Quick Definition
RV parking near London Bridge refers to campgrounds and RV parks around one of Arizona's most distinctive landmarks—the historic London Bridge that rises 880 feet above Lake Havasu. Built in 1831 in London, England, the bridge was purchased by developer Robert McCulloch in 1968 for $2.46 million, disassembled into 10,276 granite blocks, shipped across the Atlantic, and painstakingly reassembled in Lake Havasu City by 1971. Today, the bridge spans a scenic inlet of Lake Havasu, a stunning 19,300-acre reservoir stretching 25 miles long. The English Village sits at the bridge's base, creating a charming British-themed district. Most RV parks in the London Bridge area offer waterfront or near-waterfront access, making them ideal for boaters, fishers, and anyone seeking a unique desert water destination. For a full list of options, check out Lake Havasu City RV parks.
TL;DR
- London Bridge was relocated from England to Lake Havasu City in 1968–1971 and stands as the area's signature landmark
- Lake Havasu spans 19,300 acres and stretches 25 miles, offering world-class boating, fishing, and water sports
- The English Village at the bridge's base features shops, restaurants, and galleries with European flair
- Topock Gorge, 16 miles north, offers scenic paddling and photography opportunities
- Cattail Cove State Park sits 15 miles south with camping, fishing, and hiking trails
- Peak snowbird season (November–March) brings crowds; book months in advance
- Summer temperatures can reach 115°F; plan accordingly with shade, AC, and water hookups
London Bridge Area RV Zones: Where to Stay
Waterfront & Bridge-View Parks: These are the crown jewel—pull up with a view of London Bridge or wake to lake sunrises. Parks in this zone include direct beach access, boat ramps, and full hookups. Most fill during snowbird season. Expect premium rates ($60–$90/night for premium waterfront sites) but unbeatable scenery and convenience.
English Village Adjacent: Located steps from the English Village shops and restaurants, these parks trade raw waterfront for walkability. You're close to dining, galleries, and the bridge entrance, ideal if you want to explore on foot. Rates run $45–$65/night, and parking can be tight in high season. For more options across the region, explore Colorado River RV parks.
Downtown Lake Havasu (South Shore): Just south of the city center, these parks offer good value and quieter settings. You'll get full hookups, shade, and a short drive to the bridge. Rates typically fall between $40–$60/night. This zone suits families and longer stays.
North Shore & Inlet Access: Quieter, more spacious parks north of downtown with direct lake access and lower crowds. Full hookups and pull-thrus are common. Rates hover around $45–$70/night depending on season and amenities. Perfect if you're launching a boat daily.
Things to Do Near London Bridge & Lake Havasu
Walk the London Bridge: The bridge itself is pedestrian-friendly with interpretive plaques explaining its history. The sunset views are magnificent, and the bridge structure—all original granite blocks—is a marvel of engineering and stubbornness. Free to walk; it takes about 15–20 minutes to cross.
Explore the English Village: This themed district at the bridge's base has restaurants, gift shops, art galleries, and a small museum dedicated to the bridge's relocation story. Grab fish and chips, browse British imports, and experience a slice of Old London in the Arizona desert. Street performers sometimes entertain on weekends.
Paddle Topock Gorge: Located 16 miles north, this scenic canyon is reachable by kayak or motorboat from Lake Havasu. Sheer stone walls, hidden coves, and excellent wildlife viewing (bighorn sheep, golden eagles, herons) make this a photographer's paradise. Most RV parks offer boat rentals or can direct you to local outfitters.
Visit Cattail Cove State Park: Just 15 miles south, this quieter state park offers fishing, a 2-mile nature trail, primitive camping, and picnic areas. It's less crowded than the bridge area and great for a day trip or overnight stay if you want a slower pace.
Houseboat & Boat Rentals: If your RV has the hookups but you want to take water as your "vehicle," nearly every RV park offers partnerships with houseboat or powerboat rental services. Multiday rentals are common and let you explore the full 25-mile lake at your own pace.
Fishing the Colorado River: Lake Havasu is stocked with striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Charter boats and guided trips depart from the marina near the English Village. Whether you fish from shore or hire a guide, bring a valid Arizona fishing license. For more destination ideas, see RV parks near Lake Mohave.
Practical Tips for RVing Near London Bridge
Book Early for Spring Break & Winter: Snowbird season (mid-November to mid-March) and spring break fill parks weeks or months ahead. Reserve 8–12 weeks in advance if you want a waterfront site during peak windows.
Prepare for Summer Heat: Summer temperatures regularly hit 110–115°F. Ensure your AC unit is serviced before arrival, run full-time hookups, and stay hydrated. Many RVers skip June–August entirely or visit only if they have excellent cooling and shade structures.
Get Boat Launch Info Before Arrival: If you're bringing a boat, call ahead to confirm launch fee structure ($5–$10 per launch), hours of operation, and current water levels. Lake Havasu remains full year-round, but launch conditions vary by zone.
Plan for Crowds on Weekends: Even outside peak season, Lake Havasu sees weekend influxes from Las Vegas and Phoenix. If you value quiet, plan mid-week or arrive Monday–Wednesday.
Bring Shade: Desert sun in a parking lot is brutal. Invest in an awning, shade sail, or pop-up canopy. You'll triple your outdoor comfort and reduce interior heat gain. For strategies on managing peak seasons, check Bullhead City RV parks for neighboring options.
Cost Math
A 3-night stay in the London Bridge area breaks down as follows:
RV Park (Waterfront Site, High Season)
- Nightly rate: $75
- 3 nights: $225
- Water/electric hookups included
- No additional park fees (most parks include amenities)
- Total RV: $225
Comparable Lakefront Hotel (High Season)
- Nightly rate: $180–$200
- 3 nights: $540–$600
- Taxes (8–10%): +$43–$60
- Parking fee: +$15
- No meals or activities included
- Total Hotel: $598–$675
Savings with RV: $373–$450 over 3 nights. Even modest waterfront RV parks offer better economics than lakefront hotels, plus you have your own kitchen, laundry facilities, and flexibility to stay longer without penalty.
London Bridge Area RV Parks: At a Glance
| Park Name | Location | Full Hookups | Pull-Thru | Nightly Rate | Pets | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havasu Landing Resort & Casino | North Shore, 2 mi from bridge | Yes | Yes | $65–$85 | Yes | Yes |
| London Bridge Beach Resort | Waterfront, steps from bridge | Yes | Yes | $70–$95 | Yes | Yes |
| Desert Gold RV Park | Downtown Lake Havasu (South) | Yes | Yes | $45–$60 | Yes | Limited |
| Marina RV Park | Near English Village | Yes | Yes | $55–$75 | Limited | Yes |
| Sandpoint Marina & RV Park | North Shore, inlet access | Yes | Yes | $60–$80 | Yes | Yes |
| Dragonfly Marina RV | Waterfront, scenic cove | Yes | Yes | $75–$90 | Deposit | Yes |
| Crazy Horse Campground | Quieter, south of downtown | Partial | Some | $35–$50 | Yes | Limited |
| Cattail Cove State Park 15 miles south | No (primitive) | No | $20–$30 | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is London Bridge the same bridge from "London Bridge Is Falling Down"? Not quite. The actual nursery rhyme refers to an even older bridge built around 1176 (also called the "Old London Bridge"). The bridge in Lake Havasu is the Rennie Bridge, built in 1831 by engineer John Rennie—it's iconic and historic in its own right, but a different structure. The bridge Robert McCulloch bought was the 1831 version, which was being replaced by a newer span across the Thames.
What's the best time of year to RV at Lake Havasu? October through May is ideal—mild temperatures, clear skies, and manageable crowds outside of spring break. November through March is peak snowbird season; December through February are the busiest months. Late April through September is scorching (110–120°F); most part-time RVers avoid this period. June is slightly cooler than July/August but still hot.
Can I bring my boat to an RV park? Almost all waterfront and near-waterfront parks offer boat launch access, and many have boat slips available for an additional fee ($10–$25/night). Some parks include launch privileges with your nightly rate; others charge per use. Confirm with the park before booking if launching your own boat is essential to your stay.
Are there full hookups available year-round? Yes. Even smaller parks offer year-round full hookups (water, electric, sewer). However, availability is limited in peak season, so reservations are critical. Winter is the best time to find availability; summer often sees fewer full-hookup sites occupied due to heat.
What's the cell phone and internet situation? Major carriers (Verizon, AT&T) have solid coverage around Lake Havasu and the bridge area. Most RV parks offer Wi-Fi, though quality varies from excellent to spotty depending on the park. If remote work is essential, confirm Wi-Fi strength with the park before booking or bring a hotspot device as backup.
Is fishing allowed at Lake Havasu RV parks? Yes, fishing is permitted. You'll need a valid Arizona fishing license (available online or at any sporting goods store). Many RV parks are directly on the water or have shoreline access. Peak fishing for stripers happens October through May; summer lake fishing is slower.
What should I know about the English Village? It's a charming but touristy district with restaurants, gift shops, and galleries celebrating London heritage. It's walkable from waterfront RV parks (10–20 minutes) and offers good photo ops, fish and chips, and browsing. Expect moderate crowds, especially weekends. Most shops are open 10 AM to 6 PM; restaurants vary by season.
How far is Topock Gorge, and is it worth the trip? Topock Gorge is 16 miles north (about 30 minutes by boat, 45 minutes by car to the trailhead). It's absolutely worth it for kayakers and photographers—towering red cliffs, clear water, and wildlife. If you don't have a boat, you can hike into the canyon from the south trailhead, but water access is the main draw.
Are there grocery stores and services near London Bridge? Yes. Lake Havasu has two supermarkets (Bashas' and a smaller Safeway), several gas stations, hardware stores, and urgent care facilities. Everything you need is within 5–10 minutes of the bridge area. RV service shops are available if you need mechanical help.
What's the biggest downside to RVing at London Bridge? Heat in summer (115°F+) and extreme crowds in winter (December–February and spring break). Summer requires careful AC maintenance and shade planning; winter requires booking months ahead. The trade-off is scenery and water access—Lake Havasu and the bridge justify the effort. Visit Arizona RV parks to explore alternatives if timing is tight.
Thinking About Selling Your RV Park Near London Bridge?
If you own or operate an RV park in the Lake Havasu or London Bridge area, now is an excellent time to explore your options. The Colorado River corridor is hot—tourism is strong, seasonal demand is reliable, and outdoor recreation continues to drive visitation. Whether you're looking to exit, upgrade, or optimize your operation, we'd love to talk. Jenna Reed and the team at rv-parks.org specialize in RV park acquisition and operations in the Southwest. Reach out to Jenna at jenna@rv-parks.org or visit our acquisition page to learn more about how we work with sellers and operators.