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Colorado River – Mohave County Vacation Rentals

Boat the cool blue water with your family at the Colorado River near the wide-open lawns of Rotary Park in Arizona.

Bullhead City's Colorado River: Desert Canyons and Casino Lights

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Colorado River – Mohave County

Why Rent On Colorado River - Mohave County

The Colorado River in Mohave County flows through steep canyon walls and sun-baked volcanic cliffs between Davis Dam and Lake Havasu in one of the most visually dramatic river landscapes in the American Southwest. The city of Bullhead City sits on the Arizona bank directly across from Laughlin, Nevada’s casino strip, creating a unique geography where natural canyon beauty and resort entertainment face each other across 300 feet of moving water. The year-round sunshine, warm water, and dual-destination character of this stretch make it one of the most distinctive river lake environments in the country.

A Bullhead City Rental on the River

Vacation rentals in Bullhead City and along the Mohave County riverfront range from modest cabins with river views to full lakefront homes with private boat docks and outdoor kitchen setups designed for extended stays. A rental here gives your family direct river access, a kitchen for group meals, and the option of crossing to Laughlin’s gaming and entertainment district by water taxi or footbridge whenever the evening calls for it. Pet-friendly properties are available along the river corridor, and the wide, flat riverbank parks and trails provide easy walking access for dogs and children throughout the year.

Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, and the Davis Dam Tailwaters

The Colorado River in Mohave County holds striped bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, and bluegill in water that benefits from the consistent temperature and oxygenation of the Davis Dam release. The dam’s tailwaters are among the best early-morning fishing spots on the Lower Colorado, particularly for rainbow trout in the cooler months when the river below the dam maintains a productive temperature range. Rotary Park in Bullhead City provides riverfront picnic areas, a boat ramp, and organized river access for families without their own launch facility.

Big Bend of the Colorado, Scuba Diving, and River Tubing

Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, just south of Bullhead City on the Arizona bank, features sandy river beaches, hiking trails along the canyon rim, and one of the Lower Colorado’s most photographed natural bends. Scuba diving near submerged structures in the river’s deeper sections is a popular activity among certified divers, and the combination of tubing, kayaking, and jet boat tours gives the river a recreational variety that purely landlocked lakes cannot match. Water taxis connecting Bullhead City to Laughlin add an urban dimension to river days that the canyon landscape itself would not predict.

Lazy Harry’s Marina and the Laughlin Connection

Lazy Harry’s Bar and Marina on the Bullhead City waterfront is the kind of river rat institution that defines the social character of the Lower Colorado: cold drinks on a floating deck, boat access, and the river passing at close range throughout the day. The Laughlin casino complex across the water offers gaming, entertainment, buffets, and events that draw families and groups looking for an evening counterpoint to their outdoor river days. For families who want the natural beauty of a desert canyon river combined with the entertainment infrastructure of a Nevada gaming town, the Bullhead City stretch of the Colorado is the only place in the country where both exist at the same address.

Best time to go
Embrace late spring, particularly May, when the Colorado River sparkles beneath the sun’s gentle warmth, inviting water sports enthusiasts to paddle through tranquil waters. With fewer crowds and vibrant wildflowers in bloom, this is the season to savor nature’s magnificent spectacle.
Water Quality
The Colorado River in Mohave County, Arizona, exhibits a deep blue water color, reflecting the clear, cold waters released from the Hoover Dam. The water clarity is crystal-clear, providing excellent visibility for recreational activities.
Surface area (mi)
71.08
Max depth (ft)
89.99
Elevation (ft)
647.97

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Waterskiing
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Jet Skiing
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Marinas on Colorado River - Mohave County

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Colorado River - Mohave County has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, it is generally safe to swim in the Colorado River in Mohave County, Arizona, but there are risks. Swimmers should avoid designated swimming areas and be aware of swift currents and shallow waters. Additionally, water conditions can occasionally be unsafe after heavy rainstorms or if there are unsanitary conditions on the shoreline.

  • Lake Mohave is a popular destination because of its various recreational opportunities. It offers activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, and houseboating. The lake’s diverse terrain, including sandy beaches and steep canyon walls, also attracts visitors.

  • Yes, you need a fishing license to fish on the Colorado River in Mohave County, Arizona. You must have a valid Arizona fishing license or a California fishing license, and if you are fishing from a boat, you also need an Arizona-Colorado river special use permit. Shoreline fishing from the state where your license is valid does not require the special permit.

  • Willow Beach is best for families. It offers a campground with large pull-through sites, boating rentals including kayaks and canoes, and access to the Colorado River for swimming and other water activities. The area also has a marina and convenience store for amenities.

  • Towns near the Colorado River in Mohave County for shopping and dining include Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, and Parker. Lake Havasu City is known for its retail shops and restaurants, while Bullhead City offers a variety of dining options and shopping centers. Parker is a popular spot for water recreation and also has local eateries and stores.