Thousand Trails Colorado River Review

The Full Review

We spent 24 nights at Colorado River TT across two stays, which is either a testament to the setting or evidence that we had nowhere better to be. Honestly, it was both. The park sits on the bank of the Colorado River in Earp, California, a town so small it does not have a gas station. The nearest anything is Parker, Arizona, about 10 miles south.

What kept us coming back was the river. Watching the sun set behind the chocolate mountains while the Colorado turns gold is a daily event that never got old. It is the kind of natural beauty that makes you forget the hookup pedestal is held together with duct tape.

Site & Setup 12/20

Sites are a mix of dirt, gravel, and some concrete pads. Most are level enough but the older sections require leveling blocks. The desert landscape means zero shade at many sites, though some along the river have tamarisk trees that provide partial cover. Hookups vary wildly. Some pedestals are newer and well-maintained. Others are showing their age with corroded connections and wobbly outlets. Our 50-amp worked, but we kept our surge protector on full alert. Water pressure was acceptable.

The riverfront sites are the prize. They are first to book and for good reason. Waking up with the Colorado River 30 feet from your door is a rare campground experience.

Connectivity 8/20

This is the desert border between California and Arizona. Cell towers are sparse. T-Mobile managed two bars occasionally, dropping to nothing in the evenings. Starlink worked when it worked, but the desert heat and occasional dust affected consistency. Park Wi-Fi is free at the clubhouse, which means walking a quarter mile to check email. Working remotely for 24 nights was a genuine challenge. We managed by doing critical calls during early morning when cell signal was strongest and saving heavy downloads for trips to Parker.

Offspring & Family 8/15

The pool is the main family amenity, and it is decent, heated and maintained. No splash pad or waterslide. The playground is basic and dated. The river itself is the kids’ playground. They spent hours throwing rocks, watching boats pass, and looking for wildlife along the bank. Kayak and canoe access is available. The desert landscape provides endless exploration opportunities for adventurous kids, but there is nothing structured or organized.

Unity & Community 7/10

The winter population is mostly snowbirds, retired couples from the Pacific Northwest and Northern California who come down for the mild desert winter. They were universally friendly and interested in our family. Several invited us to campfire dinners. The park has potluck nights and bingo, but the social scene is casual and organic rather than organized. Weekend noise from boat traffic on the river is the main disturbance.

Territory & Location 14/15

The location is remote by design. Parker, Arizona has groceries, gas, and basic shopping 10 miles south. Lake Havasu City is about 45 minutes north and has more amenities. The scenery is the attraction. The Colorado River cutting through desert mountains creates a landscape that shifts colors throughout the day. At dawn it is pink. At noon it is blinding white. At sunset it is gold and purple. The Buckskin Mountain State Park across the river offers hiking. Joshua Tree National Park is about two hours west for a day trip.

Essentials & Facilities 8/10

The bathhouse and laundry are adequate. Clean enough, functional, and maintained. Not luxury, but not neglected. The clubhouse has a gathering space, kitchen, and the only reliable Wi-Fi. There is a small camp store with basics. The dump station works. For a remote desert park, the facilities exceed expectations.

Dollars & Value 10/10

With a TT membership, standard sites are free. That is 24 nights of riverfront desert camping for zero nightly cost. Even factoring in the drive to Parker for supplies, the value is extraordinary. Premium sites with better hookups carry a modest surcharge. For snowbirds on a TT membership, this is one of the most affordable winter escapes in the network.

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