Quick Definition
Lake Havasu City is a purpose-built desert community on the Colorado River in northwestern Arizona, famous for the relocated London Bridge and its sprawling 25-mile lake. The town offers waterfront RV camping with direct access to boating, fishing, and the iconic London Bridge—a 1831 granite structure that once spanned the Thames and now marks the heart of Arizona's river country. Find more options at Colorado River RV parks to explore the region.
TL;DR
- Waterfront RV sites run $40–$90 per night depending on season and hookups
- Lake Havasu spans 25 miles and covers 19,300 acres of open water
- London Bridge was relocated here in 1971 and remains the town's defining landmark
- Spring Break (March) brings peak crowds; book 2–3 months ahead
- Summer temperatures hit 115°F; most RVers are snowbirds (October–April)
- Population triples during winter months due to seasonal migration
- RV parks cluster near the waterfront, downtown, and golf courses
Lake Havasu City Neighborhoods & Zones
London Bridge Area: The downtown core where the iconic bridge stands, packed with shops, restaurants, and waterfront parks. Best for walkability and sightseeing.
Lake Havasu Shoreline: East and west banks offer resort-style RV parks with boat launch access, marinas, and day-use beaches. Most popular for water access.
Northeastern Residential: Golf courses, quieter residential streets, and family-oriented parks inland from the main lake. Lower rates, less congestion.
South Shore & Topock Gorge: Rugged desert terrain near the Topock Gorge (16 miles north) and Cattail Cove State Park (15 miles south). Best for adventure seekers and nature-focused camping.
For more waterfront options, check RV parks near London Bridge.
Things to Do in Lake Havasu City
London Bridge Tours & Photo Stops: The 1831 granite bridge is the must-see. Free to walk across; paid tours available inside the bridge complex. Sunrise and sunset are prime photo times.
Boating & Water Sports: Rent jet skis, pontoons, or fishing boats. The 25-mile lake is calm and perfect for cruising, water skiing, and wake boarding. Several marinas offer rentals and repairs.
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge: Just south of town, this 37,000-acre refuge protects desert bighorn sheep, wild horses, and migratory birds. Accessible via scenic drives and short hikes.
Spring Break Party Scene: March transforms the lake into a carnival of spring breakers. Beach volleyball, live bands, and bar crawls crowd downtown. Not for everyone, but unmissable if you're young and social.
Golf & Resorts: Five 18-hole courses and multiple public links cater to snowbirds. Play rounds October–April when temperatures stay reasonable.
See more regional attractions at RV parks near Lake Mohave.
Practical Tips for Lake Havasu RVing
Plan for Seasonal Heat: Summer (June–August) regularly hits 115°F. If you stay, you'll need a quality AC unit and shade. Most smart RVers wait out summer elsewhere.
Snowbird Season Books Fast: October–April is prime time. Reserve by August if you want waterfront; by September for inland parks. Winter rates are 20–40% higher than shoulder season.
Bring a Houseboat Permit: If you own or rent a houseboat, you'll need a Colorado River permit. The Parker Strip (north of Lake Havasu) is the houseboat heartland; check the Mohave County regulations.
Download the Lake Map: The lake has many narrow coves and islands. Get a detailed map and GPS before boating; cell service drops in remote areas.
Spring Break Avoidance: If quiet is your goal, skip March entirely. If you want the party, book by January and expect premium rates and full parks.
More tips for the region at Bullhead City RV parks.
Cost Math: Lake Havasu RV vs. Hotel during Spring Break
3-Night Spring Break (Mid-March)
Hotel Route:
- Mid-range beachfront hotel: $180–$220 per night = $540–$660 total
- Parking: Included (valet or lot)
- Meals: Eaten out or nearby restaurants ≈ $50–$80 per day = $150–$240 total
- Activities: Lake tours, water rentals ≈ $40–$60 per person per day = $120–$180 total
- Total per 2 people: $810–$1,080 + incidentals
RV Route:
- Waterfront RV site (50/30A): $70–$90 per night = $210–$270 total
- Parking: Included at park
- Meals: Cook in RV ≈ $25–$40 per day = $75–$120 total
- Activities: Same lake tours, rentals = $120–$180 total
- Total per 2 people: $405–$570 + incidentals
Savings: $200–$500+ for three nights. RVs win if you cook and don't require premium lodging. Hotels win if you value service and don't want to drive a large vehicle.
Lake Havasu City RV Park Comparison
| Park Name | Type | Sites | Waterfront | Hookups | Rate (Winter) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Bridge Resort | Resort | 200+ | Yes (lake view) | 50A/water/sewer | $65–$85 | Families, marina access |
| Island RV Resort | Upscale Resort | 100+ | Yes (lake access) | 50A/water/sewer | $75–$95 | Retirees, amenities |
| Sandpoint Marina & RV | Marina-Based | 80 | Yes (direct dock) | 30–50A/water/sewer | $70–$90 | Boaters, fishing |
| Arizona Charlie's RV Park | Budget | 120 | Partial (views) | 30A/water/sewer | $40–$55 | Budget snowbirds |
| Oasis RV Resort & Golf | Golf-Focused | 150 | No (near lake) | 50A/water/sewer | $50–$70 | Golfers, quiet |
| Havasu Springs Resort | Full Service | 110 | Yes (cove access) | 50A/water/sewer | $60–$80 | Water enthusiasts |
| Desert Harbor RV Resort | Mid-Range | 90 | Partial (views) | 30–50A/water/sewer | $45–$65 | Mixed travelers |
| Beachcomber RV Resort | Economy Resort | 130 | Yes (beach access) | 30A/water/sewer | $40–$60 | Families, casual |
Rates are winter 2024–2025 estimates. Spring Break rates 20–40% higher. Summer rates 30–50% lower. Call ahead for current availability and specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is London Bridge doing in Arizona? London Bridge was built in 1831 to span the Thames River in London. In 1968, as London Bridge was sinking under the weight of modern traffic, Robert McCulloch (founder of Lake Havasu City) bought it for $2.46 million. The bridge was disassembled into 10,276 numbered granite blocks, shipped to Arizona, and reassembled from 1969–1971. It now spans a channel in Lake Havasu and draws 2+ million visitors annually.
When is the best time to visit Lake Havasu? October–April (snowbird season) offers perfect weather (70–80°F days), full parks, and premium rates. March explodes with spring breakers; November and February are quieter but still busy. Summer (June–August) is scorching (110–115°F) and most RV parks empty out.
Do I need a boat to enjoy Lake Havasu? No. You can walk the London Bridge, explore downtown shops and restaurants, hike in the surrounding desert, and visit the wildlife refuge without a boat. However, boating is the main draw for many visitors.
Can I moor a houseboat at Lake Havasu? Yes, but it's complicated. The Parker Strip (north of Lake Havasu) is famous for houseboat living. Lake Havasu itself has mooring fields near marinas, but long-term houseboat mooring requires permits from Mohave County and compliance with Colorado River regulations. Check with Havasu Springs Resort or Island RV Resort for houseboat-friendly moorings.
What are the hookup standards at Lake Havasu RV parks? Most parks offer 30-amp and 50-amp electric, freshwater, and full sewer. Waterfront and upscale resorts typically have 50-amp as standard. Budget parks may mix 30-amp and 50-amp. All have WiFi (quality varies); satellite TV is available at select parks.
How hot is Lake Havasu in summer, and is it survivable? June–August hit 110–115°F regularly. Survivable yes, pleasant no. Most RVers run heavy AC, stay poolside, and avoid midday outdoor activity. Summer rates drop 30–50%, but the heat is the real cost. Consider heading to higher elevations (Flagstaff, Prescott) or cooler climates during peak summer.
Is Lake Havasu safe for RV camping? Yes, very. Crime is low, and RV parks employ security. Spring Break draws rowdy crowds downtown, but parks themselves are family-safe and well-managed. Use standard campground precautions (lock doors, don't leave valuables visible).
Can I fish in Lake Havasu? Absolutely. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie. Fishing is excellent year-round, peak in spring and fall. Arizona fishing licenses required (available online or at bait shops). Many RV parks offer fish-cleaning stations.
What's the Parker Strip, and is it near Lake Havasu? The Parker Strip is a wild houseboat community on the Colorado River 40+ miles north of Lake Havasu City, near Parker, Arizona. It's famous for party houseboats and spring break chaos. Lake Havasu is more family-oriented and controlled; Parker Strip is raw and unfiltered.
Do RV parks in Lake Havasu have WiFi and cellular service? Yes and yes. All major RV resorts have WiFi (quality 6–8 Mbps typical). Cellular service (Verizon, AT&T) is solid downtown and near parks; it can drop in remote desert areas. Starlink is increasingly available at parks for remote workers.
For broader RV park options across Arizona, explore Arizona RV parks.
Thinking About Selling Your RV Park Near Lake Havasu?
If you own an RV park in Lake Havasu City or the surrounding Colorado River region, we'd love to talk about acquisition or partnership opportunities. The market here is strong—snowbird demand drives steady occupancy, and waterfront parks command premium rates.
Contact Jenna Reed:
- Email: jenna@rv-parks.org
- Learn more: /sell
We're actively acquiring parks in the Southwest. Let's explore how we can work together.