Telephone Cove

It was VERY windy and the 4.5 mile drive down a dirt road from highway 163 was very washboarded. It will rattle your fillings and anything else not tied down in your rig. But once you arrive you get a nice wide mostly sandy beachfront (with some rocks and mud). Toilets and dumpsters are available. Maybe 15 folks camping on a Sunday night - evenly mixed between tents, vans, trailers, and motor homes. No one was up in anyone’s grill, unless you count the guy not happy that someone’s dog got up by his dog and wasn’t on a leash. Very quiet by 8pm except for the wind. Water level a bit low and a bit of a funky smell, but it was neither poop nor trash - just mud. You’d pay $100/night for this in Colorado, and to have it for free on a 80 degree day in November was quite nice.

We were excited to stay here from all the awesome previous reviews. Went down a 20 minute dirt/gravel road with washboards only to arrive to a super low water level with LOTS of mud. It smelled really bad and the mud was almost black and incredibly sinky. There was also a ton of people there, so no privacy. Lots and lots of trash scattered all over the beach.

To get to the beach you must go off road for about 4 miles on a dirt bumpy road so take your time but even big rvs and 5th wheels make it with no problem. Theres 2 unisex bathrooms they do smell but i seen a city worker come by and power wash the bathrooms and the toilets don't flush . The area is rocky so you must wear water shoes or sandals to walk around or go in water . You are allowed to set up tents rite front of the water so it makes it beautiful they have a big dumpster so make sure you clean up after yourself . It does get loud at night with people partying and playing loud music past mid night other then that nice place to be

The other reviews pretty much cover the high points. But, since we pull a big 5th wheel I'll add some big rig details. We tow a 40' 5W with a 4x4 dually. It's a little over 4 miles on a dirt road to get to the beach. We had no idea how often the road is graded or when it was last graded, so we dropped the 5W in the huge RV parking lot between Aquarius and Riverside Casinos to scout it out in just the truck. The parking area is conveniently located directly across the street from Riverside RV Park, where water is free, dump is $10.

We are on the road full time and our rig is our only home. So, even if it's free and beautiful we won't risk damaging our rig. As of the time of this review, the road in was not a big deal. If you have a big rig but no 4x4 you might want to check it out first, although there is a huge toy hauler here now being towed by a 2WD truck. There are a few rather steep-ish hills when you're leaving, but nothing even remotely resembling "hair pin turns." Just take it slow.

There's a seven day limit, but we didn't see any sign of anyone actually tracking it. If you have a choice, don't park near the dumpster. Flys and the smell were an issue in the first spot we picked. When a "clan" moved in next door (four generations, ten tents, kids and dogs) we were lucky enough to be able to move farther to the left side of the cove. As other reviewers mentioned, that is where there is a fairly good Verizon signal. 17.1 mbps download, 2.22 mbps upload on a weekday morning.

It does get busy on the weekend but it was not unreasonable while we were there. A neighbor was there two weekends earlier and said there was a large group making a lot of noise late into the night. Apparently there were complaints and the police rousted them the next morning. So it can be hit or miss. But on the weekdays it was a really lovely spot.

We've never been to the area before and were surprised how much the area has to offer. In Laughlin there are numerous casinos, a large entertainment venue (Brad Paisley and Toby Keith are upcoming celebrities), movie theaters. Security Postal Systems in Bull Head City offers $5 package pickup. There's also a Home Depot, Lowes, and Super Walmart. Grapevine Canyon, off Christmas Tree Pass, is a lovely hike with has tons of petroglyphs. Walking trails in Laughlin lead to nice overlooks of the dam. There is also some nice hiking right from the cove.

This site is a must stay! It’s amazing! You are camping right on the water where else can you do that for free? The water is so beautiful and clear. It was the perfect place to get your kayaks and paddle boards out at. The beach was very clean of any kind of trash, a volunteer cleaned it every day. There was also a dumpster and put toilets. The road back to the site is about 5 miles and there are some blind turns and mildly steep hills. We had no problem getting there but we had to use our 4x4 to get out but only on one hill. The only downside to this place were the crazy coyotes but you can blame the people who not only feed them but all the ducks as well. We watched the coyotes come very very close to peoples campers in the morning. We were also told that they lured a Rottweiler out and killed it. So keep a close eye on your pets. To get cell service you walk all the way down the left of the beach, which honestly that’s were the best camping was it was always calm. There is also lots of hiking and exploring from the site.

The spot is awesome. For dry camping it’s hard to beat, but this place could definitely be hit or miss depending on what you’re looking for. It’s not far at all from Laughlin/Bullhead City and seems its very well known. When the weather/water warms up a bit this place is gonna be crowded for sure. Even on MLK weekend, it’s reached its max for a comfy distance between sites. On a similar note, there’s likely to be at least one or two local groups who don’t mind sharing their playlist with all their neighbors well into the night. The drive in isn’t too bad but might require finesse for larger rigs. Some have mentioned thd wind and I can attest that it is part of the flavor of this site. I wouldn’t have expected any wind this weekend as its been calm elsewhere in the vicinity. But, sure enough, a steady stiff breeze has remained a constant companion throughout our stay. Overall, it was absolutely worth the drive from Vegas. Absolutely beautiful spot and I’d visit again...though I’d be mindful of the weather and timing if quiet tranquility is what you seek.

Great spot to be in the water and enjoy things like swimming and kayaking etc. 3 different vault toilets on site and big dumpster. Theres only so much shore line and that what everyone santa to park by but theres plenty of areas. Had a guy in a van that obviously didnt understand what to close was and basically tryed taking over my site and telling me what to do. Be careful making friends while boondocking as they try and take advantage of the situation. Would definitely go back just pick your spot wisely. Road is a little rough coming in to the cove its about 5 miles so hang in there.

This is one of those spots that you dream of finding. We love parking right next to the water and this was the closest we ever found. We've been to Rincon and to Lone Rock, and this spot was just as awesome. We were nervous about the road, but our fears were unfounded. It was easy to get in and out in our 2wd Xterra towing a 17 foot coachman Viking. There were people down there with 40 foot 5th wheels and huge class A's. I think it depends on your confidence and skill level and if you feel comfortable off road. We mostly park in precarious road situations. Lake Mead National Recreation Park just regraded everything so the road is the best it's been in years.

No ATT signal. Low Verizon. No TMobile signal.

We were there at the same time as the previous poster, and we saw them parked down by the entry way. If you drive further down there are more spots and less day trippers. We met the people in the toy hauler as well and they let us float on their huge swan and flamingo floats. What luck!

But it was spring break and it's near one of the biggest party areas in Nevada. We expected there to be some noise from non-RV day parties. It is spring break in Bullhead City area. There is going to be noise. It wasn't bad at all though and the day people seemed to come and go quickly. RV people come and go, so I think being willing to move to a better spot if you can't get a good one immediately, is probably a good thing. I hear from others there that it's pretty hit or miss, sometimes it's busy, sometimes it's not, but it's always free!

In the mornings the water is like glass and you can take out your kayak and glide. It's quiet and peaceful and soul soothing. There is bountiful amounts of hiking. There's pit toilets and a huge trash can. We parked near some really fun campers and had a ball of a time! I was sad to leave. I bet this place is hotter than hell in the summer!

We will definitely be back again. Wake up for the sunrise.