Water Sports
When construction of Parker Dam was completed in 1938, the reservoir it created to supply water to Southern California and Arizona became Lake Havasu. The lake is a 45-mile-long playground for water sports of all kinds. Whether it's waterskiing, Jet Skiing, stand-up paddling, powerboating, houseboating, swimming, fishing, or you name it, if water is required, it's happening on Lake Havasu.
With a boat, you have more options: you can find a quiet, secluded cove or beach to swim or fish. If you have a need for speed, you can plane up and down the lake with or without a skier in tow.
Cattail Cove State Park. On the eastern shore of the lake 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City is 2,000-acre Cattail Cove State Park, a popular spot for fishing and boating (you can rent boats at the marina). There are 61 first-come first-served campsites ($30; four largest are $35) with access to electricity and water, and public restrooms with showers. AZ 95, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, 86405. 928/855–1223; azstateparks.com/cattail-cove. $10 per vehicle weekdays, $15 weekends. Daily 6am–10 pm.
Lake Havasu State Park. Near London Bridge, Lake Havasu State Park has an interpretive nature garden and a level 1¾-mile trail that's perfect for watching the sunset. With three boat ramps, extensive docking, electrical hookups, and about 55 reservable campsites ($35–$40 daily, including day-use fee), it's an extremely popular spot in summer. 699 London Bridge Rd., Lake Havasu City, Arizona, 86403. 928/855–2784; azstateparks.com/lake-havasu. $15 per vehicle weekdays, $20 weekends. Visitor center, daily 6am-4pm; May-Sept, Fri-Sun 6am-6pm.
Equipment and Rentals
Arizona WaterSports. You can rent Jet Skis, jet boats, ski boats, and pontoon boats here, as well as a variety of other water toys, from wakeboards to inner tubes, and off-road vehicles. The company also has branches down at Parker Dam and at Blue Water Resort & Casino in Parker and delivers to most area campgrounds. 655 Kiowa Ave., Lake Havasu City, Arizona, 86403. 928/453–5558; 800/393–5558; www.arizonawatersports.com.
