Lake Havasu and the nearby stretches of the Colorado River -- Arizona's "West Coast" -- are known for having a multitude of hidden coves and beaches.
Some beaches are only accessible by boat and many have amenities such as barbecue grills, portable restrooms and shaded picnic tables.
One of the most fun things to do in Lake Havasu City is boating – and camping! Take in the sights of Lake Havasu while picnicking or camping at one of many beautiful shoreline boat-in campsites. What’s the advantage of camping on a beach that’s only accessible by boat? Privacy, convenience, and adventure!
Boat-in camping is a great way to spend an adventurous weekend. Imagine camping on your own private beach for a night or two. Boat-in camping is inexpensive and provides the opportunity for a unique and unforgettable experience in the beauty of nature. No reservations are needed and there is usually at least one site available, encouraging those spur-of-the-moment getaways whether you are in the mood to kick back and relax, hang out with some old friends, or enjoy a romantic evening under the stars.
Just because you're camping, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the finer things. In the blink of an eye, you can jump on your boat and head over to one of several restaurants that provide free courtesy docks. Sit down for some fine cuisine, and then head back over to your private beach campsite for the night.
Many of the sites have hiking trails that access breathtaking views during the day, and the beachfront areas are perfect spots to gaze up at the cloudless, star-filled night sky. Leashed pets are welcome, so all members of the family can get in on the fun!
Bring your houseboat, pontoon boat, speed boat, or fishing boat and camp your way. Set up a tent or sleep in the comfort of your own houseboat or cabin cruiser. While maintaining the spirit of “roughin’ it" style camping, convenient amenities are also offered on the majority of the campsites. Restroom facilities, picnic tables, shade cabanas, and built-in charcoal barbecues are installed at most locations.
The Bureau of Land Management manages 87 shoreline campsites along the Arizona side from Lake Havasu City south to the Parker Dam. Site fees are $10 for day use and an additional $10 for overnight use, up to 6 people, with $2 per additional person. Overnight fee paid is good until 9am the following day. Most sites have a picnic table, shade cover, barbeque grill, pit toilet, and trash can. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the BLM office for specific site information.
Bureau of Land Management
1785 Kiowa Ave.
928-505-1200
Arizona State Parks has 32 primitive boat-in campsites along Lake Havasu. Fees are $10 day use fee Mon-Thurs, $15 Fri-Sun and holidays. All day-use must end at dusk. Boat-in overnight camping fees are $20 per vessel, 7 days a week. All sites have a picnic table, pit toilet, barbecue grill, and trash can; some have ramadas. State Parks requests that you pack out all trash. No firepits or campfires year-round; however, propane stoves are acceptable. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Each campsite is equipped with an "iron ranger" in which you fill out a simple form and leave cash or a check for your stay. A single stay may last up to 14 days at which point, campers must end their stay or move to another site at least 25 miles away. Each site is equipped with trash cans and recycling bins which are maintained by the BLM. Contact Arizona State Parks for specific site information.
Arizona State Parks
Cattail Cove State Park
Lake Shore Bl. & AZ Highway 95
928-855-1223
Use Google Earth? Download this .kml file to import all BLM campsites into Google Earth.
| Campground | # of Sites | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| AZ State Parks Boat-In Camping Sites | ||
| Benson Bay | 1 | 34.355567, -114.176067 |
| Burro Bay | 3 | 34.359250, -114.183600 34.360267, -114.182850 34.358633, -114.180483 |
| Dino Bay | 3 | 34.360733, -114.188733 |
| Hard Landing | 1 | 34.358883, -114.183967 |
| Rattlesnake Cove | 5 | 34.357767, -114.180083 34.358117, -114.179450 34.357967, -114.178233 34.357800, -114.177917 34.356450, -114.175967 |
| Red Rock Cove | 2 | 34.366183, -114.200283 34.366033, -114.200367 |
| Three Dunes | 16 | 34.363983, -114.197150 34.363400, -114.197133 34.362883, -114.197850 34.362233, -114.197967 (2 sites) 34.361383, -114.196817 (2 sites) 34.362517, -114.196333 34.362850, -114.196033 34.362333, -114.195317 34.362117, -114.195383 34.362000, -114.195200 34.361917, -114.194667 34.362033, -114.194000 34.361800, -114.193983 34.361450, -114.193800 |
Whether you're looking to park your boat for the night or find a restaurant you can park at right from the water, find more information about boating experiences and resources here.
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