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River View Day Use 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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River View Day Use Area

The River View Day Use Area is part of the larger Parker Strip Recreation Area, which spans many acres along the Colorado River. Both the day-use area and the recreation area are located near Lake Havasu City and are centrally located near the borders of Arizona, Nevada, and California. The River View Day Use Area is open all year and provides gorgeous views and access to the river for fishing, rafting, swimming, or paddling.

BLM sites, which are public lands, are some of the best options for exploring an area, viewing wildlife, and taking in the local scenery. They also provide a range of recreational activities. Since it’s a day-use area, camping is not allowed at the River View location. However, you can find BLM sites that offer various camping amenities by searching for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Buckskin Trail East

Located in nearby Buckskin Mountain State Park, not far from the day-use area, this trail provides stunning views.

Length: 6.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Lake Havasu Watershed Loop

This trail is ideal for hikers or mountain bikers looking to spot wildlife or take in the area’s diverse plant life.

Length: 9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Cupcake Mountain Trail

This beautiful trail can be rugged and slippery in some areas, so it’s often best for experienced hikers.

Length: 4.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Desert Bar Trail

Hikers can choose to hike part or all of this lengthy trail, which offers gorgeous views and a bit of a challenge.

Length: 9.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Bill Williams Peninsula Trail

Located in the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, this lovely trail is the perfect way to view wildlife or take in the gorgeous landscape.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Many anglers visit the day-use areas in the Parker Strip Recreation Area, including the River View Day Use Area, specifically to fish along the Colorado River. The river is a great location for catching bass, catfish, and bluegill. Nearby Lake Havasu is also ideal for fishing, particularly along some of the smaller coves, and the area is popular with boaters.

Climbing

Most of the rock formations and cliffs around the River View Day Use Area make for poor climbing opportunities. However, visitors can often find bouldering opportunities within the Parker Strip Recreation Area. Crab Claw Rock is also a good option, and it offers several top-rope and traditional climbs.

Wildlife Viewing

The River View Day Use Area offers plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, but visitors can also explore the rest of the Parker Strip Recreation Area to spot or photograph wildlife. Common species in the area include bighorn sheep, antelope, mule deer, squirrels, quails, roadrunners, eagles, hawks, bobcats, coyotes, snakes, and lizards. The Bullfrog Day Use Area also sees frequent visits from wild burros.

Picnicking

The River View Day Use Area is ideal for picnics. The area offers stunning views, and several picnic tables are available. Other day use areas within the Parker Strip Recreation Area, such as the Quail Hollow Day Use Area, also offer shaded picnic tables, restrooms, and grills.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are several options for BLM RV camping near the River View Day Use Area. The Campbell Cove RV Resort is located on Lake Havasu and offers beautiful views. The campsites offer full hookups, and a laundry area is available. The Desert Pueblo RV Park offers full hookups, restrooms, showers, and a laundry room. RV storage is also available at the park.

Free Camping

You can enjoy scenic, peaceful Bureau of Land Management free camping at the Empire Landing Campground in the Parker Strip Recreation Area. The campground, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis, offers showers and restrooms, and there is an on-site dump station. Quartzite also offers several free camping areas, including the Road Runner 14-Day Camping Area and the Plomosa Road BLM Camping Area.

RV Rentals Near River View Day Use Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your River View Day Use Area BLM trip

Always check the weather before you head out to the River View Day Use Area. During the summer, temperatures in the area can be extreme, and heatstroke, sunburn, dehydration, and exposure can occur quickly and sometimes without warning. The area also sees sudden summer thunderstorms that can cause flash floods in nearby washes. Some areas around the Parker Strip Recreation Area are remote, and roads can become difficult to traverse during or after rain, so prepare for emergencies, carry plenty of water, and try to avoid an outing if the forecast calls for rain.

Some roads near the River View Day Use Area are not suitable for RVs and must instead be traversed using high-clearance or off-roading vehicles. Research your trip to make sure the roads you want to explore are suitable for your vehicle. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Always pick up your trash and throw it away when visiting a BLM site such as the River View Day Use Area. Share the area with other visitors and be courteous about noise. If you plan to start a fire or use a grill in Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, make sure there are no current fire bans, and keep your fire completely controlled. Make sure the fire is out and cold before you move on. Treat wild animals and the landscape with respect. Observe animals from a distance and stay on trails as much as possible to minimize your footprint on the land and plants.

River View Day Use Area Location

From Lake Havasu City, take the I-95 south over the Bill Williams River Bridge and past Buckskin Mountain State Park. Turn right on Riverside Road. At the stop sign, make a left on Riverside Drive. Continue for about 3 miles before turning right at the BLM sign for the day-use area. You can also reach the area from Parker by taking the I-95 north. Turn left on Golf Course Drive. At the stop sign, make a left onto Riverside Drive. Continue for about a mile before turning right at the BLM sign.

Ready to visit River View Day Use Area? 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.