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.

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

Bird's eye view of the park

Swansea Wilderness

The East Cactus Plain Wilderness (14,630 acres) in Arizona is managed by the
Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the East Cactus Plain Wilderness became
part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System
established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. The 14,630-acre East Cactus Plain
Wilderness is about 10 miles north of Bouse, Arizona in La Paz County. The
wilderness includes the eastern third of the Cactus Plain. It is dominated by
an intricate crescent dune topography and dense dunescrub vegetation known
only from this area in Arizona. The plant community is unique in its denseness
and species diversity.

Recreational opportunities include horseback riding and backpacking trips,
sightseeing, photography, and botanical and wildlife study. 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.

<p>The East Cactus Plain Wilderness (14,630 acres) in Arizona is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In 1990, the East Cactus Plain Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. The 14,630-acre East Cactus Plain Wilderness is about 10 miles north of Bouse, Arizona in La Paz County. The wilderness includes the eastern third of the Cactus Plain. It is dominated by an intricate crescent dune topography and dense dunescrub vegetation known only from this area in Arizona. The plant community is unique in its denseness and species diversity.</p>

<p>Recreational opportunities include horseback riding and backpacking trips, sightseeing, photography, and botanical and wildlife study. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude.</p>

<p>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.</p>

East Cactus Plain Wilderness

## Overview

The 15,400-acre Aubrey Peak Wilderness is located in Mohave County, 70 miles
south of Kingman, Arizona and 40 miles east of Lake Havasu City, Arizona.  
  
The wilderness contains imposing landforms carved into a variety of brightly
colored volcanic rhyolites, tuffs, and basalt. Aubrey Peak, a large cliff-
encircled mesa, dominates the eastern portion of the wilderness, along with
numerous other large mesas, buttes and volcanic plugs. Water and wind have
carved the soft volcanic rock in this area into natural windows, tufa caves,
spires, slickrock terraces, and tinajas--deep water-filled potholes.  
  
The Aubrey Peak Wilderness encompasses a portion of a Mohave/Sonoran Desert
transition zone. Stands of large saguaro, paloverde, ironwood and smoke trees,
typical Sonoran Desert species, often merge with Joshua and other species more
typical of the Mohave Desert, creating a visually intriguing, quilt-like
mosaic of plants throughout the area. This wilderness offers excellent
opportunities for primitive types of recreation. Hiking, backpacking, and
photography have become increasingly more popular in recent years.  
  

## Know Before You Go

  * A four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended to gain access to this wilderness.
  * No hiking trails are present in this wilderness. Cross-country travel is relatively easy, and sand washes can be used as routes.
  * The summer climate in this wilderness unit is harsh. Daytime temperatures during the summer months are over 100 degrees. Temperatures are more moderate between October 1 and April 30th.
  * Water is very scarce in this unit. No naturally occurring water is present, except in potholes following rainstorms. Two wildlife water catchments are present which collect runoff from storms. Wherever found, water should always be purified.
  * 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>The 15,400-acre Aubrey Peak Wilderness is located in Mohave County, 70 miles south of Kingman, Arizona and 40 miles east of Lake Havasu City, Arizona.<br/><br/>The wilderness contains imposing landforms carved into a variety of brightly colored volcanic rhyolites, tuffs, and basalt. Aubrey Peak, a large cliff-encircled mesa, dominates the eastern portion of the wilderness, along with numerous other large mesas, buttes and volcanic plugs. Water and wind have carved the soft volcanic rock in this area into natural windows, tufa caves, spires, slickrock terraces, and tinajas--deep water-filled potholes.<br/><br/>The Aubrey Peak Wilderness encompasses a portion of a Mohave/Sonoran Desert transition zone. Stands of large saguaro, paloverde, ironwood and smoke trees, typical Sonoran Desert species, often merge with Joshua and other species more typical of the Mohave Desert, creating a visually intriguing, quilt-like mosaic of plants throughout the area. This wilderness offers excellent opportunities for primitive types of recreation. Hiking, backpacking, and photography have become increasingly more popular in recent years.<br/><br/><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>A four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended to gain access to this wilderness.</li><li>No hiking trails are present in this wilderness. Cross-country travel is relatively easy, and sand washes can be used as routes.</li><li>The summer climate in this wilderness unit is harsh. Daytime temperatures during the summer months are over 100 degrees. Temperatures are more moderate between October 1 and April 30th.</li><li>Water is very scarce in this unit. No naturally occurring water is present, except in potholes following rainstorms. Two wildlife water catchments are present which collect runoff from storms. Wherever found, water should always be purified.</li><li>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.</li>
<li> 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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
</ul>

Aubrey Peak Wilderness

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.

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness

This Corps lake is managed by Arizona State Parks. The project web address
links to the Arizona State Parks web pages. Alamo Lake is one of the best bass
lakes in Arizona. Also, the area has good wildlife viewing opportunities. The
Bill Williams River Basin is of early historical interest. The project adjoins
BLM lands.

This Corps lake is managed by Arizona State Parks. The project web address links to the Arizona State Parks web pages. Alamo Lake is one of the best bass lakes in Arizona. Also, the area has good wildlife viewing opportunities. The Bill Williams River Basin is of early historical interest. The project adjoins BLM lands.

Alamo Lake

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.

<p>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. <br>
 <br>
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. <br>
 <br>
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. </p>

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

Bird's eye view of the campground

Main Campground

River Island

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.

<p>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.</p>

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

## 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.<br/><br/>
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.<br/><br/>

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.<br/><br/>
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.<br/><br/>

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. <br/><br/>

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 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

Southern Section of Crossroads Campground

Crossroads Campground South

Colorado River front site at Crossroads Campground

Crossroads Campground site

Parker Strip Recreation Area

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 river banks.
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.

<p>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.<br/>
<br/>
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 river banks. 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.</p>

Bill Williams River

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.

<p>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.</p>

Clean, Drain, & Dry

Lake Havasu

Take Off Point provides free public fishing and boating access to Lake Havasu,
developed through the Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program, a cooperative
partnership. Enjoy world class fishing and stay in one of 73 boat-in campsites
along the Arizona shoreline. Take off Point includes parking, restrooms, and
universally-accessible fishing docks. A valid Arizona license is required for
taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona. Details are available at the
Arizona Game and Fish License Page.

<p>Take Off Point provides free public fishing and boating access to Lake Havasu, developed through the Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program, a cooperative partnership. Enjoy world class fishing and stay in one of 73 boat-in campsites along the Arizona shoreline. Take off Point includes parking, restrooms, and universally-accessible fishing docks. A valid Arizona license is required for taking wildlife (including fish) in Arizona. Details are available at the <a href="https://www.azgfd.com/License/" rel="nofollow">Arizona Game and Fish License Page</a>.</p>

Take Off Point

Cabins

Campground A Loop

Campground B Loop

Campground C Loop

Campground D Loop

Campground E Loop

Campground Full Hookup Loop

Ramada Camping

Buckskin Mountain

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.

Swansea Wilderness

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

East Cactus Plain Wilderness

Aubrey Peak Wilderness

Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness

Alamo Lake

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

River Island

Parker Strip Recreation Area

Bill Williams River

Lake Havasu

Take Off Point

Alamo Lake

Buckskin Mountain

Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area