Arizona - Where to Picnic Guide

Cattail Cove State Park

P.O. Box 1990
Lake Havasu City, Arizona 86405
Phone: (928) 855-1223

The park is located on State Route 95, 15 miles south of Lake Havasu, Arizona.

The beach, boat ramp, and 61 campsites at Cattail Cove State Park offer a broad spectrum of activities for all to enjoy.  Whether you're interested in swimming, fishing or just lounging and relaxing, Cattail Cove State Park offers you and your family a chance to get away and enjoy tranquility along Lake Havasu.  The 2,000-acre park has been operated by the Arizona State Parks Board since 1970.

Lake Havasu was formed when the Colorado River was dammed near Parker.  The 45-mile long lake creates a haven for all kinds of water sports.  Fish for largemouth and striped bass, bluegill and crappie. Boat on the blue waters, sail into quiet coves, or water ski or jet ski out on the open lake.

If campgrounds are not your style and you have your own boat, you can motor out to one of the 28 campsites along the water's edge. You can also rent boats and campsites with trailers at Sandpoint Marina and RV Park, as well as have dinner at Sandpoint's cafe.

The area surrounding the park is also a rock hound's paradise. Volcanic rock, geodes, jaspers, obsidian, turquoise and agate can be found outside Lake Havasu City.

Trails

Whytes Retreat Trail: This is a 1.5 mile hiking trail with a difficulty rating of easy. The trail begins at Cattail Cove State Park and follows the shoreline of Lake Havasu, providing an excellent view of the lower portion of the Colorado River, the Whitsett Pumping Station and Parker Dam. The shoreline portion of the trail ends at Whytes Retreat, one of the boat-in campsites provided by the Bureau of Land Management. The McKinney Loop portion of the trail returns to Cattail Cove through low desert hills and a shallow gorge with bluffs on both sides.

To reach the trail, take Hwy 95 south from Lake Havasu City about 15 miles to the park entrance, Then follow the entrance road to the boat launch ramp where the trail begins on the south side.

The park is open 365 per year. Day-use hours are Sunrise to 10:00 p.m. Checkout time for campers is 2:00 p.m.

Park Facilities

• Campsites with electric and water
• Beach area
• Boat launch ramp
• Picnic tables
• Grills
• Hiking trails
• Dump station
• Restrooms with showers