Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge includes 6100 acres from the lower Lake Havasu area, and received its special designation as a result of its critical importance to bird populations and its natural cottonwood stands.

As a whole, the refuge area includes several parking areas, miles of hiking trails, boating and fishing areas, an auto tour and ranger led programs. Of all of these areas, the easiest to access is the central day use area located immediately off of Highway 95. Here, a Visitor Center is available for refuge visitors, as well as paved trails leading to shaded benches and lookout areas, as well as fishing docks and tables. 

The day use area also has a boat ramp that is restricted to non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes. The Peninsula Trail begins at the Visitor Center and heads out toward the water, and is wheelchair accessible for most of its length. Along the way are telescopes where visitors can look at the mountainous landscape near the lower end of Lake Havasu, or try to spot some of the hundreds of migrating bird species that travel through or nest in the cattail stands near the mouth of Bill Williams River.

The Day Use area is located right off of Highway 95, and can make a quick stop or can be explored at length by visitors.

There is no fee to visit the Day Use area of the Wildlife Refuge.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Pros

Few crowds. Wide views. Accessible.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

ADA accessible
Boat ramp(s)
Historically significant
Wildlife
Fishing
Flushing toilets
Family friendly
Near lake or river
Big vistas
Picnic tables

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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