Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
Yes
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
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.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a protective conservation area encompassing over 300 miles of shoreline along 30 river miles of the Lake Havasu area.

This National Wildlife Refuge includes sections of the California and Arizona shorelines of the river between the towns of Needles, California to the north and Lake Havasu City, Arizona to the south. The habitat of the refuge is home to over 300 species of birds, as the area lies along the Pacific Flyway and is an essential landscape to migratory birds as well as native species.

While the refuge was established under the Roosevelt administration in 1941 due to its importance for migratory birds, it is also home to a variety of fish species, and today offers many access points for recreational visitors to launch paddle boats from, to fish at, to explore the desert environment along the river wetlands and marshes, or just to sit in the shade at one of its covered picnic tables or benches.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is free to visit, and some of its established areas include:

Features at each of the public access areas vary, including boat ramps, hiking areas, fishing and observation docks, covered benches, and telescopes. There are no overnight camping areas located in the wildlife refuge, however there are many camping options lying immediately outside of it.

Guided tours are offered occasionally by the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, which can be visited at 31 Mesquite Avenue in Needles, California.

Those interested in learning more about the refuge and its programs, or planning a visit are invited to log onto the wildlife refuge's website for complete information.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Large protection area with recreational opportunities.

Cons

Much of area is restricted to day use.

Features

ADA accessible
Vault toilet
Boat ramp(s)
Historically significant
Wildlife
Fishing
Big vistas
Shelters
Family friendly
Picnic tables
Near lake or river
Native artifacts
Wildflowers
Bird watching
Covered picnic areas
Guided tours

Location

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