The Park Sits on the Arizona Shore, With Day-Use and Overnight Options

Lake Havasu State Park occupies about 13,000 acres along the Arizona side of the lake, roughly 150 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The park has two main areas: Windsor Beach on the north end and Cattail Cove on the south end, each with different facilities and character. Day-use visitors can launch boats, swim, picnic, and fish from either location. Overnight camping is available at both, with developed campgrounds offering hookups and primitive sites for those who want less infrastructure.

The park is open year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit and most serious fishing and boating happens in fall, winter, and spring. Entry requires a day-use fee or an overnight camping reservation. Arizona State Parks manages the facility, and you can reserve campsites through their website or by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Windsor Beach has the most developed facilities, including a boat launch, swimming beach, and full-hookup RV sites, making it the busier destination.
  • Cattail Cove offers a quieter experience with primitive camping and a smaller boat launch, better for anglers and those seeking solitude.
  • Summer heat (110+ degrees) makes the park uncomfortable for most visitors; fall through spring is the practical season for camping and extended stays.
  • Reservations for overnight camping are necessary year-round and can be made through Arizona State Parks' online system or by calling ahead.
  • Day-use fees are separate from camping fees, and both are required if you plan to stay overnight and use park facilities during the day.

Windsor Beach: The Main Hub for Boats and Swimming

Windsor Beach is the larger and more developed of the two park areas, located on the north end of the lake near the London Bridge. The beach itself is a sandy swimming area with lifeguards during peak season. A full-service boat launch with multiple lanes handles everything from small fishing boats to large houseboats, and the launch area has parking for both vehicles and trailers.

Camping at Windsor Beach includes 45 full-hookup RV sites (water, electric, sewer) and 76 standard sites without hookups. The full-hookup sites fill quickly during winter months when snowbirds migrate to Arizona. Amenities include restrooms with showers, a dump station, picnic areas, and a small store. Day-use visitors can park near the beach and facilities for a separate fee, which does not include overnight camping.

The area gets crowded on weekends and during winter, particularly December through February. If you want a full-hookup site during that window, book several months ahead. Spring break and holiday weekends also draw heavy use.

Cattail Cove: Quieter Camping and Fishing Access

Cattail Cove sits on the south end of the park and draws fewer visitors than Windsor Beach. The cove has a smaller boat launch suitable for fishing boats and smaller recreational craft, and a primitive camping area with 61 sites. Most sites have no hookups, though a few have electric only. The trade-off is solitude and a more natural setting; the cove is popular with anglers targeting largemouth bass and striped bass.

Facilities at Cattail Cove include basic restrooms and picnic areas, but no shower houses or dump stations. You will need to be self-sufficient or plan to use facilities at Windsor Beach if you need services. The sites are closer together than at Windsor Beach, but the overall atmosphere is quieter and less developed.

Cattail Cove is a better choice if you are fishing seriously or want to avoid the RV park feel of Windsor Beach. It is also less crowded during peak season, though still busy on weekends.

Boat Launching, Fishing, and Water Activities

Both boat launches operate year-round, though water levels can affect launch conditions in late summer. The launches are designed for trailers, and both areas have parking for vehicles and trailers. Fuel is not available at the park, so fill up in town before arriving. The lake itself is 45 miles long and offers open water for cruising, skiing, and fishing.

Largemouth bass and striped bass are the primary sport fish, with smallmouth bass and catfish also present. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most productive seasons. Summer fishing is possible but requires early morning or evening trips to avoid the heat. Winter can be good, though water temperatures drop and fish are less active.

Swimmers use the designated beach at Windsor Beach, which has lifeguards during summer months. The water is warm year-round but reaches uncomfortable temperatures (over 85 degrees) from June through September. Jet skis and other personal watercraft are allowed in designated areas.

Camping Reservations and Fees

Arizona State Parks handles all reservations through their website or by phone at 1-602-542-7275. You can reserve campsites up to six months in advance. Reservation windows open on the first of each month for sites six months out, so popular dates fill quickly. If you are planning a winter trip, book as soon as the window opens.

Camping fees vary by site type: full-hookup RV sites cost more than standard sites, and primitive sites at Cattail Cove are the least expensive. Day-use fees are charged separately and allow access to facilities, parking, and the beach without camping. Annual passes for Arizona State Parks are available and can save money if you plan multiple visits.

Cancellations are accepted up to a certain number of days before arrival; check the current policy when you book. Peak season (December through February) has stricter cancellation policies than off-season dates.

When to Visit and What to Bring

Fall through spring (September through May) is the practical season. Temperatures range from the 60s in December and January to the 80s in April and May. Summer (June through August) is extremely hot, with daytime highs regularly exceeding 110 degrees. Most facilities remain open, but heat makes camping and outdoor activity uncomfortable for most people. Winter is peak season, and the park fills with snowbirds and weekend visitors.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat regardless of season. The lake and surrounding desert offer little shade. If you are camping without hookups, bring a full freshwater tank and plan for waste disposal. Firewood is available for purchase at the park, and campfires are allowed in designated rings. Check fire restrictions before your visit, as they change seasonally.

Cell service is spotty in some areas of the park, particularly at Cattail Cove. Download maps and information before you arrive if you rely on GPS or online resources.

Getting There and Nearby Services

Lake Havasu City is the nearest town, located just outside the park boundary. The town has grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and lodging options if you decide not to camp. It is about 150 miles southeast of Las Vegas, 200 miles northwest of Phoenix, and 60 miles south of Kingman, Arizona on US Route 95.

The drive from Las Vegas takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. From Phoenix, allow 3.5 to 4 hours. The road is straightforward highway driving with few services between major towns, so fill your gas tank before leaving the last city.

The London Bridge, a historic structure relocated from England, sits in Lake Havasu City and is a popular photo stop. The town also has a small museum and shops if you want to explore beyond the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I camp at Lake Havasu State Park without a reservation?

No, all camping requires an advance reservation through Arizona State Parks. The park does not hold sites for walk-up campers. Day-use visitors without camping can pay at the entrance, but overnight stays must be booked ahead.

What is the best time to fish at Lake Havasu?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive for largemouth and striped bass. Summer is possible but requires early morning or evening trips to avoid heat. Winter fishing is slower but still viable for anglers willing to tolerate cold water.

Are there hookups at Cattail Cove?

Most Cattail Cove sites have no hookups. A small number have electric only. If you need full hookups (water, electric, sewer), Windsor Beach is your only option at the park.

How far in advance should I book a winter camping trip?

Book as soon as the reservation window opens six months ahead. Popular dates in December and January fill within days. If you are flexible with dates, booking three to four months ahead usually works for less popular weeks.

Is the park open during summer?

Yes, the park is open year-round, but summer heat (110+ degrees) makes it uncomfortable for most visitors. Facilities remain open, and some anglers and boaters visit during early morning or evening hours to avoid peak heat.