Big River, Colorado River, California | Camping

RV camping area on BLM land near Big River

Big River is located in the Mojave Desert along the west bank (California side) of the Colorado River near Parker, Arizona. This camping area is on BLM land north of Big River, in the foothills of the Whipple Mountains. The view of the Lower Colorado River Valley and the surrounding mountainous desert terrain is excellent.


The “P” for Parker on the nearby mountain to the northeast is clearly visible, as are many other mountain ranges. The agricultural fields of the valley and part of the Big River community can also be seen. This camping area is very close to residential areas, yet it feels more distant. The Colorado River is just over 2 miles away as the crow flies.

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Where in The World?

There are several good RV campsites on the “desert pavement” here. This is a well known boondocking location and there are usually a few RV campers to be found here in the winter.

Camping Elevation: 650 feet

GPS Coordinates: N 34 09.913’ W 114 22.246’


Directions to Camping Area: From the Colorado River at Parker, Arizona drive 4.5 miles west on Highway 62 to a primitive BLM road on your right (north). It will be 0.3 miles west from the turnoff for Big River. You will find several great campsites along this primitive road. Many campsites are flat and mostly level. The surface is solid with tightly packed black rock (aka “desert pavement”). There are more places to camp further west along Highway 62, with good desert pavement.

Big River Camping Area Map

Big River RV Camping Journal

February 6, 2012

It’s pretty easy to hike in any direction here. The jeep roads can be fun to explore on mountain bike.


I’m right next to a ravine which leads to a small wash that’s fun to explore. I set up my “wildlife cam” here. It has a motion sensor and takes pictures or video when movement is detected. I got a picture of a coyote, a bobcat, and a rat so far!

Weather: During the last couple weeks (end of January and into February) it’s been very nice with temps usually in the low 70s and sunny skies. It drops down to around 40 at night, but lows can range from 35-45 degrees. Highs were in the 60s on some days. No rain, except for a few sprinkles. Most days have been calm with little wind, but when the wind does blow, look out! Gusts of 40 mph or so are common at these times.

Wildlife: I’ve seen several small lizards; saw one today with a missing tail. I also saw many jack rabbits, small birds, and even an owl while hiking in the nearby wash (I either saw 4 owls or the same owl 4 times). A bobcat came within 50 feet of my campsite, then went down into the small ravine here. I saw quite a few coyotes while hiking.

Insects: None really. There are just some thirsty bees that come to visit whenever water is out on the ground. Each time I wash my hands outdoors they fly on by!

RV Solar: Plenty of sun. With the solar panel tilted to face south I usually get a full charge by noon.

Cell Signal: Verizon mobile broadband internet works excellent and is very fast with the external antenna. I’m getting full bars, and likewise with cell phone calls.

RV Campsite Rating: 8 out of 10. There’s very little wind, the view is excellent, and the Colorado River is just down the road. There’s not much to complain about here!

Big River Video Slideshow

RV camping area on BLM land near Big River

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