Lake Havasu Special Recreation Management Area encompasses the shoreline line
of Lake Havasu and surrounding areas. This area includes unique opportunities
for recreation from mountain biking and hiking to water sports.

Lake Havasu Special Recreation Management Area encompasses the shoreline line of Lake Havasu and surrounding areas. This area includes unique opportunities for recreation from mountain biking and hiking to water sports.

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that comes in contact with water. Never dump unwanted bait, worms and fish parts or other organisms. For more information visit stopaquatichitchhikers.org

Clean, Drain, & Dry

Lake Havasu

The Bill Williams River provides habitat for fish and wildlife, clean water,
forage, and recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, rafting, and
hiking. The river is historically unique to this section of the Lower Colorado
River as a major tributary that was used as a travel corridor by Native
Americans, European explorers, and early settlers.  
  
Six state and federal agencies have worked together since 1992 to manage the
Bill Williams River's outstanding riparian, wildlife, recreational, and
fisheries resources.

The river system provides habitat for both migratory and resident birds as
well as local wildlife which includes bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, javelina,
ring-tail cats, foxes, and more. Aquatic life includes macro­invertebrates,
amphibians, and fish. Turtles, beavers, muskrats, and raccoons frolic beneath
the cottonwood and willow trees along the riverbanks.

Three segments of the Bill Williams River totaling 21.1 miles have been
determined suitable for inclusion in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.
These segments possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, fish,
and wildlife values.

The Bill Williams River provides habitat for fish and wildlife, clean water, forage, and recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, rafting, and hiking. The river is historically unique to this section of the Lower Colorado River as a major tributary that was used as a travel corridor by Native Americans, European explorers, and early settlers. Six state and federal agencies have worked together since 1992 to manage the Bill Williams River's outstanding riparian, wildlife, recreational, and fisheries resources. The river system provides habitat for both migratory and resident birds as well as local wildlife which includes bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, javelina, ring-tail cats, foxes, and more. Aquatic life includes macro­invertebrates, amphibians, and fish. Turtles, beavers, muskrats, and raccoons frolic beneath the cottonwood and willow trees along the riverbanks. Three segments of the Bill Williams River totaling 21.1 miles have been determined suitable for inclusion in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. These segments possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, fish, and wildlife values.

Bird's eye view of the park

Bill Williams River

Back country byways traverse scenic corridors that are off the beaten path.
The Parker Dam Road "Thread of Life" highlights the scenic, natural, historic,
and prehistoric values along an11 mile (18 km) road that travels along the
California shore of the Colorado River. This area has attracted people,
wildlife, and vegetation along a linear oasis, creating the Thread of Life.

The byway provides an abundance of recreation activities including camping,
swimming, boating, fishing, rock hounding, hiking, OHV play areas and wildlife
viewing.

Back country byways traverse scenic corridors that are off the beaten path. The Parker Dam Road "Thread of Life" highlights the scenic, natural, historic, and prehistoric values along an11 mile (18 km) road that travels along the California shore of the Colorado River. This area has attracted people, wildlife, and vegetation along a linear oasis, creating the Thread of Life.

The byway provides an abundance of recreation activities including camping, swimming, boating, fishing, rock hounding, hiking, OHV play areas and wildlife viewing.

## Overview

Crossroads Campground is located on the riverfront of the beautiful Lower
Colorado River. This campground is popular with winter visitors looking to
enjoy the warm winter temperatures and relax on the riverfront. This
campground has great access to fishing, boating and off-roading.

## Recreation

The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and
swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.  
  
Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation
sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are
within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch
open year-round.  
  
Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking,
biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.

## Facilities

The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and
swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach.  
  
Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation
sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are
within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch
open year-round.  
  
Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking,
biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.

## Natural Features

The campground is situated on the shoreline of the Lower Colorado River. The
river runs through a backdrop of steep rocky terrain, and wind shaped sand
dunes. The area is teeming with wildlife, especially fish, migratory birds and
small mammals.

## Nearby Attractions

The Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads Off- Highway Vehicle Open Areas offer
miles of off-road adventures. Rock hounders enjoy hiking and driving through
the area to search for unique rocks.  
  
Rock House Visitor Center has a free boat launch and a visitor center stocked
with brochures and information about the area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Crossroads Campground is located on the riverfront of the beautiful Lower Colorado River. This campground is popular with winter visitors looking to enjoy the warm winter temperatures and relax on the riverfront. This campground has great access to fishing, boating and off-roading.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach. 
Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch open year-round. 

Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking, biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The Lower Colorado River offers excellent boating, fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. The campground provides river front views and a beach. 
Just follow the Parker Dam Road Scenic Backcountry Byway to various recreation sites along the river. The Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Launch are within a mile of the campground, and offers information and a free boat launch open year-round. 

Other popular activities in the Parker Strip Recreation Area include hiking, biking, rock hounding and off-road vehicle travel.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The campground is situated on the shoreline of the Lower Colorado River. The river runs through a backdrop of steep rocky terrain, and wind shaped sand dunes. The area is teeming with wildlife, especially fish, migratory birds and small mammals.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads Off- Highway Vehicle Open Areas offer miles of off-road adventures. Rock hounders enjoy hiking and driving through the area to search for unique rocks. 

Rock House Visitor Center has a free boat launch and a visitor center stocked with brochures and information about the area.

Crossroads Campground facilities

Crossroads Campground Entrance

Riverfront camping at Crossroads Campground

Colorado River

Campsite at Crossroads Campground

Crossroads Campground North

Crossroads Campground

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY

Southern Section of Crossroads Campground

Crossroads Campground South

Colorado River front site at Crossroads Campground

Crossroads Campground site

Parker Strip Recreation Area

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, originally named Havasu Lake National
Wildlife Refuge, was established by Executive Order by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt in 1941 for the primary purpose of providing migratory bird habitat.
The refuge is comprised of 37,515 acres along the lower Colorado River in
Arizona and California. The refuge protects 30 river miles and encompasses 300
miles of shoreline from Needles, California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. One
of the last remaining natural stretches of the lower Colorado River flows
through the 20-mile long Topock Gorge.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is within the Pacific Flyway, a major north-
south migratory route along the western coast of the United States. Hundreds
of birds stop here to rest and refuel during their long journey. Many species
also breed and overwinter here. Because of its importance to birds, the refuge
is considered an Important Bird Area in the state of Arizona. Come out and
enjoy Havasu National Wildlife Refuge -- it's definitely for the birds.

Havasu Wilderness was established in 1990 to preserve and enhance in
perpetuity the wilderness values of designated lands. The Wilderness Act of
1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System "in order to assure
that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing
mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas in the United States, and
it's possession, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection
in their natural condition..."

The Havasu Wilderness lies within the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge which
stretches along the Colorado River for 30 miles between Needles, California
and Lake Havasu City, Arizona it encompasses 17,801 acres which is
approximately one-third of the refuge. The Wilderness is rich in wildlife
including quail, geese, ducks, grebes, cranes, rails, herons, egrets, falcons,
eagles, bighorn sheep, coyotes, porcupines, foxes, and bobcats. Here you may
see the endangered desert tortoise and the venomous Gila monster.

For more information about Havasu Wilderness, please visit wilderness.net.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, originally named Havasu Lake National Wildlife Refuge, was established by Executive Order by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 for the primary purpose of providing migratory bird habitat. The refuge is comprised of 37,515 acres along the lower Colorado River in Arizona and California. The refuge protects 30 river miles and encompasses 300 miles of shoreline from Needles, California, to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. One of the last remaining natural stretches of the lower Colorado River flows through the 20-mile long Topock Gorge. Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is within the Pacific Flyway, a major north-south migratory route along the western coast of the United States. Hundreds of birds stop here to rest and refuel during their long journey. Many species also breed and overwinter here. Because of its importance to birds, the refuge is considered an Important Bird Area in the state of Arizona. Come out and enjoy Havasu National Wildlife Refuge -- it's definitely for the birds.Havasu Wilderness was established in 1990 to preserve and enhance in perpetuity the wilderness values of designated lands. The Wilderness Act of 1964 created the National Wilderness Preservation System "in order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas in the United States, and it's possession, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition..."The Havasu Wilderness lies within the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge which stretches along the Colorado River for 30 miles between Needles, California and Lake Havasu City, Arizona it encompasses 17,801 acres which is approximately one-third of the refuge. The Wilderness is rich in wildlife including quail, geese, ducks, grebes, cranes, rails, herons, egrets, falcons, eagles, bighorn sheep, coyotes, porcupines, foxes, and bobcats. Here you may see the endangered desert tortoise and the venomous Gila monster.<a href="https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/?ID=233" rel="nofollow">For more information about Havasu Wilderness, please visit wilderness.net.</a>

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Situated in central-western Arizona along the lower Colorado River, the Bill
Williams River extends a short 40 miles before emptying into the Colorado
River at Lake Havasu. A portion of the river and its unique habitat are
protected within the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, offering a
glimpse into what this landscape looked like hundreds of years ago.  
  
Earliest written records of the area come from Spanish explorers who traveled
through here as early as 1598. Along with the western explorers that followed,
they took note of the ecologically rich landscape, including documentation of
miles-thick stands of cottonwood and willow trees along the river’s banks, as
well as the abundance of mesquite above the river. Today, the refuge holds one
of the last stands of naturally regenerated cottonwood-willow forest along the
lower Colorado River. As a designated Globally Important Bird Area, the refuge
is one of the last ecologically functioning river habitats in the southwest
United States. Though small, the refuge has retained nearly all of the
original terrestrial wildlife species found here prior to settlement by
Europeans, including at least six federally listed threatened or endangered
species.  
  
In 1993 it was decided that 6,100 acres of the Havasu Lake National Wildlife
Refuge would be managed as a separate refuge due to its uniqueness and
diversity of habitat. It became the Bill Williams River National Wildlife
Refuge. It is one of more than 560 national wildlife refuges, a national
network of lands and waters set aside and managed for the benefit of wildlife
and you.

Situated in central-western Arizona along the lower Colorado River, the Bill Williams River extends a short 40 miles before emptying into the Colorado River at Lake Havasu. A portion of the river and its unique habitat are protected within the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge, offering a glimpse into what this landscape looked like hundreds of years ago.    Earliest written records of the area come from Spanish explorers who traveled through here as early as 1598. Along with the western explorers that followed, they took note of the ecologically rich landscape, including documentation of miles-thick stands of cottonwood and willow trees along the river’s banks, as well as the abundance of mesquite above the river. Today, the refuge holds one of the last stands of naturally regenerated cottonwood-willow forest along the lower Colorado River. As a designated Globally Important Bird Area, the refuge is one of the last ecologically functioning river habitats in the southwest United States. Though small, the refuge has retained nearly all of the original terrestrial wildlife species found here prior to settlement by Europeans, including at least six federally listed threatened or endangered species.    In 1993 it was decided that 6,100 acres of the Havasu Lake National Wildlife Refuge would be managed as a separate refuge due to its uniqueness and diversity of habitat. It became the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. It is one of more than 560 national wildlife refuges, a national network of lands and waters set aside and managed for the benefit of wildlife and you.

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

Bird's eye view of the campground

Main Campground

River Island

This area is an unrestricted playground for OHVs and other off-highway
vehicles. The site includes parking area, unloading ramp, and vault toilets.
Vehicles must be street legal or have state required off-highway vehicle
stickers. Resort facilities nearby.

This area is an unrestricted playground for OHVs and other off-highway vehicles. The site includes parking area, unloading ramp, and vault toilets. Vehicles must be street legal or have state required off-highway vehicle stickers. Resort facilities nearby.

Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

Buckskin Mountain

Lower Campground

Cattail Cove

Crossroads OHV Area

This area is an unrestricted playground for OHVs, ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps and other
off-highway vehicles. The site is one of the major access points to the Lake
Havasu Travel Management Trail System. Vehicles must be street legal or have
state required off-highway vehicle stickers.

This area is an unrestricted playground for OHVs, ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps and other off-highway vehicles. The site is one of the major access points to the Lake Havasu Travel Management Trail System. Vehicles must be street legal or have state required off-highway vehicle stickers.

Standard Wash OHV Area

The Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness (18,790 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the
Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness became
part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System
established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. The 18,790-acre Gibraltar Mountain
Wilderness is about 10 miles northeast of Parker, Arizona, in La Paz County.

The wilderness includes the western end of the Buckskin Mountains. The area
from Giers Mountain in the north to Gibraltar Mountain in the south consists
of rugged volcanic rock dissected by deep, sandy washes and rocky canyons. The
eroded volcanic tuff beds contain many alcoves and caves. The area presents an
interesting challenge for hiking and horseback riding. Varied topography,
steep canyon walls, and colorful strata make the area attractive for rock
climbing, day hiking, sightseeing, and photography.

In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Please follow the regulations in
place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure
protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.

The Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness (18,790 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. The 18,790-acre Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness is about 10 miles northeast of Parker, Arizona, in La Paz County.

The wilderness includes the western end of the Buckskin Mountains. The area from Giers Mountain in the north to Gibraltar Mountain in the south consists of rugged volcanic rock dissected by deep, sandy washes and rocky canyons. The eroded volcanic tuff beds contain many alcoves and caves. The area presents an interesting challenge for hiking and horseback riding. Varied topography, steep canyon walls, and colorful strata make the area attractive for rock climbing, day hiking, sightseeing, and photography.

In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.

Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness

Cupcake Mountain provides a towering presence from its vantage point southwest
of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The mountain was named by the Army Corps of
Engineers in the early 1940's while they were building an airport and runway
in the desert prior to the town being incorporated. The trailhead is located
just off of a powerline access road along the border of the Whipple Mountains
Wilderness area. The mountain itself is within the wilderness area. The hike
is rather strenuous and is close to 5 miles long round trip.

Cupcake Mountain provides a towering presence from its vantage point southwest of Lake Havasu City, Arizona.  The mountain was named by the Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1940's while they were building an airport and runway in the desert prior to the town being incorporated.  The trailhead is located just off of a powerline access road along the border of the Whipple Mountains Wilderness area.  The mountain itself is within the wilderness area.  The hike is rather strenuous and is close to 5 miles long round trip.

Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail

The large east-west oriented Whipple Mountains comprise the dominant land form
within this wilderness. Whipple Peak is the highest point in the range at an
elevation of 4,131 ft. Landforms are diverse and range from valley floors and
washes to steep-walled canyons, domed peaks, natural bridges, and eroded
spires.

Two major vegetative associations are present within the wilderness area, the
Sonora creosote bush scrub and Sonoran thorn forest. Dominant vegetation is
creosote bush scrub, palo verde, ironwood, smoke tree, and numerous species of
cacti including cholla, saguaro, foxtail, and prickly pear.

Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, mule deer, wild burros, coyote, black-
tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, owls,
the threatened desert tortoise, and several species of rattlesnakes and
lizards. The Whipple Mountains provide superior nesting and foraging habitat
for a number of raptors; including prairie falcons, golden eagles, red-tailed
hawks, and Cooper's hawks. The wilderness is located in the south eastern
corner of the sector and consists of 77,520 acres. It is cooperatively managed
with the Havasu Field Office.

The large east-west oriented Whipple Mountains comprise the dominant land form within this wilderness. Whipple Peak is the highest point in the range at an elevation of 4,131 ft. Landforms are diverse and range from valley floors and washes to steep-walled canyons, domed peaks, natural bridges, and eroded spires. 
 
Two major vegetative associations are present within the wilderness area, the Sonora creosote bush scrub and Sonoran thorn forest. Dominant vegetation is creosote bush scrub, palo verde, ironwood, smoke tree, and numerous species of cacti including cholla, saguaro, foxtail, and prickly pear. 
 
Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, mule deer, wild burros, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, owls, the threatened desert tortoise, and several species of rattlesnakes and lizards. The Whipple Mountains provide superior nesting and foraging habitat for a number of raptors; including prairie falcons, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and Cooper's hawks. The wilderness is located in the south eastern corner of the sector and consists of 77,520 acres. It is cooperatively managed with the Havasu Field Office.

Whipple Mountains Wilderness

Each fall, winter, and spring seasonal visitors come to the Blue Cloud Camping
Area located off of California State Highway 62 near Big River, California.
Blue Cloud Camping Area is a primitive camping area and serves as an overflow
area to the heavily used Colorado River Resorts. Camping at the site is
restricted to 14 days within a 28 day period, however visitors keep coming
back and are attracted to the area because of its close (but not too close)
proximity to the town of Parker, AZ as well as its breathtaking views of the
Whipple Mountains Wilderness area.

Each fall, winter, and spring seasonal visitors come to the Blue Cloud Camping Area located off of California State Highway 62 near Big River, California.  Blue Cloud Camping Area is a primitive camping area and serves as an overflow area to the heavily used Colorado River Resorts.    Camping at the site is restricted to 14 days within a 28 day period, however visitors keep coming back and are attracted to the area because of its close (but not too close) proximity to the town of Parker, AZ as well as its breathtaking views of the Whipple Mountains Wilderness area.

Blue Cloud Camping Area

The Swansea Wilderness (16,400 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the Bureau of
Land Management. In 1990, the Swansea Wilderness became part of the now over
109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the
Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational
activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.

Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace
techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and
experiential qualities.

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders,
wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including
helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered.
Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these
lands without their permission.

The Swansea Wilderness (16,400 acres) in Arizona, is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the Swansea Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.

Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters. Contact the agency for more information about regulations.

Some lands around and within the wilderness are not federally administered. Please respect the property rights of the owners and do not cross or use these lands without their permission.

Swansea Wilderness

Cabin Loop

Cabin Loop Campsites

Mining in the Swansea Area began around 1862, but major activity had to wait
for the coming of the railroad. In 1904 the Arizona & California Railroad
began constructing a line from Wickenburg to Parker. Seeing an opportunity for
further development several of the original miners, Newton Evans and Thomas
Jefferson Carrigan, secured investment money and began to develop Swansea.

By the end of 1908, a 350 ton capacity furnace, a 3.5 mile water pipeline from
the Bill Williams River, and the hoists for five mine shafts were under
construction.

By 1909 Swansea had a population of 500. The following year the Arizona &
Swansea railroad began operation from Bouse. The railroad was key in moving
supplies and people in and out of the growing mining town. Financial problems
set in by 1911 and the mines shutdown with a brief reopening in 1912.

The American Smelting and Refining Company bought the mines in 1914 and
rebuilt much of the town. The new owners ran the mines until 1937 when the
Great Depression closed the mines for good.

Mining in the Swansea Area began around 1862, but major activity had to wait for the coming of the railroad. In 1904 the Arizona & California Railroad began constructing a line from Wickenburg to Parker. Seeing an opportunity for further development several of the original miners, Newton Evans and Thomas Jefferson Carrigan, secured investment money and began to develop Swansea.

By the end of 1908, a 350 ton capacity furnace, a 3.5 mile water pipeline from the Bill Williams River, and the hoists for five mine shafts were under construction.

By 1909 Swansea had a population of 500. The following year the Arizona & Swansea railroad began operation from Bouse. The railroad was key in moving supplies and people in and out of the growing mining town. Financial problems set in by 1911 and the mines shutdown with a brief reopening in 1912.

The American Smelting and Refining Company bought the mines in 1914 and rebuilt much of the town. The new owners ran the mines until 1937 when the Great Depression closed the mines for good.

Lake Havasu

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Bill Williams River

Parker Strip Recreation Area

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

River Island

Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area

Buckskin Mountain

Cattail Cove

Crossroads OHV Area

Standard Wash OHV Area

Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness

Cupcake Mountain Hiking Trail

Whipple Mountains Wilderness

Blue Cloud Camping Area

Swansea Wilderness

Lake Havasu

Swansea Historic Ghost Town