Is Boat-In Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Boat-In Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Boat-In Campground before I book?

Yes! Boat-In Campground has 20 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Boat-In Campground?

Boat-In Campground is open Park open 24 hours, year-round. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Boat-In Campground?

Boat-In Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Boat-In Campground?

Fire policies at Boat-In Campground: Developed sites: fires allowed in provided fire rings year-round unless other fire restrictions are in effect. Boat-in sites: no fire pits or campfires year-round; propane stoves are acceptable.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Boat-In Campground have?

Boat-In Campground has 61 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Boat-In Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Boat-In Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Boat-In Campground?

Boat-In Campground offers: Restrooms, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Boat-In Campground?

Popular activities at Boat-In Campground include Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Boat-In Campground

0 review

Boat-In Campground

A-Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

495 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

61 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Partial Hookups

Book on Arizona State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

495 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

61 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Partial Hookups

Book on Arizona State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Boat-In Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

There is a $3.60 non-refundable reservation fee per reserved campsite. There is a $15.00 per night fee for second vehicles. The fee will be paid upon...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Arizona State Parks

Provider

(480) 340-4810; (928) 855-1223; Reservations: 1-877-MY PARKS (1-877-697-2757)

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Boat-In Campground

34.3534, -114.1669

Weather at Boat-In Campground

Best Time to Camp at Boat-In Campground

Spring delivers the most comfortable conditions. March through May brings daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-90s and cool nights in the 50s and 60s. Water temperatures warm enough for swimming, and desert wildflowers bloom. April and May weekends fill up, so weekdays work better. Summer heat reaches 110-115°F. October and November offer another mild window. Winter attracts snowbirds but stays pleasant.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Overview: 'Spring delivers the most comfortable conditions' and warm water temps noted.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Park open 24 hours, year-round

About Boat-In Campground

Boat-in Campground sits along the Lake Havasu shoreline at Cattail Cove State Park, accessible only by water. The 61 primitive sites are first-come, first-served. Campers park trailers in the main lot, pay parking and camping fees via the iron ranger at their chosen site, then paddle or motor to claim a spot along the coves.

Primitive, boat-access-only camping sites (first-come, first-served).

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the most comfortable conditions. March through May brings daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-90s and cool nights in the 50s and 60s. Water temperatures warm enough for swimming, and desert wildflowers bloom. April and May weekends fill up, so weekdays work better. Summer heat reaches 110-115°F. October and November offer another mild window. Winter attracts snowbirds but stays pleasant.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads across coves where the Colorado River widens into Lake Havasu, at 495 feet elevation. Desert vegetation meets the water. Sites sit directly on the shoreline, with views across the lake. The surrounding 2,000-acre park combines desert landscape with Lake Havasu's coves and beaches. Wildlife viewing includes desert birds and occasional bighorn sheep on nearby rocky outcrops.

Geological RegionLake Havasu on the Colorado River in Arizona

Scenic ViewsLake Havasu / Colorado River shoreline views

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 noon

Stay Limit

Maximum stay two weeks (14 nights)

Need help booking Boat-In Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Electric and water is available in all sites, and a picnic table and BBQ/fire pit are also available. Fires are allowed in the fire rings at each site all year, unless other fire restrictions are in effect. In the lower campground, there are 61 sites: 57 offer 30 amp service. Four sites offer 50 amp service. In the upper campground, there are 78 sites with full hookups: water, sewer, and 50 amp service.

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Boat-in campsites located along Lake Havasu shoreline provide primitive lakeside camping and opportunities to observe desert plants and local wildlife. Sites are first-come, first-served.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBoat-in sites have no fire pits or campfires year-round; other fire restrictions may be in effect for developed sites. Visitors are asked to pack out trash (waste bins provided at boat-in areas); primitive boat-in sites have pit toilets.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Boat-In Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors commonly praise the park for well‑maintained grounds, clean facilities, pleasant beaches and trails, and a good boat launch. Common complaints include occasional rude interactions with staff, reports of poor or no cell signal, and slow development/expansion of additional sites.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Well‑kept grounds and beaches; friendly/helpful staff reported by many; good hiking trails and scenic lake views; convenient boat access and launch; clean bathrooms and shower facilities noted in...

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Boat-In Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

There is a $3.60 non-refundable reservation fee per reserved campsite. There is a $15.00 per night fee for second vehicles. The fee will be paid upon...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Arizona State Parks

Provider

(480) 340-4810; (928) 855-1223; Reservations: 1-877-MY PARKS (1-877-697-2757)

Go if

Boaters who want a shoreline spot without a full-service crowd. Spring weekdays in March through May hit the sweet spot, mid-70s to low-90s with wildflowers blooming. Bighorn sheep occasionally visible on the rocky outcrops above the coves.

Skip if

No boat means no entry. Beyond that: no potable water, no campfires (propane only), no cell service, and pets aren't allowed. First-time visitors expecting hookups or a shower will need to rethink their kit before launching.

Nearby Campgrounds

Main Campground sits on the Colorado River at Buckskin Mountain State Park, 11 miles north of Parker off Highway 95. The 80 sites include tent and RV spots with water and 30-amp electric hookups, and 15 sites add sewer connections. Riverfront sites put you steps from the water. Elevation is 463 feet in the lower Colorado River valley.

Main Campground sits on the Colorado River at River Island State Park, 37 sites ranging from beachfront tent spots to full-hookup RV sites. You're camping where the river carves through desert, with a sandy cove for swimming, ramadas for shade, and a boat launch. Fees run $5–20 per night depending on site type and hookups.

$5.00 - $20.00 / night

Frequently Visited

3.5

(186)

Crossroads Campground

1785 Kiowa Ave, Lake Havasu City, AZ, 86403, USA

Crossroads Campground sits along the Colorado River in the Parker Strip Recreation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This small, no-fee campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets, picnic tables, and direct river access for fishing and boating. Wild burros roam the area, and winter brings comfortable temperatures and lower crowds than the spring break rush.

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

Cabin Loop sits on the Colorado River shoreline at Lake Havasu State Park with 13 furnished cabins that sleep five (one queen bed, two bunks). Rates run $139–$149 per night with weekend minimums. Each cabin has AC, heat, electricity, and an outdoor patio with BBQ grill, picnic table, and fire ring. No in-cabin bathrooms or kitchens. Shared shower facilities are a short walk away.

$139.00 - $149.00 / night

699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

Main Campground sits on the Lake Havasu shoreline in the Mojave Desert, minutes from Lake Havasu City. The campground offers waterfront RV sites with 50-amp hookups, water, and ramadas, plus clean restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station. Sites cost $50/night. Reservations fill quickly on weekends, especially for lakefront spots.

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Cabin Campground sits directly on Lake Havasu's shoreline at 466 feet elevation, offering 13 air-conditioned cabins steps from the water. Rates run $139–$149 per night with two- or three-night minimums on weekends and holidays. Each cabin includes beds, heating and cooling, a porch, picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ grill, but no kitchen appliances or linens.

$139.00 - $149.00 / night

Less Visited

0.0

(2)

Shea Road Spectator Area

Craggy Wash Dispersed Camping Area

Escape to Craggy Wash, where dramatic desert rock formations meet endless Mojave skies and absolutely zero campground fees. This BLM dispersed camping gem offers true boondocking freedom with world-class stargazing, climbing opportunities, and canyon views—all just a short drive from Lake Havasu City when you need to restock supplies.

RVs

Primitive

31.674 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

$139.00 - $149.00 / night

699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

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Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites

Lake Havasu Field Office, 1785 Kiowa Avenue, Lake Havasu City, AZ, 86403, USA

Lake Havasu Shoreline Sites offers primitive camping with direct water access along Lake Havasu, managed by the Lake Havasu Field Office. Campers pitch tents or park RVs at shoreline spots equipped with picnic tables and grills, with fishing, swimming, and boating right from camp. The setup is basic and budget-friendly, appealing to those who prioritize lake access over developed amenities.

Paddlewheel Boat-In Campground

null

Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground sits on the Colorado River in Picacho State Recreation Area, accessible only by boat. Two primitive sites, priced $25-$35 per night, offer large flat areas with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. No potable water or trash collection. You pack in everything and pack out everything.

2 campsites

Primitive

153.454 km

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

$5.00 - $20.00 / night

Carrizo Boat-In Campground

Carrizo Boat-in Campground, Picacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283

Carrizo Boat-in Campground sits on the Colorado River's edge within Picacho State Recreation Area, accessible only by boat. Two primitive campsites offer picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Fees run $25-35 per night. There's no potable water, so bring your own.

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Frequently Visited

3.7

(119)

Cottonwood Cove Campground

601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV, 89005

Cottonwood Cove Campground sits on the Nevada shore of Lake Mead, operated by the National Park Service in a low-elevation desert setting near Searchlight. The campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, a dump station, potable water, and a camp store, serving as a base for boating, kayaking, and shore fishing on the lake. Reviewers praise the lakefront location and staff friendliness, though maintenance and cleanliness concerns appear in some reports.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Less Visited

3.4

(42)

Cottonwood Cove Rv Park

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Cottonwood Cove RV Park sits on the Nevada shore of Lake Mohave within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, about an hour from Laughlin. Operated by Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, this very small lakefront park caters to boaters and water-sports enthusiasts who want direct access to one of the Colorado River's major reservoirs. The on-site cafe and store serve campers and day visitors, though sites are narrow and shade is scarce in the desert terrain.

Taylor Lake Boat-In Campground

Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground, Picacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283

Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground offers four remote sites accessible only by boat along the Colorado River in Picacho State Recreation Area. Each site accommodates up to eight people and three vehicles, with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Fees run $20–35 per night. One site meets ADA accessibility standards.

$20.00 - $35.00 / night

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Katherine Landing Campground

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Katherine Landing Campground sits on the Nevada shore of Lake Mohave within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, operated by the National Park Service. This full-service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with direct access to a marina, boat ramp, and sandy swim beach. Visitors come for boating, fishing, and water sports on the reservoir, with desert hiking and wildlife viewing along the shoreline.

Campgrounds

Cattail Cove

Boat-In Campground

A-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 97% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 207 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Cleanliness
Grade A-.Things to do
Grade A-.Facilities

Watch-outs

Grade C+.Booking
Grade C+.Crowds & noise
Grade C+.Campsites

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Arizona grades overall

About WestWorld

Context for the broader area surrounding Boat-In Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

WestWorld is located in north Scottsdale at the base of the McDowell Mountains. Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert with over 360 acres of pristine landscaping, the covered Equidome Arena, Brett's Barn, and state-of-the-art equine facilities provide a spectacular setting for a variety of venues, including four annual Signature Events: the Barrett/Jackson Classic Auto Auction; All Arabian Horse Show; Sun Country Quarter Horse Show; and the Thunderbird Balloon Classic. Other amenities are also available at WestWorld, including horseback riding, catering facility, hiking trails into the McDowell Mountains, and recreational vehicle spaces. In November 1999, the Sanctuary Golf Course opened at the east end of the West World property. This 18-hole golf course, with only 75 acres of turf, is designed to be water efficient, easily maintained, and was awarded membership in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (the first golf course ever to achieve this distinction upon initial opening).

Directions

Area is north of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard in Scottsdale, Arizona. Pima Frontage road is open northbound and southbound. Call 480.312.6802 or see <A HREF="http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/documents/westworld/WWDirections.pdf">Directions</a> here.

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