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Lake Havasu is a great travel destination whether you’re interested in hiking or water recreation. Families, couples, and solos alike will enjoy their time exploring the area. Let’s take a look at what can make a trip to Lake Havasu so great.
Where Is Lake Havasu?
Lake Havasu is in far west Arizona, bordering California in Lake Havasu City. You can find Lake Havasu about 3.5 hours northwest of Phoenix, Arizona, and 2.5 hours south of Las Vegas, NV. If you’re coming from Los Angeles, expect to spend roughly 5 hours on the road.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Lake Havasu?
Fall, winter, and spring provide the most pleasant experiences for lake visitors. However, for prime dates, visit during early February to late April or early October to late December, leaving out the summer months. During these times, you’ll enjoy warm days and cool evenings.
If you’re brave enough to make the lake your destination in the summer, prepare for extreme heat. July’s average high temperature at Lake Havasu is 108 degrees. Thankfully, the lake is a great place to cool off!
What Is Lake Havasu Known For?
Most know Lake Havasu for its incredible recreation opportunities. Fishing and recreational boating are the most common activities on Lake Havasu, but you can go swimming as well.
There are several designated sandy beaches for your enjoyment. Visitors can also swim from most places along the shoreline, provided it’s not near a boat dock, and you take safety precautions.
Many know the lake for being one of the best fishing lakes in the southwest; fishing here is a big deal. The lake hosts over 30 fishing tournaments each year, with bass being the primary catch. Fishing at Lake Havasu is a bucket list destination for many anglers.
Best Hikes Near Lake Havasu
The fun doesn’t stop once you’ve gotten off the water at Lake Havasu. Exciting hikes await close to the lake for those seeking land recreation. Pack plenty of water for your adventures, and wear comfortable, breathable clothing, as it can be hot here!
If you need help deciding which hikes to hit up, here are a few of our suggestions.
SARA Crack Trail
At 3.4 miles out and back, the SARA Crack Trail has a moderate rating. Those who choose to hike its path will encounter beautiful wildflowers and slot canyons, and the water featured at the end is a great place to cool off.
This hike may be challenging for those with small children who would need assistance navigating rocky terrain.
Beachcomber Boulevard Loop
Beachcomber Boulevard Loop is a heavily trafficked trail popular among all ages and abilities. On this 3.8 mile loop, hikers will encounter great views. This trail is excellent for hiking, trail running, and biking.
The primary function of this loop is to provide visitors with the opportunity to trail for their fitness goals while still having lovely views. In addition, hikers can access Beachcomber Boulevard Loop year-round.
Cattail Cove Perimeter Loop
In this 3.4-mile loop, hikers will enjoy lake views and could even enjoy seeing wildlife. Cattail Cover Perimeter Loop is a moderate hike and faces modest traffic. However, with just over 300 ft in elevation change, it gives you an excellent opportunity for leg work!
The best time to tackle this hike is from September to April.
Best Camping Near Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu makes for a fun-filled multi-day trip. But, to keep the fun going, consider camping during your time exploring the area. We’ve gathered a few spots for you to consider; take a look!
Lake Havasu State Park
Camping at Lake Havasu State Park is a great way to enjoy your stay. This campground has 50 sites that can accommodate tents and RVs up to 75ft in length. Each site gives campers access to electricity as well as water. A picnic table and fire ring at your site make time spent at your site even more enjoyable. In addition, campers can access a bathhouse and dump station.
The nightly rate for campsites at Lake Havasu State Park is $35 a night for standard sites and $40 a night for beachfront sites.
Crazy Horse Campgrounds
Boasting an impressive 612 campsites, Crazy Horse Campground has everything you need for a fantastic camping trip to Lake Havasu. Two hundred of the sites are tent-only, so rustic campers can join in the fun. The campground has lake access and even beachfront sites, plus almost every amenity you can think of, from laundry to a pool. You may never leave the grounds!
The campground is big-rig-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about fitting into a site. Sites range in price from $40-$60 a night.
Cattail Cove State Park
Cattail Cove State Park provides 61 campsites for campers and has room for both tents and RVs. Each site has electricity and water, making your stay very comfortable. And there’s lake access and a boat ramp, so the many water activities are within your reach!
You can have fires year-round in the provided fire pits unless there’s a current fire ban due to wildfire risks. If there is a fire ban, you can still have a propane fire.
Head to Lake Havasu!
Sometimes a week at the lake is what you need. Whether you’re ready for an adventurous hike, time spent on the boat, or relaxing on a beach, this western Arizona location is an ideal choice.
Have you been able to cross Lake Havasu off of your travel bucket list yet?
