Often referred to as “Arizona’s West Coast,” Lake Havasu defies common Southwest stereotypes. Land-locked Arizona is world-renowned for its spectacular natural desert landscapes, including the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. But beaches and cool water? Not so much in the desert—until you get to Lake Havasu!
At Lake Havasu State Park, you’ll find white sandy beaches and clear, refreshing water. Oh, and the famous London Bridge, of course; it’s not just a replica, it is that London Bridge! It’s widely known as a haven for watersports, boating, and fishing enthusiasts, and thanks to the region’s 300+ days of sunshine each year, it can be enjoyed in any season.
Lake Havasu is located exactly halfway between Palm Springs, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, and just 150 miles from Las Vegas. That makes it easily accessible from just about anywhere, especially if you’re renting an RV and staying in one of the Lake Havasu State Park RV parks.
Lake Havasu State Park Facts
Want to learn about the wonders of Lake Havasu before you arrive? As these Lake Havasu State Park facts prove, the Arizona desert is full of surprises — check them out before your trip!
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Lake Havasu State Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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The storied London Bridge arrived in Lake Havasu in the 1960s, where it was reassembled piece by piece.
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There are over 20 working lighthouses dotting the shores of Lake Havasu, replicas of famous ones around the US.
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The park is known as an excellent bass fishing destination.
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Desert tortoises, foxes, bats, mountain lions, owls, and bobcats all call Lake Havasu State Park home.
Best Lake Havasu State Park Camping Options for RVs
Lake Havasu State Park RV camping offers something for everyone, with a wide range of campgrounds. Whether you want to be in the heart of the action on the island or tucked away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll find the perfect campsite for your Lake Havasu RV rental.
Campbell Cove RV Resort
Amenities: In terms of RV parks near Lake Havasu State Park, you can’t get much closer than Campbell Cove! The RV resort is just steps from the lake and half a block from the boat launches at Windsor Beach.
Enjoy the resort’s pool, spa, fast and free Wi-Fi, and clubhouse with fitness center and games. Campbell Cove RV Resort is pet-friendly and all sites have full hookups, as well as cable. The Campbell Cove 1-Stop next door offers a deli, grocery, and convenience store, and gas and boat fuel.
Capacity: 122 sites
Price: Starting at $55 per night
More information: Campbell Cove RV Resort
Havasu Falls RV Resort
Amenities: Want to fully relax while you’re RV camping near Lake Havasu State Park? Check out Havasu Falls RV Resort! The pet-friendly park overlooks the lake and features large lots with full hookups, as well as plenty of amenities.
Havasu Falls RV Resort is community-focused. Guests enjoy a year-round heated pool, a large shared patio area with BBQ grills, bocce ball courts, and pet walk areas. There’s also a rec room with morning coffee, billiards, a library, and exercise classes.
Capacity: 130 sites, a mix of pull-through, back-in-only, and premium sites
Price: Starting at $70 per night
More information: Havasu Falls RV Resort
Crazy Horse Campgrounds
Amenities: Crazy Horse Campgrounds is Lake Havasu’s largest and oldest RV park, and it has something to offer everyone. This is RV camping in Lake Havasu State Park at its finest, with several lakefront sites and the largest stretch of beach in the entire area.
Bring your water toys or enjoy onsite jet ski, pontoon boat, and fishing boat rentals. When you’re ready to unwind, Crazy Horse has a pool, spa, shuffleboard, horseshoes, shaded picnic areas, and a large recreation room.
Capacity: 617 sites; all sites have water and electricity, and about half also have sewer
Price: Unlisted
More information: Crazy Horse Campgrounds
Havasu RV Resort
Amenities: Havasu RV Resort distinguishes itself as one of the most luxurious Lake Havasu State Park RV parks. It’s a gated owners’ community, meaning that each RV site is privately owned and rented. This comes along with several five-star amenities, including immaculately maintained facilities and planned activities.
Visitors to Havasu RV Resort enjoy an idyllic location just a few miles from the lake. The park has full-hookup sites, two heated pools and spas, a nine-hole putting course, bocce ball courts and horseshoes, a modern fitness center, and special events.
Capacity: 398 sites
Price: Starting at $250 per week
More information: Havasu RV Resort
Sam's Beachcomber RV Resort
Amenities: Located on the Island, Sam’s Beachcomber RV Resort is home to the best RV camping Lake Havasu State Park has to offer! You’ll feel like you’re on your own island in a remote corner of the world with private swimming beaches, lake access, and boat launches and docks.
In the resort itself, guests enjoy well-maintained sites with full hookups. Sam’s Beachcomber RV Resort is also pet-friendly, and there is a pool and spa, fitness center, billiards room, and horseshoes. Guests can rent jet skis and ATVs onsite.
Capacity: 288 sites
Price: Starting at $99.45 per night
More information: Sam’s Beachcomber RV Resort
Best Time To Go Lake Havasu Camping
As with most of Arizona, Lake Havasu is sunny and warm year-round. That means there’s never a bad time to go! However, each season offers something distinct in terms of weather and nature. Use this information to determine the best time to visit Lake Havasu State Park.
Winter
Winter in Lake Havasu brings high temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s. Lows are typically in the 40s, and it is extremely rare to see freezing temperatures.
This is low season for Lake Havasu, meaning it’s an ideal time to explore the area without throngs of crowds. While it’s too cold to swim in the lake during winter, there are many other ways to enjoy the water. Try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), or take a cruise around the lake. Sunset Charter & Tour Co. and Blue Water Jet Boat Tours both have several options.
Spring
There’s nothing quite like the desert during springtime when temperatures are near-perfect and wildflowers are in full bloom. Expect daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and cool nights. Spring is ideal for hiking, off-roading, fishing, boating, and lounging on the beach.
One thing to note is that Lake Havasu State Park is busiest during college spring break. Families traveling with young children or people looking for a quiet getaway should plan around these dates.
Summer
Summertime is when Lake Havasu State Park really comes to life with activity. People of all ages seeking perpetual fun in the sun flock to the lake for its beaches, boating, and watersports. The days are long and desert sunsets are legendary, so this is a wonderful time to visit Havasu.
There is one slight caveat about visiting this lake paradise in the summer: it’s hot. Summer temperatures often exceed 110 degrees, and it rarely dips below 80, even overnight. The lake does help, and there’s often a nice breeze offering relief. Plus, you can always hop in the water to cool down!
Fall
Many people think fall is the best time to visit Lake Havasu State Park. It’s less crowded than spring and summer, but still plenty warm. Boating, watersports, and fishing are still popular activities (in fact, Lake Havasu hosts a huge bass fishing tournament each fall!). October marks the unofficial start of the hiking season in this area. There are several trails for all experience levels, including the leisurely Shoreline Trail and the more strenuous Lizard Peak Trail.
September and October see hot days that hover around the upper 80s and low 90s, while daytime temps drop to the 70s by November. Overnight, expect 50s and 60s.
Things To Do in Lake Havasu State Park
Some activities, such as boating or fishing, are a given when visiting any lake. However, there are many, many more things to do in Lake Havasu State Park than you may expect.
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London Bridge - Walk across this famous storied bridge and be sure to take lots of photos. The best part is that this is a totally free activity!
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Go off-roading - The diverse terrain surrounding Lake Havasu State Park makes it ideal for exploring in an off-road vehicle. Bring your own or rent one and check out open desert, mountain trails, canyons, and sand dunes.
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Lighthouses - Not only does Lake Havasu have all those unique replica lighthouses, but you can visit many of them by driving or hiking! Stop by the Visitor Center for a map of all 27.
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Hiking - Within the state park itself, there’s the Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden, which highlights native wildlife and plants. You may also enjoy the 1.75-mile-long Mohave Sunset Trail, which runs along the shore.
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Indoor waterpark - When you need a break from the Arizona sun, head inside to the Aquatic Center Indoor Waterpark. There’s a wave pool, kiddie pool, indoor waterslide, and an outdoor splash pad.
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Picnicking - Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lakeshore or at designated picnic areas within the park. It's a great way to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
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Birdwatching - Lake Havasu State Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Bring your binoculars and camera to spot various species of birds in their natural habitat. Don't forget to check out the designated birding areas.
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Frisbee Golf -Try your hand at frisbee golf in designated courses within the park. It's a fun and active way to spend time with friends and family.
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Stargazing - Lake Havasu State Park offers stunning night skies, perfect for stargazing. Bring a telescope or simply lie back and gaze at the stars, planets, and constellations.
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Kayaking and Canoeing - Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the calm waters of Lake Havasu. Paddle along the shoreline and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
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Photography - Capture the natural beauty of the park, including the stunning lake, unique rock formations, and desert landscapes. The park's diverse scenery provides excellent photo opportunities.
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Geocaching - Join the geocaching community and embark on a treasure hunt within the park. Use GPS coordinates to locate hidden caches and discover new areas of interest.
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Golfing - Golf courses offer a chance to enjoy a round of golf while taking in the picturesque desert landscapes.
These activities should help you make the most of your visit to Lake Havasu State Park and the surrounding area. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or educational experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Wildlife in Lake Havasu State Park
Lake Havasu State Park is home to a variety of wildlife species that thrive in the desert and riparian (waterfront) environments of the park. While the specific wildlife you may encounter can vary depending on the time of year and environmental conditions, here are some common wildlife species that can be found in and around Lake Havasu State Park:
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Great blue herons
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Egrets
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Bald eagles
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Striped bass
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Bluegill
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Desert spiny lizards
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Bighorn sheep
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Mule deer
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Jackrabbits
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Bobcats
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Leopard frogs
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And more!
Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance and not disturb or feed them. Keep in mind that the park's natural inhabitants are an essential part of the ecosystem, and it's important to respect their habitat and behavior.
Additionally, the best times for wildlife viewing can vary, so it's a good idea to check with park rangers or local wildlife organizations for current information on wildlife sightings and opportunities for observing them during your visit to Lake Havasu State Park.
Tips on Visiting Lake Havasu State Park
Ready to hit the road and check out Lake Havasu State Park RV camping? Here are a few helpful tips before you go.
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It costs $20 per vehicle to enter Lake Havasu State Park. If you plan to visit several times in one calendar year, consider getting the Arizona State Parks Premium Annual Pass.
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While Arizona is generally dry, July historically has the rainiest days (an average of 9.3), while June has the fewest (0.8).
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If you’re considering an RV rental at Lake Havasu State Park during the summer or early fall, be aware that Arizona often has state-wide fire restrictions. Consider getting a portable propane fire ring before your trip.
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Lake Havasu City has several big-city services, including major grocery stores and dozens of restaurants.
RV Rental For Lake Havasu State Park Camping
A Cruise America RV rental gives you a literal front-row seat to the very best RV parks near Lake Havasu State Park. Whether you’re headed to Arizona for boating, fishing, beaching, or a little of everything, you can’t beat the comfort and convenience of an RV!
Contact Cruise America today to learn more about which model would make the best RV rental for Lake Havasu State Park. We have over 100 rental locations, including several within easy driving distance of Lake Havasu City. Happy camping, and don’t forget your sunblock!