offers every shopping option we could want. There is a Walmart & Home Depot only 2 miles from camp. We were very pleased with the ease of errand running & project completion!
Dog Friendly: This site is dog friendly. River had a lot of space to play and explore.
Entertainment: There is a lot to do in Lake Havasu! We enjoyed the walking & biking trails. And, we can’t forget to mention, the London Bridge is now located in Lake Havasu! It’s kind of underwhelming, but a fun tidbit to check out.
Would We Camp at Craggy Wash in Lake Havasu Again?
Absolutely! Craggy Wash is the kind of spot that sticks with you. The rugged beauty, the peaceful vibe, and the proximity to Lake Havasu all make it a great place to camp, especially if you’re into off-grid adventures.
Sure, there are no frills here—no running water, no hookups—but that’s part of the charm. It’s just you, the desert, and the wide-open sky. If you’re like me and love a good balance of solitude and community, plus those killer Arizona sunsets, Craggy Wash is totally worth coming back to.
We’ll definitely be rolling in again!
We’ll Help You Find the Best Free Camping in the USA
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours to enjoy. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below:
another great info video.. really appreciate the GPS numbers you provide. In the info you mentioned the lack of water out there but water was in town for .75 for 5 gallons?? did i read that right? filtered water for .75 for 5 gallons is a DEAL.. around our area, Raleigh NC, the glacier water guys it like .35 cent a gallon..
have a good and safe trip to home and thanks again
carl karen newton
We really love your posts and videos. So much good useful information. We plan to spend much of the winter in Arizona and New Mexico before heading up to Oregon for the summer. One quest I have is why you chose AT@T and T-Mobile over Verizon for your cell service. We have Verizon right now but are thinking we need a second source since we’ve been in areas with no service.
Sent from my iPad
>
We are a hop, skip, and jump from you in Laughlin, NV staying at Avi Casino dry dock. We plan on heading to that area soon.
Great video! Thank you for the details you give, they are perfect for newbies like us!
Question: when you drive on a road looking for a boondocking spot, at what point do you decide that “this is a spot, let’s set up camp here”? Other than previous signs of occupation like a fire ring or someone else’s GPS coordinates, how do you know that what you look at is a spot, not just another tree with a path around it?
Thank you & we are looking forward to your session at the Convergence in Jan 2018!