Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites consist of 73 campsites along the shore in Lake Havasu City, AZ, making this one of the most accessible and scenic locations for people who wish to experience outdoor life in the southwestern desert. Notably, no roads reach any of the sites, but there are nearby RV parks. Visitors may not reserve a site because the locations are first-come, first-served, and you may camp on the shoreline for up to two weeks. Arizona Highway 95 provides the primary paved road between town and nearby RV parks, so RV travelers of nearly every size can stage a trip here.
Quick Facts About RVing in Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites
• RV Friendly: No on-site RV parking, but available nearby • Max RV Length: Nearby RV sites support vehicles 35-60 feet • Camping Type: Boat access only with 73 sites; developed campgrounds and dispersed camping nearby • Reservations: No, first-come, first-served • Hookups: None at the shoreline sites because they are boat only • Dump Station: Dump stations are present at nearby RV parks • Potable Water: Bring your own potable water • Pets: Allowed if attended and on a leash of 6 feet or shorter • Roads: Paved, via Arizona Highway 95 • Best Season: October through April • Fees: Daytime site fee is $10, covering up to six people. Overnight fee is an additional $10, plus $2 for each additional person. Visitors 16 and under are free. • Amenities: Every site has a picnic table, grill, and trash can
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Two state parks with hookups within a 30-minute drive • Convenient location for RVing from Southern California, Las Vegas, and Phoenix • Dark skies away from the city for a thrilling view of the stars at night • Free BLM dispersed camping in the vicinity • Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, boating, and fishing right at camp • Grand Canyon National Park less than 100 miles away
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
There are plenty of hiking opportunities in Lake Havasu city and there is a hiking trail fit for every level.
Shoreline Trail
The shoreline trail is perfect for those seeking an easy hike. It's a quick, paved two-mile hike that only takes about an hour. Along the trail, hikers can take in beautiful scenery, including the London Bridge, a beach, and a lighthouse.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
Arch Rock Loop Trail
For those hikers seeking a bit more challenging experience, check out Arch Rock Loop Trail. It's named for a natural arch that is part of the breathtaking desert scenery on this 4.5 mile hike.
Length: 4.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Dead Burro Canyon Trail
For the brave, skilled, experienced hikers ready to take on a worthy opponent, you'll want to try conquering the Dead Burro Canyon Trail. This hike not only involves sloping landscapes, it also is an impressive 7.3 miles.
Length: 7.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Fishing and Boating
Fishing licenses are required for all visitors over age ten. If you are an out-of-state visitor, you have a couple of options. You can pay $55 for an annual license or $20 for a daily license.
The conditions of Lake Havasu are beneficial for boating. This calm lake's elevation doesn't fluctuate. From houseboats to sport boats, all boaters are welcome, and the budget-friendly rental options are great for families.
Climbing
Crab Claw Rock is the most well-known spot for climbing in the Lake Havasu City area. This climb is recommended for expert climbers only who have experience on this type of terrain.
Wildlife Viewing
The Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge and the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge offer wildlife viewing. The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 318 species of birds. If you like donkeys, drive the 54 mile trip to Oatman to see tame donkeys that freely roam the town.
Picnicking
Every BLM Lake Havasu Shoreline campsite has a picnic table and barbecue grill, making it convenient for outdoor picnics. Larger group picnic areas are available at Lake Havasu State Park for a reservation fee.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Prefer not to rough it at the BLM shoreline campsites? There are other options available. If you'd like more comfort for your stay, RV camping is available nearby. Cattail Cove State Park offers RV campsites with electric and water hookups and 30 or 50 amp service. You can make reservations through the Arizona State Parks Reservations Desk or on their website. The cost is $30 per night. Lake Havasu State Park also has a campground with 50 amp hookups available for RV campers. The cost at this state park is $35 per night or $40 per night if you'd like a beachfront site.
Developed Campgrounds
Cattail Cove State Park hosts RV campsites with electric and water hookups and 30- or 50-amp service. The RV park features 139 spots. Fires are allowed most of the time, but always monitor for restrictions during dry weather. The site requires a two-night minimum stay charged at $15 per night with a $3.60 reservation fee. The RV park is located 20-25 minutes south of Lake Havasu City on Highway 95.
Dispersed Camping
BLM free camping at dispersed sites is free. Note that these sites aren't part of the fee-based Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites, but you may find dispersed camping locations, like Craggy Wash and Lone Tree, in the vicinity. No camping is allowed within one mile of city limits. No firewood collection is allowed. The Havasu BLM Dispersed site, about six miles south of the lake, includes hard-packed and flat gravel. RV camping is allowed at the site for free, but there are no amenities. Check out our guide on how to find free overnight RV parking for more tips on dispersed camping with an RV.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
There are no RV parking locations directly at the Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites because the area is boat access only. However, the availability of nearby RV parks, RV-friendly dispersed camping, and an accessible ramp for boat launches does make the area appealing for properly equipped visitors. • Camper Vans: Camper vans will have the easiest time finding spots. • Travel Trailers: The availability of paved roads makes the region appealing to folks towing travel trailers. • Fifth Wheels: Paved roads also make the region appealing to those with fifth wheels. • Class A Motorhomes: Class A rigs will find sufficient paved roads in the vicinity, but you should scout specific locations before committing. • Class B Motorhomes: Class B vehicles will have the easiest time finding spots. • Class C Motorhomes: If you use a Class C RV, check restrictions before selecting a site in the vicinity.
Free Camping 
In addition to the RV options, Cattail Cove State Park also has primitive sites with pit toilets. Campfires aren't permitted.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is permitted in Arizona BLM areas as long as it's for no longer than 14 days. You can't leave personal property unattended for longer than 10 days. All trash and sewage must be packed out. These regulations are intended to protect the land.
RV Rentals Near Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites Plan your next adventure
Planning your Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites BLM trip
Here are a few quick tips to help with planning your trip to Lake Havasu:
Make sure you are prepared for the sun. Monitoring the forecast before and during your trip can help you make plans for each day. Remember to pack or pick up a hat to protect your face and scalp, sunglasses for your eyes, and plenty of sunscreen for your skin. Stay hydrated!
Be prepared for medical emergencies. Travel with a first aid kit and know the location of the nearest emergency room.
If you plan to fish or boat on the lake, research the local laws. You'll need a fishing license and safety equipment.
Interested in researching other BLM sites? Just visit the BLM website and you can do a quick search for "BLM camping near me."
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Take desert camping seriously. Monitor the forecast before and during your trip, and change plans to stay cool during heat waves. Remember to pack or pick up a hat to protect your face and scalp, sunglasses for your eyes, and plenty of sunscreen. Stay hydrated! Travel with a first aid kit, and know the location of the nearest emergency room. If you plan to fish or boat on the lake, research the local laws. Fishers need a fishing license and safety equipment. Get a map of the shoreline, too.
Leave No Trace 
Be prepared to minimize impact and dispose of waste properly. A huge benefit of camping on BLM land is the minimal cost. But taking advantage of the free sites means you'll need to be prepared to leave the land just as you found it. You can't remove pieces of land or leave trash behind.
Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites Location
The Lake Havasu Field Office is located on Kiowa Avenue in Lake Havasu City. From the north in Las Vegas, take US-95 South to I-40 East. Take exit 9 and continue on AZ-95 South until you reach Kiowa Ave. From Phoenix use I-10 West and take exit 45. AZ-72 West and AZ-95 North will take you into Lake Havasu City.
Ready to visit Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites? 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.
Plan Your Day at Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites
• Morning: Make coffee at your RV, load the cooler, and launch your boat from the state park ramp. • Afternoon: Pay the day-use fee, and then cruise the shoreline to find your site. Make camp and enjoy swimming, fishing, and grilling. Check out local sights like Friendly Island and Balance Rock Cove. • Evening: Prepare for overnight camping or pack your stuff and return to the boat launch.
Nearby Attractions
The Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites are remarkably well-situated for exploring the surrounding areas. From wildlife to camping, you will find many options. • Bill Williams River National Wildlife Reserve: 25 minutes south of town • Lake Havasu State Park: At the opposite end of the boat launch or minutes from Lake Havasu City by road • Cattail Cove State Park: 25 minutes south • London Bridge: Popular destination right in Lake Havasu City, just minutes from the Shoreline Sites; many visitors love exploring the English Village area, too • Donkeys in Oatman: The region's famous burros, an hour and 15 minutes northwest; burro feeding is allowed • Parker Dam: Finished concrete dam in 1938, leading to the rise in the reservoir is what we today recognize as Lake Havasu
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at the Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites in an RV? No, the Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites are only boat accessible. There are several RV parks and BLM dispersed camping locations nearby, however. How much do the sites cost? The fee is $10 for day use and $10 overnight for up to six people, with $2 per additional person. The overnight fee covers camping until 9 a.m. Annual passes are available for $100. Do you need reservations? No, the site is first-come, first-served with a 14-day limit. Demand for spots on weekends and holidays is competitive, especially in spring and fall. Is there drinking water? No. Given the region's high temperatures, especially in summer, you should bring a large tank of potable water for any group. Where can RVers boondock nearby? Free BLM areas are available off AZ-95, with Craggy Wash 15 minutes north being the most notable one. A 14-day limit applies. When is the best time to visit in an RV? For physical comfort, consider visiting between October and April. Summer brings high temperatures, and the region's monsoon season can set in suddenly with choppy waters. Likewise, summer is the most competitive season on Lake Havasu when locals hit the water to beat the heat and have fun.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
The Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites are ideal for Class C and Class B vehicles, but you will need a fifth wheel with boat-towing capacity to make use of the launch. Renting allows you to select the perfect RV for your preferred location and itinerary. Browse RV rentals in Lake Havasu City right now to get started on your adventure!