Buckskin Mountain State Park & River Island Unit
Camping Reservation Information
Boating Safety Classes in Parker and Lake Havasu. Download Schedule.pdf here |
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| Address Buckskin Mountain: 5476 Highway 95 Parker, Arizona 85344 (928) 667-3231 River Island Unit: 5200 Highway 95 Parker, Arizona 85344 (928) 667-3386 |
Directions about 12 miles north of Parker. The River Island unit is one mile north of Buckskin Mountain State Park. March 2008 Events March 2008 Ranger Talks |
| Park Hours Open 364 per year |
Elevation 420 feet |
2.4 MB PDF)Park Facilities
- Campground (68 sites), 21 cabana sites, beach, trails, restrooms, showers, boat ramp, picnic area,
- basketball and volleyball courts, playground, clothing boutique, restaurant, camp store, arcade, gas dock
- and ranger station.
- River Island offers a campground (37 sites) group-use area with ramada, sandy beach, restroom with showers,
- boat launch,
- horseshoe pits, and ranger station.
| Park Map (pdf) |
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Park Info Rack Card Download |
| Fees |
| Calendar of Events |
| Regional Facilities |
| Weather |
| FAQs |
| Northern Region |
| Southern Region |
| Western Region |
Life Along the Colorado River
Buckskin Mountain State Park commands one of the finest views along the Parker strip, an 18-mile stretch between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam. Mountains line the river on both the Arizona and California sides, and the wildlife is as varied as the recreational opportunities along the river. This picturesque park provides scenic respite, mountain hikes, a desert escape and fun-filled water adventure. The nearby River Island Unit, about one mile north, is ideal for tent campers. It offers a ramada with campfire ring, which may be reserved for group use (fee required) except on holiday weekends. A sandy beach, cove, and boat launch area are also located at the River Island Unit.
In the summer, Buckskin and River Island are popular for boating, jet skiing, swimming and camping. In the winter, visitors appreciate the mild climate and enjoy camping, fishing and hiking in the park. Both areas are year-round destinations for those looking to discover a variety of recreational and cultural resources. The Colorado River Indian Reservation is just east of
Parker and archaeological sites are scattered up and down Arizona's "west coast." Parker Dam, the world's deepest dam, is located approximately five miles to the north on Highway 95. About 25 miles north is Lake Havasu City, home of the famous London Bridge. This 1,677-acre park has been operated by Arizona State Parks since 1967.
Trails
Many visitors take advantage of a terrific network of hiking trails. Starting at the entrance to Buckskin is the steep and winding 1/2-mile round trip Lightning Bolt Trail that affords a wonderful view of the campground and Colorado River.
From this trail, visitors can access the 1-mile loop Buckskin Trail. A very informative trail guide corresponding to numbered posts along the trail highlights native vegetation and can be obtained at the Ranger Station. A concrete pedestrian footbridge crosses Highway 95 and leads to two other one-way trails. Interruption Point Trail is a one-mile round trip trek to a scenic overlook. There is also a one-way trail travelling to a series of abandoned mines, roundtrip is about 1/2-mile. Ranger-led hikes are held throughout the year.
To the right of the boat launch at River Island is the entrance to the Habitat Trail. Pick up a trail guide and learn about the river's edge from "Arnie Ant." In the brochure, Arnie shares what life on the Colorado River is like from an ant's perspective from what to eat to how to avoid being eaten. The one-mile roundtrip trail is quite steep and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the Parker Dam.
From a brief excursion to an overlook or a several hour test of your endurance, the trails at Buckskin and River Island can meet your needs. Remember, for safety sake, wear sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and take along plenty of water. Have fun!
Special Programs and Events
The park offers programs and trail hikes year-round. Please call the park for current information.
River Island Unit
The River Island Unit is ideal for tent campers and can provide a scenic respite, a desert escape, or a fun-filled water adventure. It offers 37 campsites, a ramada, sandy beach, cove, and boat launch area.
In the summer, the park unit is most popular for boating, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and camping amidst a backdrop of beautiful mountains. In the winter, visitors appreciate the mild climate and enjoy camping and fishing. River Island Unit - Buckskin Mountain State Park is a year-round destination for those looking to discover a variety of recreational and cultural
resources.
River Island Unit
Buckskin Mountain State Park
5200 Highway 95
Parker, Arizona 85344
928-667-3386
Fax 928-667-3387
Special Programs and Events
Educational programs in winter. Please call the park for details.
Area Scenic Attractions
Parker - Colorado River, Parker Dam, Colorado River Indian Tribes' Museum, Buckskin Mountains. Nearby - Lake Havasu State Park, Cattail Cove State Park, Alamo Lake State Park, London Bridge, and Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
Rules
- Fee payments are due within 30 minutes of park entry.
- Campsites can be reserved. Please call the park directly.
- Camping is only permitted in designated sites. There is a 15 day stay limit.
- Littering is unlawful.
- Keep pets on a leash.
- Dogs are allowed in water, but must be kept on right side of boat ramp.
- All fires must be contained in provided barbecue grills.
- Obey hunting and fishing laws.
- Obey all boating regulations.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Prevent loud nuisance noises.
- Drive only on designated roads.
Camping Reservations
Buckskin Mountain State Park is now accepting camping reservations! Fifteen sites are available by reservation for $25 per vehicle per night. To make a reservation, call the park directly at 928-667-3231, seven days a week from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm MST.
Reservation and Payment Information
Payment in full for one vehicle will confirm the reservation. A second vehicle can be paid for at time of arrival. Payment must be received at time of reservation. Payment by Visa or Mastercard only.
Reservations for weekend use will be for a minimum of two nights: Friday through 2:00 pm Sunday. Holidays will be for a minimum of three nights: Friday through 2:00 pm Monday.
Cancellations
Cancellations received prior to 7 days of arrival will be refunded in full. Cancellations received 7 days or less of arrival will be refunded the full amount minus $25.
Arrival Information
Check in time is 2:00 pm. Arriving earlier does not guarantee the site's availability.
Check out time is 2:00 pm. Reserved sites must be vacated by 2:00 pm of the scheduled departure date. Vehicles left unattended after 2:00 pm in the site will be towed at the owner's expense.
Upon arrival, the reserved site must be occupied on the first night. If moving to a different site is desired, the Ranger Station must be notified first. Occupying or “holding” vacant sites is not allowed.
Site Specific Information
Fifteen campsites are available for reservation. All are for RVs and tents. Of the 15, five offer sewer hook-ups (sites 22, 36, 37, 62, and 67). The other reservable campsites are: 2, 3, 4, 18, 19, 30, 47, 48, 52, and 58. For a look at the campsite setup, download the park's map .
Community Facilities
Shopping, restaurants, museums, golf driving range, golf course, swimming pool, tennis, handball and badminton courts,
banks, churches, LaPaz County Sheriff's Office, Parker Police Department, hospital, fire & rescue, grocery store, laundry
facilities, airport, automobile, and recreational vehicle repair.
For more information on local attractions, please contact the Parker Chamber of Commerce.
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