The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is an agency in the US Department of the Interior. One of their responsibilities is to manage public lands for recreational uses. These uses include mountain biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping. The Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites are one of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and consists of 73 campsites along the shore in Lake Havasu City, Arizona (AZ). The sites can't be reserved as they are available as first-come, first-served sites. You can enjoy up to two weeks at a campsite on the shoreline.
Spending time on the lake is the most popular activity here. All of the campsites offer boat access. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing are also fun activities for visitors. Grand Canyon National Park is less than 100 miles away and within a day's driving distance for those who enjoy road trips.
Lake Havasu is in the Sonoran Desert, and the climate makes preparing for rainy days unnecessary. There are a few unique attractions in the area, including the original London Bridge. It was brought over from England and reassembled in AZ. The museum of history is a great place to stop if you'd like to learn more about the local history. For visitors who enjoy wildlife, the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is a picturesque spot to photograph birds and other animals.
There are plenty of hiking opportunities in Lake Havasu city and there is a hiking trail fit for every level.
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
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
