Buckskin Mountain water activities
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Buckskin Mountain State Park

4.7
·1k reviews·Parker, United States

Full-service recreation and camping area on the Colorado River, offering hiking, boating, and stunning desert mountain views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning Riverside

Magical sunlit boat wakes

CrowdLow
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Buckskin Mountain water activities

Buckskin Mountain State Park

Best Time

Early Morning Riverside

Magical sunlit boat wakes

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Full-service recreation and camping area on the Colorado River, offering hiking, boating, and stunning desert mountain views.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"This is our new favorite spot! Highly recommend sitting at the riverside in the early hours."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚤 Boat & Jet Ski Rentals

Consider renting a boat or jet ski for full enjoyment of the Colorado River. Book in advance if possible!

📚 Borrow a Book

Immerse yourself in a good book from the park's lending library while relaxing by the river.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Colorado Riverfront Camping

Colorado Riverfront Camping

Riverside

Wake up to the gentle lapping of the Colorado River. Perfect for boaters and those who love waking up to water views.

Desert Mountain Scenery

Desert Mountain Scenery

Hiking Trails

Explore clearly marked trails offering stunning desert vistas and a refreshing escape from the heat.

Dog-Friendly Fun

Dog-Friendly Fun

Dog Park

A spacious and well-maintained dog park ensures your furry friends have a great time too, with bags readily available.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Riverside Campsite Early

Reserved spots at Buckskin Mountain State Park fill up fast, especially for prime riverside locations. Many visitors recommend booking a year in advance for popular weekends like Memorial Day. Rustic camping spots are available last minute, but can be competitive.

Beat the Summer Heat

Arizona summers are scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 112 degrees. While the Colorado River offers a refreshing escape, ensure your A/C is in top condition if you're visiting during peak summer months. Jumping in the water is a must!

Best Times

When
Early Morning Riverside
Why
Magical sunlit boat wakes
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer Afternoons
Why
Cool off in the river
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Boat and Jet Ski rental recommendations for Parker, AZ at Buckskin National Park?

🚤 Boat & Jet Ski Rentals

Consider renting a boat or jet ski for full enjoyment of the Colorado River. Book in advance if possible! Reddit

📚 Borrow a Book

Immerse yourself in a good book from the park's lending library while relaxing by the river. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential for exploring the hiking trails and the cactus garden. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Arizona heat is intense; carry plenty of water, especially when hiking. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚤 Boat & Jet Ski Rentals

Consider renting a boat or jet ski for full enjoyment of the Colorado River. Book in advance if possible! Reddit

📚 Borrow a Book

Immerse yourself in a good book from the park's lending library while relaxing by the river. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential for exploring the hiking trails and the cactus garden. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Arizona heat is intense; carry plenty of water, especially when hiking. Reddit

🚗 Extra Vehicle Fees

Be aware of additional fees for extra vehicles at your campsite. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Buckskin Mountain State Park for its beautiful Colorado Riverfront camping and abundant recreational activities. The well-maintained dog park and clear hiking trails are frequently mentioned positives. However, some note the small shower doors and the intense summer heat as minor drawbacks.

"We loved this place! In fact, we tried to get a third night, but it was booked. There is so much to do here, several hiking trails and the park offers horse shoes, corn hole, and other games that can be checked out. There's a lending library filled with books in case you want to immerse yourself in a good book while relaxing next to the Colorado River. The dog park is big and well maintained. The campsites are raked and kept clean."

C Tuck

"The mountains in Tucson are absolutely stunning. The drive up was super easy, and once we got to the top, it felt like a completely different world so peaceful and refreshing. It was the perfect escape from the Tucson heat. The only downside was that most of the shops were closed due to the Fourth of July, but other than that, it was a really nice little getaway spot."

Heather

"Staying here was an excellent experience. It is easy to launch a kayak. The dog park area was large and had bags available. The store has some educational displays as well as a helpful and knowledgeable volunteer. This cactus garden makes for a nice stroll. The hiking trails were very clearly marked. The only negative is the awkwardly small doors in the shower area"

Jolene Knighton

What People Like

Beautiful riverside camping
Lots of activities
Great dog park

What People Dislike

Small shower doors
Intense summer heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Buckskin Mountain State Park is located between two dams on the Colorado River. The drive is generally easy, offering scenic views as you approach. Specific directions can be found on the park's official website or by using GPS navigation.

Public transportation options to remote state parks like Buckskin Mountain are typically limited. It is recommended to travel by personal vehicle or rental car for the most convenient access.

The park is situated near Parker, Arizona. This provides a good base for accessing amenities and services before or after your visit.

The drive to the park itself can be quite scenic, especially as you approach the Colorado River. Exploring the surrounding desert landscapes offers beautiful vistas.

Road conditions are generally well-maintained, making for an easy drive. However, it's always a good idea to check local road advisories before your trip, especially during inclement weather.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Campsite fees vary, with reserved sights around $50 per night and rustic camping spots around $35 per night. Additional vehicle fees may apply. Check the park's official website for the most current pricing.

Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for reserved sights which can fill up a year in advance. Rustic camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but can be competitive during peak times. Reddit

State parks typically have day-use hours, but campgrounds are accessible 24/7 for registered campers. It's best to check the park's official website for specific hours of operation for facilities like the visitor center or store.

Rustic camping spots often allow for payment upon arrival, day or night. However, for reserved sights, pre-booking is essential. It's advisable to confirm payment procedures with the park in advance.

Information on park passes or discounts is usually available on the Arizona State Parks and Trails website. It's worth checking if any multi-park passes or resident discounts apply.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Buckskin Mountain State Park offers a variety of activities including hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, and relaxing by the Colorado River. The park also provides amenities like horseshoe pits, cornhole, and a lending library. Reddit

Yes, there are clearly marked hiking trails available. These trails offer opportunities to explore the desert landscape and enjoy scenic views. Reddit

Absolutely! The park is situated on the Colorado River, making it ideal for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and swimming. Boat launches are available for easy access. Reddit

Yes, the park has full public bathrooms with showers available in multiple buildings along the riverfront. They are cleaned daily. Reddit

Yes, there is a large and well-maintained dog park with bags available, making it a great spot for pet owners. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the park itself may not have extensive dining facilities, the nearby area around Pirates Den and Parker offers several restaurant options if you prefer not to cook. Reddit

Yes, there is a store that offers some educational displays and is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. It may also carry basic supplies. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics and to enjoy at their campsites. Grilling is also a popular option for campers.

Designated picnic areas are typically available within state parks, offering tables and sometimes grills. These are great spots for day visitors or for campers to enjoy a meal outdoors.

Parker, Arizona, offers a range of dining choices, from casual eateries to more established restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.

📸 📸 Photography

The riverside in the early morning offers magical views as the sun shines on boat wakes, sometimes creating rainbows against the cliff backdrop. The desert landscapes and mountain views are also excellent subjects. Reddit

Early mornings provide soft, beautiful light for photography, especially along the river. Sunsets can also offer dramatic colors over the desert mountains.

Capturing the contrast between the desert environment and the life-giving Colorado River can be very striking. The unique light on the water and the surrounding rugged terrain offers many creative possibilities.

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide landscape shots and details of the desert flora and fauna. A polarizing filter can be useful for reducing glare on the water. TikTok

Drone usage is subject to park regulations. It's essential to check the park's official policy on drone operation before flying to ensure compliance with all rules and restrictions.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Buckskin Mountain State Park is a fantastic destination for families. The riverside camping offers endless fun for kids, with opportunities for swimming, playing in the sand, and easy access to boating. Reddit The park's dog park is a great bonus for families traveling with pets. Reddit With amenities like horseshoe pits and cornhole, there are plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained. Remember to pack plenty of water and sun protection due to the desert heat, and consider bringing along some of the park's library books for quiet downtime. The clearly marked hiking trails are also suitable for family exploration, offering a chance to discover the desert environment together.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Buckskin Mountain State Park offers a more affordable option through its rustic camping spots, which are priced around $35 per night. Reddit While reserved sites can be pricier, the availability of first-come, first-served spots provides flexibility. Bringing your own food and cooking at your campsite will significantly reduce dining expenses. Reddit The park's natural beauty and recreational activities, like swimming and hiking, are free once you've paid your camping fees, offering great value for money. Exploring the nearby town of Parker can also provide more budget-friendly dining options compared to tourist hotspots.

🐶 Pet Owners

Buckskin Mountain State Park is a welcoming destination for pet owners. The park features a large and well-maintained dog park where your furry friends can run and play freely. Reddit Waste bags are provided, making it convenient to keep the park clean. When exploring the hiking trails or relaxing by the river, ensure your pets are on a leash as per park regulations. Remember to provide ample water for your pets, especially during hot weather, and never leave them unattended in vehicles. The dog park is a definite highlight for those traveling with canine companions.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Riverside Camping Experience

Buckskin Mountain State Park is renowned for its riverside camping, offering direct access to the Colorado River. Many visitors rave about waking up to the sound of the water and enjoying the convenience of being right on the riverbank. Reddit There are both reserved and rustic camping spots available. Reserved spots are highly sought after and often require booking a year in advance, especially for popular holidays like Memorial Day weekend. Rustic camping spots offer a more spontaneous option, available on a first-come, first-served basis, though they can still be competitive during peak times. Reddit

When setting up camp, you can often back your trailer or rig up to the tent site and utilize the parking space. This flexibility allows for comfortable arrangements. Be aware that there are additional fees for extra vehicles at your spot. Reddit The park provides full public bathrooms with showers, cleaned daily, which is a significant amenity for campers. Reddit The experience of sitting by the riverside in the early hours, watching the sun glint off powerboats and create rainbows, is frequently highlighted as a magical moment. Reddit

Activities and Recreation

The park offers a diverse range of activities catering to various interests. For water enthusiasts, the Colorado River is the main attraction, perfect for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and swimming. Easy boat launches are available, making it convenient to get on the water. Reddit If you're looking for land-based adventures, the park features hiking trails that are clearly marked and provide access to stunning desert scenery. Reddit These trails offer a refreshing escape and a chance to explore the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Beyond the core activities, Buckskin Mountain State Park also provides recreational amenities like horseshoe pits and cornhole games, which can be checked out. For those who enjoy quiet relaxation, there's a lending library filled with books, perfect for immersing yourself in a good read by the river. Reddit Pet owners will appreciate the large and well-maintained dog park, complete with available bags, ensuring that furry companions can also enjoy their stay. Reddit The park's store also features educational displays, adding a touch of learning to your visit.

Navigating the Arizona Heat

Visiting Buckskin Mountain State Park, especially during the summer, means preparing for intense Arizona heat. Temperatures can frequently soar above 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Reddit While the Colorado River provides a vital and refreshing escape, it's crucial to take precautions. Staying hydrated is paramount; always carry plenty of water, especially when engaging in outdoor activities like hiking. Reddit

If you're camping, ensuring your air conditioning unit is in perfect working order is highly recommended for a comfortable stay during the hottest months. Reddit Even with the heat, many visitors find the experience rewarding by embracing the opportunity to jump in the water and cool off. Reddit Visiting during the shoulder seasons, like spring or fall, can offer more moderate temperatures for exploring the park's trails and enjoying its amenities without the extreme heat.

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