Lake Havasu

[Texas_Roadrunn1]

DH told me he read somewhere that Lake Havasu should be on our list of places not to miss for camping. I know that many of the lakes in the west are really suffering and their levels are greatly diminished due to the drought. I am assuming that is the case with Lake Havasu. Am I incorrect in this assumption. Having asked that, I would also like to know of your favorite places to visit and experiences in the area. We are planning a trip west in March and are thinking the Lake Havasu area might be a good stop. As always, thanks for your help.

Susan

[More_To_See]

Lake Havasu can really be thought of as an area. It runs from Lake Havasu City at the north 40 miles down river to Parker with nearly 15 commercial RV campgrounds spotted here and there all the way. And then if you would not mind crossing a very narrow bridge over the Colorado River to Earp on the California side you can driver back north another 15 miles with 7 more commercial campgrounds available.

What's interesting is that more than a couple of those campgrounds on the Arizona side you can see from the highway but figuring out how to get there can be quite puzzling.

The more upscale commercial campgrounds are at the north end in Lake Havasu City.

Probably topping the list is the Islander RV Resort and of course a bit pricy.

There are also public campgrounds scattered along both sides of the river. The three state parks, north to south, with power hook up, dump stations, and water available somewhere in park are:

Lake Havasu SP: 50A, on site water
Cattail Cove SP: 30A mostly. A few 50A
Buckskin Mountain SP: 30A, some on-site tank drains

As always, it's best to figure out what particular campground fits with ones expectations. They vary widely and what is perfectly suitable for one camper will put another into a blue funk. We can be a strange bunch sometimes.

[sealevel_ram]

We were there about five years ago.
They tried to make an English village out of the place with small shops near the "London" bridge. All of them were out of business. (Of course the bridge is the old London bridge, not the Tower bridge which is still in London. They are still laughing about that in England.)
All that were left were overpriced souvenir shops and fast food establishments. Lots of hot rodding on the river. Somebody approached us while going in trying to sell us timeshares.
Not our favorite place in the world.
Of course it is good advice to avoid the summer.

[Texas_Roadrunn1]

Thanks so much, you've made me feel better, dk and more! Do you have any favorite CGs. Like FHU, but can dry camp if it isn't too hot and/or will cool down at night.

Susan

[More_To_See]

dkrevzen wrote:
As for the lake not being "scenic" I strongly disagree. But it's whatever you like.

X2
I think it's a beautiful area along the river.

[dkreuzen]

The lake is rarely more than 2-3 feet below full. In the 14 years I have been here I think 6 feet down was the max. At 12 feet the pumps will suck air. Today it's about 3.5 feet down for maintenance on the facilities and on the way back up.

Lots of campgrounds and dry camping in and around Havasu.

If you can't handle the party crowd don't come during spring break or on weekends in the summer. But the party crowd is easy to avoid.

As for the lake not being "scenic" I strongly disagree. But it's whatever you like.

The weather will start warming up in March (70-80) and will be very nice. In late April we could start seeing 100's.

[goducks10]

March is 'Spring Break' for most schools during various weeks. Could be full of hot chicks in small bikinis. Not sure if that's what you want or not. Or just loud drunks.

[vermilye]

There are some nice Arizona state parks in the area. Lake Havasu State Park is in the city, while Cattail Cove is on the lake a few miles south. Buckskin Mountain is about 15 miles south on the river.

[mockturtle]

Avoid it like the plague during spring break!

[RVUSA]

A much better way is to stay at moabi regional park "on the penninsula" and just visit havasu. it's only 20 minutes away and when your on the river at moabi especially at the very end is a awesome place.

[Texas_Roadrunn1]

Thanks to all of you, knew about London Bridge, I remember when it was moved! I think I had forgotten that Lake Havasu is where it was relocated. Will find a CG for us, thanks!

Susan

[The_Texan]

We went one time and got overrun with the younger "me" crowd that partied all weekend long. I'm not talking hundreds, I'm talking thousands of them that yelled, screamed and cranked their tunes up to the max from dusk to dawn. A complaint to the office fell on deaf ears, as those were their weekend regulars and we were travelers. NEVER again.

Lots to see, if you don't mind the all about "me" crowd.

[mockturtle]

As lakes go, it's not very scenic but it does have the London Bridge.

[2gypsies1]

As stated, the 'lake' is actually the Colorado River with plenty of water. Since you're planning a March trip it will be a good time but it is also the start of hot weather for that river area.

Some other suggestions for March are the Sedona, Flagstaff areas and Phoenix and Tucson will have plenty of desert flowers in bloom. It's a great month for Arizona.

[More_To_See]

Lake Havasu is a great place to visit and they have just about every type of campground in that area you might be interested in. The "lake" is actually a long wide place in the Colorado River created by Parker Dam. There will be lots of water for you. One of their highlights is London Bridge.

Las Vegas is up the road to the north and beyond that is Death Valley. March would be a great time to visit DV but that's a favorite month there so it will be busy. Camping with hookups is limited in DV.

The Grand Canyon is not all that far off to the northeast either. But it could be somewhat cold up there yet in March since it's at 7,000 foot altitude. March high - low temps typically are 51 - 25 in March. You would be at the mercy of weather conditions that particular week when there in March.

You will like Lake Havasu. It's a little oasis in the middle of a very dry desert area.