The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located on the shores of Lake Havasu in western Arizona, Take Off Point is a campground and recreational area under the administration of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The beautiful site is most known for providing lovely waterfront camping opportunities, but it's also a very popular destination for fishing and boating. Additionally, areas like Cattail Cove State Park and the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge are popular spots for visitors.
The BLM is responsible for protecting hundreds of diverse sites throughout the United States. The most common activity at these sites is camping, but they also provide opportunities for many other types of outdoor recreation. Many of the sites contain unique landmarks and natural features. There may be several BLM areas in your region, and you can locate them by searching online for "BLM camping near me."
This out-and-back trail is located in the nearby Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. The short route is accessible for wheelchairs and hikers of all ability levels. Along the trail, you'll find opportunities for fishing as well as beautiful views of Lake Havasu.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Located in Buckskin Mountain State Park, this popular out-and-back trail features a footbridge, scenic desert hills, and great views of the Colorado River. The best times to visit the trail are between October and April. Because it's located in a state park, there is a nominal fee required to reach the hiking trail.
Length: 6.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This gorgeous loop trail is found in Cattail Cove State Park, which lies on the shores of Lake Havasu. A section of the trail navigates the lake's picturesque shoreline, while the rest takes you through the area's breathtaking desert landscape. The route offers good bird-watching opportunities, and the ideal times to visit are between September and April.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Take Off Point is located right on Lake Havasu, which is a very popular destination for fishing and boating. The BLM site offers boating access to the lake as well as universally accessible fishing docks. You can reel in a variety of fish species in the lake, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie. There are also multiple boat launches and docks around the massive reservoir, and visitors come from all over to partake in boating and a variety of watersports.
The desert area that surrounds the Take Off Point BLM site offers several good opportunities for rock climbing. One of the most popular climbing destinations is Crab Claw Rock, which is located near Lake Havasu City. There, you'll find seven different climbing routes as well as a chimney and chains at the top of the rock. If you do some exploring around the rocky deserts of the Lake Havasu area, you should come across other spots where bouldering is possible.
The best place in the area for observing wildlife is the nearby Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. Located only a short distance from Take Off Point, the refuge is home to a diverse variety of species. Some of the cool creatures inhabiting the area are desert iguanas, spiny lizards, diamondback rattlesnakes, chuckwallas, great blue herons, desert bighorn sheep, red-tailed hawks, javelinas, and many other birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Although there may not be designated picnicking areas right at Take Off Point, there are many excellent places for a picnic around Lake Havasu. If you explore the shoreline, you should have no problem finding a peaceful spot with a lovely view to lay out a blanket and have your lunch. You may also find picnic tables if you take the time to explore the area a bit.
The campsites found at Take Off Point are boat-in campsites that are only accessible by boat. So, BLM RV camping is not technically an option at the park, and there aren't any other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds located near the site. That said, there are several RV parks with hookups and modern amenities located within a short drive. One of the nicest nearby options is River Lodge Resort, which features full-hookup RV campsites and a variety of other conveniences.
Although all of the boat-in campsites at Take Off Point require a fee, you may be able to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping in the surrounding area. Much of the area on the shores of the lake is occupied by campgrounds, marinas, and resorts. So, you may need to do some searching or head to one of the nearby state parks to find a suitable spot to set up your own primitive campsite.
If you're planning to camp at Take Off Point, remember that the campsites require a boat to access. The campground offers restrooms, but you won't find potable water or modern amenities. So, you'll want to bring your own drinking water and plenty of food that's simple to prepare. If you intend to do some fishing during your visit, you'll need to have a valid Arizona license to do so.
While you're exploring the desert land and trails near the BLM site, be sure to watch where you step. In addition to dangerous rattlesnakes, there are many other snakes and small lizards known to inhabit the area, and you wouldn't want to accidentally step on one! Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While visiting Take Off Point, it's important that you do your part to help keep the site clean and in good condition. Please make an effort to leave no trace of your visit. If you encounter any wildlife while camping or exploring the area, only observe them from a safe distance.
To reach the Take Off Point BLM site from Lake Havasu City, head south on Alt Hwy 95 for approximately 16 miles. Take the exit for Parker Dam, and follow Parker Dam Road until you reach a right turn onto Takeoff Point Road. This small road will take you directly to the BLM site.
Ready to visit Take Off Point? 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.
