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BLM Camping

Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

BLM sites let visitors enjoy unincorporated areas of public lands in a more natural, private way. These sites often have minimal amenities, but they may allow for Bureau of Land Management free camping. To find out what amenities are available and which sites offer camping, search for “BLM camping near me.”

The Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area is an unrestricted region where visitors can enjoy off-roading to their hearts’ content. This open, natural space lets visitors explore the area, view wildlife, and take in the beautiful scenery. This destination is also part of the Parker Strip Recreation Area, which offers many options for hiking, boating, mountain biking, photography, wildlife viewing, and BLM RV camping.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Mockingbird Wash Trail

Offering stunning views of nearby Lake Havasu and the surrounding area, this trail is perfect for either hiking or mountain biking.

Length: 4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Cattail Cove Perimeter Loop

A favorite of bird watchers, this trail is a great place to spot local wildlife or observe some of the area’s native plants.

Length: 3.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Cupcake Mountain Trail

This trail features some steep uphill sections that can be a challenge, but the elevation offers beautiful views of the landscape.

Length: 4.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Beachcomber Boulevard Loop

Gentle and paved, this picturesque trail is great for hiking, running, or biking. It's also pet-friendly, so it’s a good choice for dog owners.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Sara Park Hiking Trail

The Sara Park Hiking Trail offers views of several dramatic rock formations and also takes hikers through small canyons. Some areas can be steep or slippery, so the trail is best for hikers that are moderately experienced.

Length: 5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Bullfrog Day Use Area, another BLM site, is only four minutes from the Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area, and it offers excellent boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. Fishing enthusiasts can often catch bass, catfish, sunfish, and bluegills. There are also several fishing piers in the Parker Strip Recreation Area along the Colorado River.

Climbing

Crab Claw Rock, which is just outside of Lake Havasu City, one of the closest towns to the Copper Basin Dune OHV Area, is a favorite spot for local climbers. Climbers can choose from seven routes, making it a great spot to practice different or new techniques.

Wildlife Viewing

The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best nearby places to view native wildlife, including many birds, which can often be seen at Castle Rock Bay. Wildlife viewing is also excellent throughout the Parker Strip Recreation Area, and visitors can stop at either the Cable Car or Bullfrog Day Use Areas to see bats, bobcats, hawks, coyotes, deer, bighorn sheep, rabbits, quail, roadrunners, and several types of snakes and lizards.

Picnicking

The nearby Bullfrog Day Use area is perfect for picnicking. Picnic tables and benches are available, and the area also has restrooms. There are also picnic tables along the shores of Lake Havasu and throughout the Parker Strip Recreation Area, and grills are available at Lake Havasu.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are a number of RV camping options near the Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area. Sam’s Beachcomber RV Resort offers a number of daily, weekly, and monthly rates with hookups, and the resort is located on the shores of Lake Havasu. Crazy Horse Campgrounds is also located on Lake Havasu, and there are over 600 RV spots. For those who are looking for a more rugged but RV-accessible camping experience, the Craggy Wash BLM Land Camping Area is a good option.

Free Camping

There are two Bureau of Land Management camping areas located in the Parker Strip Recreation Area, both of which offer free primitive camping. The sites offer beautiful views and easy access to boating, swimming, and hiking options. They are open all year.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area BLM trip

The Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area is designed to be a sort of playground in the desert for off-roaders. This place offers the perfect way to have fun while connecting to the land and getting away from everything. Most visitors prefer to explore the area during the spring, fall, and winter months as summers can be very hot with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. However, it’s a good idea to remember that desert temperatures can decrease sharply once night falls, so dress in layers and pack warmly if you plan to camp in the area, particularly during the colder months.

There's plenty of wildlife to spot as you ride through the OHV area, but remember that the desert is also home to a number of venomous snakes. Stay alert as you ride, walk, or bike through the area, and let any snakes pass without disturbing them.

Most BLM sites don’t accept reservations, so before you begin your adventure, call ahead to make sure there’s space. You can also double-check any camping policies, including how long your stay can be. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When visiting any wilderness area, including Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, trails, recreation areas, or OHV areas, it’s important to help to preserve the space and leave it as untouched as possible. Stay on the trails if they're marked, and only build fires in designated areas. It’s a good idea to ensure that the fire danger is low as well. Always remember to take all of your trash with you or throw it away in the proper bin before you leave. Never take any animals, plants, or rocks home.

Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area Location

From Lake Havasu City, drive over the Parker Dam and across the Colorado River into California. Continue for about five miles before turning right at the sign for the Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area. You can also reach the area from Parker by driving north over the Colorado River and then turning right. Continue for another 17 miles before you reach the OHV area, which will be on your left.

Ready to visit Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.