Crossroads Campground

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

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Crossroads Campground

The Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, is one of the most important federal agencies because of its role in protecting and promoting the natural beauty of the country. The BLM finds sites for national parks, wilderness areas, and other types of preserves. They build trails, add camping, maintain fishing stocks, create maps, put in all kinds of infrastructure, and provide guidance and emergency rescue at the sites.

The Crossroads Campground is one of the smaller sites that the BLM oversees. It is located on the Colorado River a short distance south of the Parker Dam. It's a beachfront area with a lot of water-based recreation, camping, and other activities. The Crossroads Campground is a beautiful and pleasant way to experience the Colorado River without the crowds of the bigger parks. It has on-site camping and is close to other fun sites, like an OHV area with dunes, so there is something for everyone. Crossroads is also highly accessible, being right between the road and the river, so it makes for an easy trip for families who do not want a remote campsite or visit.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Buckskin Trail

Buckskin Trail is a loop trail that has some rocks and elevation changes, so it might not be appropriate for first-timers. The trail reaches the top of two different hills, providing great views of the river and the surrounding area. Starting the trail requires entering the Buckskin Mountain State Park on the east side of the river. It should take under an hour to finish the loop.

Length: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Medium

Fishing and Boating

There is a free boat launch for Crossroad at the nearby Rock House Visitor Center, where you can put any kind of boat into the water. That includes those with and without motors, so there is lots of room for zipping up and down the river or a slow cruise while taking in the sights. Fishing is permitted, and you can also use the river as a base point to explore hiking paths.

Wildlife Viewing

From fish like trout to migratory birds and small mammals, the campsite is close to several different habitats. The proximity to the dunes means that you might see wildlife that you don't normally find along rivers. If you choose to travel along the river, you might see different migratory bird species and potentially reptiles like frogs and lizards farther downstream of the Parker Dam as the river changes in speed.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There is RV camping available on site at Crossroads, and there are also numerous Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for RVs up and down both sides of the river nearby. These include Pirates Den RV Resort, Blue Water RV Park, and Echo Lodge Resort. Call ahead to make sure that there is availability for your vehicle on the day you plan to arrive.

Free Camping

Crossroads has several campsites for Bureau of Land Management free camping, including one ADA-accessible campsite, and they are all part of the Crossroads complex. You can reach each one with a short walk from the parking area. There is a grill and a picnic table at each site, but no water, so be sure to bring any water supplies you may need, which is especially important because Arizona has a dry climate.

RV Rentals Near Crossroads Campground Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Crossroads Campground BLM trip

The Crossroads Campground is located in a pleasant and mild river valley, so extreme weather will not be a concern, and it stays warm even in the winter. Bring water-appropriate clothes and tools like a dry bag and water shoes to make the best use of the river. Don't forget bug spray and sunblock, depending on the weather. Space is limited, but there is an on-site guide, so try calling ahead to see if there is availability to camp. Keep in mind that while there is a vault toilet, there is no running water on site for campers or other visitors. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The BLM has strict rules about protecting the land, especially when there is water involved. You cannot dump or leave any trash, and you can't leave behind anything that might leave an impact on the local environment. You must bring away anything that you brought to the site. Animals and plants can be hurt by trash, and the shore of the river itself can be affected. With so many animals and plants depending on the Colorado River, it is critical to ensure that no human debris affects the water quality.

Crossroads Campground Location

BLM camping is easy to find; just search "BLM camping near me." To reach Crossroads Campground, start from the area of Lake Havasu City, which is also the area where the BLM field office that runs the area is located. Find Acoma Blvd South and take it south until you reach Arizona Route 95 South, which you will then take south. Follow it all the way to the Parker Dam crossing, where you will enter California. Continue down Parker Dam Road for 10 miles, and there will be a turnoff to the left, toward the river, with signs for Crossroads Campground.

Ready to visit Crossroads Campground? 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.