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Parker Strip Recreation Area

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

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Parker Strip Recreation Area

Located along the border of Arizona and California and not far from Lake Havasu City, the Parker Strip Recreation Area follows the Colorado River in the Mojave Desert. The area is a long oasis known as the Thread of Life that provides a range of habitats for native plants and animals, and it also offers stunning landscapes and photography opportunities. Visitors can drive along one of the area’s byways, spot wildlife, hike, fish, swim, boat, camp, or even hunt for beautiful rocks.

There are several options for camping in or near the Parker Strip Recreation Area. To explore other BLM site options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Grapevine Canyon Trail

Visitors can view gorgeous rock formations as they traverse along this trail in the Spirit Mountain Wilderness.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Cupcake Mountain Trail

This trail offers some steep uphill areas and can be a bit rocky in places, but it also provides beautiful views and is a great way to spot wildlife.

Length: 4.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Pilot Rock Trail

One of the most popular trails in the Parker Strip Recreation Area, this trail ends at a tall outcropping with a pilot light atop it, which has guided boats along the river for decades.

Length: 7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Island Trail

This scenic trail is a good option for a leisurely walk, trail running, or mountain biking.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Lake Havasu Watershed Loop

This lengthy trail is great for landscape or wildlife photography, and it’s also perfect for either hiking or mountain biking.

Length: 9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Many people visit the Parker Strip Recreation Area just for its abundant fishing opportunities. Anglers can fish from the shores or head out on a boat to catch bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. There are also opportunities for swimming at the area’s Bullfrog and Cable Car Day Use Areas.

Climbing

Nearby Crab Claw Rock is the most popular location for climbing in the area. The rock is actually a tall tower formation that provides several top-rope and traditional routes. There are also several excellent spots for bouldering within the Parker Strip Recreation Area.

Wildlife Viewing

The Parker Strip Recreation Area is itself the best location for spotting wildlife. Because of the nearby Colorado River, many native and migratory bird species visit the area. Wildlife enthusiasts can also often spot a range of snake and lizard species, tortoises, coyotes, cottontail and jackrabbits, mule deer, bighorn sheep, burros, and bobcats. The nearby Spirit Mountain Wilderness also offers excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

Picnicking

The Bullfrog Day Use Area in the Parker Strip Recreation Area offers picnic tables and restrooms. The area also provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and easy access to nearby fishing, boating, and swimming locations. The nearby SARA Park also offers easy access to a range of popular hiking trails, and there are picnic tables at the summit of the Blue and Lizard Peak Loop trails.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping and more commercial RV options are plentiful around the Parker Strip Recreation Area. The Havasu RV Resort can accommodate even very large RVs, and the resort offers a laundry area and showers. The Campbell Cove RV Resort offers lakeside sites with full hookups. There are also a boat launch, a pool and hot tub, and an on-site laundry area.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Craggy Wash BLM Campground. Visitors can set up a primitive site and enjoy the beautiful views the area offers. There are also two campgrounds in the recreation area. These campgrounds, called the Crossroads and Empire Landing Campgrounds, offer a total of 90 sites, and they each have showers, restrooms, and a dump station. Visitors can stay at either of these campgrounds for a total of 14 days.

RV Rentals Near Parker Strip Recreation Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Parker Strip Recreation Area BLM trip

Many of the byways running through the Parker Strip Recreation Area abut private lands or the Colorado River Indian Reservation. Obey all posted signs and regulations and respect private property. There are interpretive signs along the main byway and pullout areas where visitors can learn more about the history of the area, stretch their legs, or explore the surrounding landscape.

The climate around the Parker Strip Recreation Area can be very warm during the summer, late spring, and early fall. If you plan to visit when the weather is hot, remember to shield yourself from the sun. Carry plenty of water and drink water frequently. Sunburns, heat stroke, and dehydration can happen quickly, especially in children. Conversely, nights can be cold, so prepare for chilly evenings if you plan to camp in the area.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, byways, and wild areas require care and respect, and Leave No Trace policies can help guide your actions while you enjoy these areas. Be extremely cautious about fires. Only build fires in designated areas. Always ensure that they remain controlled, and only ever consider building a fire when the fire danger rating is low. Be polite to other visitors and share communal areas such as trails, campgrounds, and picnic spots. Keep noise to a minimum. Stay on trails or roads and only camp on stable ground. This helps to reduce your impact on the landscape. Maintain a safe distance from wild animals.