Oatman Burros
Oatman, AZ
Wild burros, descended from mining-era pack animals, wander the boardwalks of this old gold town looking for handouts.
Oatman, on old Route 66, grew up in the early 20th century as a gold-mining town; after a major strike in 1915, its population rose to more than 3,500 within a year. The town is named after Olive Oatman, who was abducted as a girl in the 1850s and later ransomed. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard are said to have spent their wedding night in 1939 at the Oatman Hotel, built in 1902. The free-roaming burros descend from miners' pack animals that were turned loose when mining ended; today they live in the surrounding hills.
During the day some wander into town. Feed them only the hay cubes sold in local shops – never human food or carrots – and not in the roadway; keep your distance from foals. Arrive before 11 a.m. to find parking. The eastern approach over Sitgreaves Pass is narrow, steep and winding; with a large RV or trailer, come from the west via Topock/Golden Shores.
- Nearest town
- Oatman, AZ
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 35.0264, -114.3833
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and December. Hot in June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Silver View RV ResortMotorhome stopover12 mi from Oatman BurrosMotorhomes
- Settlin' Inn RV ParkMotorhome stopover14 mi from Oatman Burros · 220 pitchesMotorhomes
- Tradewinds RV ParkMotorhome stopover15 mi from Oatman BurrosMotorhomes
- Adobe RV ParkMotorhome stopover17 mi from Oatman BurrosMotorhomes
- Fender's River Road ResortMotorhome stopover18 mi from Oatman BurrosMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Needles KOAMotorhome stopover18 mi from Oatman BurrosCaravansMotorhomesWaste disposal
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Oatman Burros?
Oatman Burros is in Oatman, AZ, at GPS 35.0264, -114.3833. It is about 18 mi from Needles.
Can you camp near Oatman Burros?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Snowbird, about 12 mi away; within 25 mi there are 28 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Oatman Burros?
Oatman Burros is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Route 66, part two: Oklahoma City to the Pacific and Neon, diners and endless horizons – Route 66 by camper from Chicago to Santa Monica.
What is there to see near Oatman Burros?
Places worth a stop nearby: London Bridge, Lake Havasu (38 mi), Hackberry General Store (44 mi), Hole-in-the-Wall (57 mi) and Hoover Dam (71 mi).
When is the best time to visit Oatman Burros?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)