BLM Camping

Lake Havasu


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Lake Havasu, located on the Colorado River in the Mojave Desert in Arizona, is a beautiful spot with plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and even golfing. There are also numerous camping and picnicking spots available around the area. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal government agency that oversees Lake Havasu and maintains its natural beauty.

The lake is approximately 45 miles long, offering over 400 miles of shoreline. Bordered by the cities of Lake Havasu City, AZ to the north and Needles, CA to the south, Lake Havasu is about two hours from Las Vegas, NV and four hours from Phoenix, AZ.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Mohave Trail

The Mohave Trail is a great option for hiking and biking while taking in some beautiful desert scenery.

Length: 4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Cattail Cove Trail

Though it's a bit short at just over two miles, this trail provides plenty to enjoy in its scenery and many cattails.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rotary Club Trail

The Rotary Club Trail is a good option if you're looking for a challenge as you'll encounter some pretty steep sections. 

Length: 6 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Lake Havasu offers a variety of fishing and boating activities, including boat rentals, fishing charters, and wakeboarding. Visitors can choose from several beaches for swimming and sunbathing, and you'll find an array of boats to suit anything from fishing boats to party boats.

ClimbingClimbing

Lake Havasu has some great climbing routes that offer stunning views of the area, including The Black Corridor, Dragon's Breath, and The Crack. The Black Corridor is a sport climbing route that's perfect for beginners. Dragon's Breath is a traditional climb that takes you through stunning views of the lake, while the Crack is a bouldering route that can challenge even the most experienced climbers.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

The lake is home to a diverse array of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Visitors can see species that include bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons, as well as a wide variety of plant life such as cacti, Joshua trees, and Palo Verde trees.

Picnicking

Picnicking is permitted at popular sites such as Rotary Park, which features a beautiful lakeside park with a playground, gazebo, and picnic tables. Cattail Cove State Park has several areas set up specifically for dining al fresco. Havasu Springs Resort offers a variety of amenities, including picnic tables and BBQ grills, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the incredible views. Lake Havasu City Park provides a great option for those looking for a more rustic picnicking experience. The park has several hiking trails, as well as a few picnic tables scattered throughout.

StargazingStargazing

The clear, dark skies offer unbeatable views of the stars, and the lake itself is incredibly calming and serene. Lake Havasu is also situated in a relatively remote area, which means there are very few light pollution sources to interfere with the view.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

RV camping options around Lake Havasu include the Nautical Beachfront Resort, which is located right on the water and provides stunning views of Lake Havasu. The resort features a heated pool, hot tub, and private beach. The Lake Havasu State Park, located close to many great fishing spots, offers RV camping with full hookups, as well as a boat launch. The Desert Bar RV campground is located in the heart of the desert, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The campground features a pool, hot tub, and private beach. Lake Havasu City RV Park is located in the city of Lake Havasu and features full hookups while being close to many great restaurants and shops.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Dispersed camping is allowed on Lake Havasu BLM land. Lake Havasu City offers many Bureau of Land Management free camping options for RVs, some of which include Lake Havasu State Park, Cattail Cove State Park, and Lake Havasu Vista Resort. There are also numerous dry campgrounds and boondocking sites scattered throughout the area.

RV Rentals Near Lake Havasu Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Lake Havasu BLM trip

Be sure to research the area and find out what amenities are available as there are a limited number of Bureau of Land Management campgrounds for RVs. Perform a search for "BLM camping near me" to learn about the campgrounds located around the lake so that you can be sure to find one that has everything you need. Second, make sure to obtain all the necessary permits and passes before arriving at the campground. Be sure to carry sunscreen, a first aid kit, and bug spray as well. It's also a good idea to pack emergency supplies in case of an unforeseen event. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Visitors to Lake Havasu are required to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace initiative when camping at Lake Havasu. The requirements include packing out all trash, disposing of gray water properly, and limiting campfires to designated areas. By following these guidelines, the lake is kept clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Leave No Trace
Location

Lake Havasu Location

If you're coming from Phoenix, take I-10 E to US-95 S in Ehrenberg. Take exit 176 and drive to McCulloch Blvd in Lake Havasu City. If you're coming from Tucson, take I-10 W and US-60 W to AZ-95 N/State Route 95 North in Quartzsite. Take exit 22 and continue on AZ-95 N/State Route 95 North to your destination in Lake Havasu City. If you're coming from Las Vegas, take I-15 S and US-93 S to Pierce Ferry Rd in Dolan Springs. Take exit 1 and drive to McCulloch Blvd in Lake Havasu City.

Ready to visit Lake Havasu? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.