Nestled along the shores of Lake Havasu, Cattail Cove State Park is one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets, offering over 45 species of migratory birds in its pristine wetland habitat. This 2,000-acre oasis in the Sonoran Desert provides a striking contrast of crystal-clear blue waters against rugged mountain backdrops, creating one of the most picturesque settings in Arizona’s state park system.
Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water, peaceful hiking trails, or a tranquil camping experience under star-filled skies, Cattail Cove delivers exceptional outdoor experiences year-round. As one of the few places where you can enjoy both desert landscapes and refreshing water activities, this hidden gem deserves a spot on your Arizona travel itinerary.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Cattail Cove State Park is located approximately 24 km (15 miles) south of Lake Havasu City along Arizona Highway 95. The park is easily accessible by car, with clear signage directing visitors from the main highway.
The closest major airports to Cattail Cove State Park are:
- McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas) – 270 km (168 miles)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – 322 km (200 miles)
- Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport – 97 km (60 miles)
If you’re driving from Phoenix, take I-10 west to Highway 95 north through Quartzsite, then continue north to the park entrance. From Las Vegas, follow US-93 south to I-40, then take Highway 95 south through Lake Havasu City to reach the park.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Cattail Cove State Park experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year, making timing your visit crucial for comfort and enjoyment.
Recommended Seasons
- Fall (October-November): Perfect temperatures ranging from 18-29°C (65-85°F) with minimal crowds.
- Winter (December-February): Mild days at 15-21°C (60-70°F) and cool nights. Popular with snowbirds and campers.
- Spring (March-April): Beautiful wildflowers and pleasant temperatures of 21-29°C (70-85°F). Weekdays are less crowded than spring break periods.
Seasons to Avoid
- Summer (May-September): Extremely hot with temperatures regularly exceeding 38-46°C (100-115°F). If visiting in summer, plan water activities for early morning.
- Spring Break (mid-March): Lake Havasu area becomes crowded with college students.
- Holiday Weekends: Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July bring heavy crowds to the park.
For the optimal experience, weekday mornings in fall and spring offer the perfect combination of pleasant weather and minimal crowds. Winter weekdays are excellent for camping, with cooler temperatures but still comfortable for outdoor activities.
Getting Around Locally
Navigating Cattail Cove State Park and the surrounding area is straightforward, with several transportation options available to visitors.
Within the Park
- On Foot: The park features several hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Most park amenities are within walking distance of the campgrounds.
- By Boat: Many areas of the park are accessible by water. The four-lane boat ramp provides easy lake access for vessels up to 10.7 m (35 feet) long.
- Kayak/Paddleboard: Rentals are available at the ranger station for exploring the shoreline and hidden coves.
Surrounding Area
- Personal Vehicle: Essential for exploring nearby attractions like Lake Havasu City, Parker, and wildlife refuges.
- Water Taxi: Seasonal water taxi services connect various points along Lake Havasu, including Cattail Cove to Lake Havasu City.
- Bicycle: Bring your own bike to explore the park’s roads and nearby areas. No rental services are available within the park.
Where to Stay
Cattail Cove State Park offers various accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Camping at Cattail Cove
- RV Campsites: 61 developed sites with water and electrical hookups. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Maximum RV length is 21 m (69 feet).
- Tent Camping: Several designated tent camping areas with access to restrooms and shower facilities.
- Boat-in Camping: 32 primitive campsites accessible only by boat along the shoreline, offering a unique experience with pit toilets, picnic tables, and BBQ grills.
- Fees: Campsite fees range from $30-50 per night depending on the season and amenities.
Nearby Accommodations
- Lake Havasu City (24 km/15 miles north): Offers hotels, motels, and resorts across various price ranges.
- The Nautical Beachfront Resort: Lake Havasu’s only beachfront resort, located approximately 26 km (16 miles) from the park.
- Parker (40 km/25 miles south): Provides additional lodging options including hotels and riverside accommodations.
Dining & Local Cuisine
While Cattail Cove State Park doesn’t have restaurants within its boundaries, there are several dining options in the surrounding area. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food for picnics and campsite cooking.
Dining Options
- Lake Havasu City (24 km/15 miles north):
- Shugrue’s – Offers panoramic views of London Bridge and upscale dining
- Mudshark Brewery – Local craft beers and pizza
- Cha-Bones – Steakhouse with happy hour specials
- Parker (40 km/25 miles south):
- Crossroads Café – Classic American diner fare
- BlueWater Resort & Casino – Multiple dining options
Grocery & Supplies
- Stock up on groceries and supplies in Lake Havasu City (Safeway, Smith’s, Walmart) or Parker (Walmart) before arriving at the park.
- The park store offers limited basic supplies, ice, and firewood.
- Bring plenty of drinking water, especially during summer months.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Cattail Cove State Park offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests, with water recreation being the primary draw.
Water Activities
- Swimming: The park features a designated swimming area with a sandy beach, perfect for cooling off during hot days.
- Boating: A four-lane boat ramp provides easy access to Lake Havasu’s 11,200 hectares (27,700 acres) of navigable waters.
- Fishing: The lake is home to smallmouth and largemouth bass, striped bass, bluegill, and catfish. Arizona fishing license required.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Explore hidden coves and the shoreline at your own pace. Rentals available at the ranger station.
Land Activities
- Hiking: Six trails of varying difficulty, including:
- Whyte’s Retreat Trail (easy, 0.8 km/0.5 miles)
- Ted’s Trail (moderate)
- Wayne’s Way (moderate to difficult)
- Ripley’s Run (moderate to difficult)
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, foxes, and numerous bird species.
- Stargazing: Minimal light pollution makes the park excellent for night sky observation.
Nearby Attractions
Within 30 Minutes
- Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge: Located just 13 km (8 miles) south, offering excellent birdwatching and paddling opportunities.
- Lake Havasu State Park: 27 km (17 miles) north, featuring additional beaches and the famous London Bridge.
- Parker Dam: 15 km (9.5 miles) south, an impressive engineering marvel on the Colorado River.
Within 1 Hour
- London Bridge: The original bridge from London, England, relocated to Lake Havasu City in 1971.
- SARA Park: Offers mountain biking trails and hiking, including the popular “Crack” trail.
- River Island State Park: 22 km (14 miles) away, with additional camping and water recreation options.
- Buckskin Mountain State Park: 24 km (15 miles) away, featuring scenic hiking trails.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
While Cattail Cove State Park itself doesn’t host cultural attractions, the surrounding area offers several opportunities to explore the region’s rich history and culture.
Museums & Historical Sites
- Lake Havasu Museum of History: Learn about the region’s past, including Native American history and the story of London Bridge’s relocation.
- Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum: Located in Parker, showcasing the heritage of the region’s indigenous peoples.
- London Bridge: Walk across this historic structure that once spanned the Thames River in London before being relocated to Arizona in 1971.
Annual Events & Festivals
- Lake Havasu Balloon Festival (January): Colorful hot air balloons fill the sky over Lake Havasu.
- Winterfest (February): Arts, crafts, and food festival in Lake Havasu City.
- Desert Storm Poker Run (April): High-performance boat event on Lake Havasu.
- Parker Tube Float (June): Community floating event on the Colorado River.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Cattail Cove State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering diverse recreational opportunities in a stunning desert-meets-water setting.
Water Sports
- Jet Skiing: Rent equipment in Lake Havasu City and enjoy the open waters.
- Water Skiing & Wakeboarding: Popular activities on Lake Havasu’s smooth waters.
- SCUBA Diving: Explore underwater at sites like Copper Canyon and Victoria Cliffs.
Nature Experiences
- Birdwatching: The park is home to numerous bird species, including great blue herons, egrets, osprey, and various migratory birds.
- Desert Botany: Observe native desert plants like saguaro cacti, ocotillo, creosote bush, and seasonal wildflowers.
- Sunset Viewing: The park offers spectacular sunset views over Lake Havasu and the surrounding mountains.
Seasonal Activities
- Spring: Wildflower viewing, especially after wet winters.
- Fall/Winter: Prime hiking season with comfortable temperatures.
- Year-round: Fishing is excellent throughout the year, with different species active in different seasons.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Ensuring a safe and respectful visit to Cattail Cove State Park requires awareness of several important considerations.
Safety Tips
- Heat Safety: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 38°C (100°F). Bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
- Water Safety: Always wear life jackets when boating. Be aware of changing water conditions and boat traffic.
- Wildlife Awareness: Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Watch for rattlesnakes, scorpions, and other desert creatures, especially during warmer months.
- Emergency Preparedness: Cell service can be spotty. Know the location of the ranger station and emergency services.
Park Etiquette
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave your campsite clean.
- Quiet Hours: Observe quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. out of respect for other campers.
- Pet Policies: Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 1.8 m (6 feet) and never left unattended.
- Fire Safety: Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings. Always fully extinguish fires before leaving or sleeping.
Visitor Comments About Cattail Cove State Park
“As an international traveler, I found Cattail Cove State Park to be an unexpected desert oasis. The contrast between the arid landscape and the crystal-clear lake was breathtaking. We rented kayaks and explored the shoreline, spotting several bird species. The campground was well-maintained with clean facilities. A perfect escape from the crowded tourist spots!”
“We visited Cattail Cove during our RV tour of the American Southwest and were thoroughly impressed. The pull-through campsites accommodated our 60-foot rig with ease, and the hook-ups worked perfectly. The boat launch is one of the best we’ve used, and the fishing was excellent—caught several smallmouth bass! The stargazing at night was absolutely magical.”
“My family discovered this gem while looking for a quieter alternative to Lake Havasu City. The swimming beach was perfect for our children, with gentle slopes and clear water. We particularly enjoyed hiking the desert trails in the early morning when wildlife was active. The rangers were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the area. We’ll definitely return during our next Arizona vacation!”
Practical Travel Tips
What to Bring
- Water & Hydration: Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially in summer.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
- Navigation: Download offline maps as cell service can be unreliable.
- First Aid Kit: Include treatments for minor injuries, insect bites, and heat-related issues.
- Cash: For park fees and areas where card payments aren’t accepted.
Planning Essentials
- Reservations: Book campsites well in advance, especially for weekends and peak seasons.
- Park Hours: The park is open 24 hours for campers. Day use hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Fees: Day use fees range from $10-20 per vehicle. Camping fees are $30-50 per night.
- Permits: Arizona fishing license required for fishing activities.
- Accessibility: Several accessible campsites and facilities are available for visitors with mobility challenges.
Your Desert Oasis Awaits
Cattail Cove State Park offers a remarkable blend of desert beauty and refreshing waters, creating a unique outdoor playground for visitors of all interests. From peaceful mornings kayaking along the shoreline to evenings spent stargazing by the campfire, the park provides countless opportunities to connect with nature and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re seeking adventure on Lake Havasu’s sparkling waters, tranquility on secluded hiking trails, or simply a beautiful spot to relax and unwind, Cattail Cove delivers an authentic Arizona experience away from the crowds. Pack your sense of adventure and discover why this hidden gem continues to captivate visitors year after year.
The above is subject to change.
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