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Home > Guides > Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Detail Level: 🟢 Quick Overview 🟡 Standard Guide 🔴 Full Expert
🏖️ Quick Facts
📍 DISTANCE 4.5 hours 🏕️ CAMPGROUNDS 5+ options 🌡️ BEST TIME Oct - April 💧 WATER Everywhere ⭐ DIFFICULTY Beginner
Lake Havasu RV Camping Guide — London Bridge, Water Sports & Year-Round Sun
The complete guide to RV camping at Arizona's water sports paradise. Discover the famous London Bridge, endless water activities, year-round sunshine, and stunning desert scenery just 4.5 hours from Irvine.
Can you RV camp at Lake Havasu? Absolutely — and it's one of the best-kept secrets for RV renters from Los Angeles. Lake Havasu combines the beauty of a 45-mile-long lake with the convenience of a modern resort town, all set against dramatic desert mountains. Whether you're into jet skiing, fishing, spring break parties, or peaceful sunset watching, Lake Havasu offers year-round perfect weather and some of the most scenic RV camping in the Southwest.
🏕️ Best RV Campgrounds at Lake Havasu
💰 Price per night All Free Under $25 $25–$40 $40+ ⭐ Rating All 4.0+ 4.5+ 🏷️ Amenities (must have all selected) 💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 61 sites 💰 $30/night 🚗 45ft max 🚤 Beach access Most popular for water sports. Arizona State Park with direct lake access, boat launch, and swimming beach. Sites have electric and water hookups. Desert mountain views, clean facilities, and easy boat trailer access. Reserve early for spring break and summer weekends.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table 🏖️ Beach Access 🚿 No Showers
📍 30 sites 💰 $35/night 🚗 40ft max 🌉 Near London Bridge Close to all the action. Smaller state park campground near downtown Lake Havasu City and the famous London Bridge. Full hookups, clean restrooms with showers, and walking distance to restaurants and shopping. Perfect for those who want convenience.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table
📍 180 sites 💰 $55/night avg 🚗 40ft max 🏊 Resort amenities Full-service RV resort. Spacious sites with full hookups (30/50 amp), heated pool, hot tub, clubhouse, and planned activities. Clean laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly. Popular with snowbirds and families. Book early for winter months.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table 🏊 Pool
📍 160 sites 💰 $63/night avg 🚗 45ft max 🌴 Desert luxury Luxury desert resort experience. Premium RV resort with spa, fitness center, golf putting green, and multiple pools. Gated entry, concierge services, and organized activities. Perfect for those wanting a resort vacation with RV convenience.
💧 Water 🔌 Electric 🚿 Showers 🚽 Dump Station 🔥 Fire Pit 🪑 Picnic Table 🏊 Pool/Spa
📍 Dispersed 💰 $0 FREE 🚗 Any size 🌌 Dark skies Free desert boondocking. Bureau of Land Management dispersed camping area about 20 minutes from Lake Havasu City. No facilities but spectacular mountain and lake views. Perfect for self-contained RVs wanting solitude and stargazing. 14-day limit.
🔥 Fire Pit 🆓 Totally FREE 🌟 Dark Skies 💧 No Water 🔌 No Electric 🚿 No Facilities
📍 Getting There from Irvine
Route: I-5 North → I-10 East → I-40 West → Highway 95 South
Distance: 290 miles (580 round trip)
Drive Time: 4.5 hours without stops
Fuel Cost: Approximately $120-150 for a Class C RV round trip
🌉 London Bridge & Must-See Attractions
The Famous London Bridge: Yes, it's the actual London Bridge from England! Robert McCulloch bought it in 1968 for $2.46 million, had it dismantled piece by piece, and rebuilt it over Lake Havasu. It's now the #1 tourist attraction and a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Top Activities at Lake Havasu
- Water Sports: Jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding
- Fishing: Largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, and catfish year-round
- London Bridge Beach: Swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball
- Boat Tours: Sightseeing cruises and sunset dinner cruises
- Hiking: SARA Park trails, Rotary Park, and desert mountain hikes
- Spring Break: March party atmosphere with college students (love it or avoid it)
🌡️ When to Visit Lake Havasu
Perfect Weather (October - April): Daytime highs 75-85°F, cool nights 45-55°F. This is peak season for snowbirds and the best time for RV camping. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make every day perfect for outdoor activities.
Hot Summer (May - September): Extremely hot with temperatures reaching 115°F+. Popular for water sports since you can cool off in the lake, but challenging for RV camping without excellent air conditioning. Resort pools become essential.
💡 Spring Break Tip: March is party central with college students. Great energy if you're looking for fun, but book early and expect higher prices and noise. For peace and quiet, visit November-February or April-May.
🚤 Water Sports & Lake Activities
Boat Rentals & Marinas
- Lake Havasu Marina: Full-service marina with boat rentals and fuel
- Sandpoint Marina: Jet ski and pontoon boat rentals
- Nautical Beachfront Resort: Water sports equipment and instruction
- SARA Park: Public boat launch and beach access
Fishing at Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is known for excellent bass fishing. The lake holds the world record for largemouth bass. Fish year-round, but spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) are most productive. Arizona fishing license required.
🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
- Shugrue's Restaurant: Upscale dining with lake views
- College Street Brewhouse: Craft beer and pub food
- Shugrues Island Bar & Grill: Waterfront dining and cocktails
- Mudshark Brewing Company: Local brewery with outdoor patio
- The Turtle Back Tavern: Sports bar with lake views
📱 Cell Service & Connectivity
- All Carriers: Excellent coverage in Lake Havasu City and all major RV parks
- Verizon & AT&T: Strong 4G/5G throughout the area
- T-Mobile: Good coverage in town, spotty in remote BLM areas
- Wi-Fi: Available at most RV resorts, coffee shops, and libraries
🐕 Pet Policy
- Pets welcome at all RV parks with standard leash requirements
- Many RV resorts have designated dog parks and pet washing stations
- Lake access for pets varies by location — check specific park rules
- Summer heat warning: pavement and sand can burn paw pads
- Bring plenty of water and shade for pets during outdoor activities
🚐 RV Size & Accessibility Guide
Campground Max RV + Tow Pull-Through Boat Parking Big Rig Friendly Cattail Cove65 ft totalSomeYesYes Windsor Beach60 ft totalLimitedYesModerate Islander RV70 ft totalMostYesExcellent Havasu Falls Resort75 ft totalManyYesExcellent Craggy Wash BLMNo limitN/AYesVaries
🔧 Generator Tips for BLM Camping
For free camping at Craggy Wash and other BLM areas:
- Generator hours typically 8 AM - 8 PM (check current regulations)
- Bring extra fuel — nearest gas station is 20+ minutes away
- Solar panels highly recommended for extended stays
- Quiet generators preferred — respect other campers
- All RV We Go rentals include a generator and solar charging
🏪 Supplies & Services in Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City is a full-service resort town with excellent amenities:
Shopping & Services
- Walmart Supercenter: Full grocery and RV supplies
- Fry's Food Stores: Large supermarket chain
- Auto Zone & O'Reilly's: Auto parts and basic RV supplies
- Ace Hardware: Hardware, propane, camping supplies
- Multiple Gas Stations: Easy access, most have diesel
RV Services
- Lake Havasu RV Center: Parts, service, and repairs
- Havasu Mobile RV Service: On-site repairs and maintenance
- Multiple propane dealers including U-Haul and hardware stores
🏥 Emergency & Medical Services
- Emergency: Call 911 (excellent cell coverage)
- Havasu Regional Medical Center: Full-service hospital
- Urgent care clinics: Multiple locations in town
- Police: Lake Havasu City Police (928) 855-1171
- Coast Guard: Lake patrol for water emergencies
🌦️ Weather & Seasonal Considerations
Summer Heat Management
Summer temperatures exceed 115°F regularly. If camping in summer:
- Ensure reliable RV air conditioning and 50-amp hookups
- Plan water activities during hottest parts of day
- Avoid outdoor activities 11 AM - 4 PM
- Use resort pools and air-conditioned facilities
- Monitor for heat exhaustion and stay hydrated
Winter Perfect Weather
November through March offers ideal RV camping conditions — sunny, 70-80°F days and cool nights perfect for campfires.
📅 Sample 3-Day Lake Havasu Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival & London Bridge
- Morning: Pick up RV, drive to Lake Havasu (4.5 hours)
- Afternoon: Set up at Cattail Cove, explore campground
- Evening: Drive to London Bridge, dinner at Shugrue's with lake views
- Sunset: Walk across London Bridge, photos and ice cream
Day 2 — Water Sports Day
- Morning: Rent jet skis or pontoon boat
- Midday: Swimming and beach time at London Bridge Beach
- Afternoon: Continue water activities, explore the lake
- Evening: Barbecue at campsite, campfire and stargazing
Day 3 — Explore & Depart
- Morning: Hike SARA Park trails or visit lake overlooks
- Late morning: Shopping and lunch in town
- Afternoon: Begin drive home, stop in Palm Springs for dinner
💰 Complete Cost Breakdown
ExpenseBudget OptionLuxury OptionNotes RV Rental (3 nights)$540$540$180/night Class C Campsite (3 nights)$90$189State park vs. luxury resort Gas (round trip)$120$120580 miles total Activities$200$400Boat rental, equipment Food & Dining$150$300Groceries vs. restaurants Miscellaneous$50$100Souvenirs, extras TOTAL$1,150$1,649$230-330 per person (4 people)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Arizona fishing license?
Yes, if you're 14+ years old. One-day licenses available for $15, annual non-resident for $55. Available at marinas, sporting goods stores, and online. Can you swim in Lake Havasu year-round?
Water temperature ranges from 50°F in winter to 85°F+ in summer. Most comfortable May through October, but many people swim year-round. Is Lake Havasu family-friendly or party-focused?
Both! March is college spring break (party atmosphere), but the rest of the year is very family-friendly with calm waters and resort amenities. What's the best campground for boat owners?
Cattail Cove State Park — direct lake access, boat launch, and sites designed for RV + boat trailer combinations up to 65 feet total length. Is there nightlife at Lake Havasu?
Moderate nightlife with waterfront bars, live music venues, and seasonal events. Much more active during spring break and summer weekends. How far is the Grand Canyon from Lake Havasu?
About 150 miles (3 hours) to Grand Canyon South Rim. Makes a great day trip or extend your RV vacation to include both destinations.
Book Your Lake Adventure →
Ready to experience Arizona's water sports paradise? Our RVs come equipped with everything you need for the perfect Lake Havasu getaway.
⚠️ Disclaimer: All information on this page is provided for general reference only. Prices, amenities, availability, phone numbers, and policies may change without notice. For the most current and accurate information, please contact the campground, park, or service provider directly. RV We Go is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to third-party information. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.