
River Island State Park
Scenic Colorado River park with camping, fishing, and a beach. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for camping

River Island State Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for camping

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic Colorado River park with camping, fishing, and a beach. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape.
"Lovely campground snuggled into a cove between rocky hills and with a lovely little bay on the Colorado."

🎣 Family Fishing Spot
Ideal for tent camping and fishing with family, including young children.
⚠️ Boat Ramp Depth
Monitor river height; the boat ramp can be shallow at times.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Colorado River Cove
Along the Colorado River
Camp in a serene cove nestled between rocky hills, with a lovely bay on the Colorado River. Perfect for quiet nights.
Beach & Boat Launch
Riverfront
Enjoy the sandy beach and convenient boat launch for water activities, though check river height for ramp access.
Spacious Campsites
Campground
Well-laid-out, clean, and spacious campsites offer comfort, with many just a short walk from the river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Camping & Fishing
River Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Where to tent camp and fish in Parker?
🎣 Family Fishing Spot
Ideal for tent camping and fishing with family, including young children.
⚠️ Boat Ramp Depth
Monitor river height; the boat ramp can be shallow at times.
📱 Spotty Cell Service
Verizon signal is almost non-existent; be prepared for limited connectivity.
☀️ Summer Heat Warning
Extremely hot in summer. Tent campers should be aware of potential road noise.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎣 Family Fishing Spot
Ideal for tent camping and fishing with family, including young children.
⚠️ Boat Ramp Depth
Monitor river height; the boat ramp can be shallow at times.
📱 Spotty Cell Service
Verizon signal is almost non-existent; be prepared for limited connectivity.
☀️ Summer Heat Warning
Extremely hot in summer. Tent campers should be aware of potential road noise.
🚶♀️ Safe Solo Stays
Felt safe as a solo female traveler; clean facilities and quiet nights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
River Island State Park is praised for its clean, well-maintained grounds, spacious campsites, and beautiful Colorado River cove setting. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the safe atmosphere, making it suitable for families and solo travelers alike. However, the boat ramp's variable depth and the extreme heat during summer are noted drawbacks, along with very limited cell service.
"Great park and well taken care of. Biggest complaint is the boat ramp can be very shallow depending on the river height. So you have to monitor that if you are going to launch there."
Lee Doxtader
"The park is well laid out and clean. It is on the smallish side, which is nice. The sites are spacious and the personnel are friendly and helpful. The sites are not right on the river, but it's just a short walk. It is conveniently located between Parker and Havasu."
Carole Green
"I only spent a night here but wow was it gorgeous. Extremely well kept and surrounded by beauty. Didnt use facilities. Verizon signal was almost non existent. Definitely worth a day or two!"
Heather Gently In The Wind
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
River Island State Park is conveniently located between Parker and Lake Havasu City, making it an accessible destination for a day trip or overnight stay.
Yes, despite being right off the highway, the park is described as a lovely campground snuggled into a cove, making it relatively easy to locate.
While specific directions aren't detailed, its location between Parker and Havasu suggests it's accessible via major routes connecting these cities.
Information on public transportation is limited, but given its location, it's likely best accessed by private vehicle.
It's situated between Parker and Lake Havasu, making it a good stop if you're traveling between these Arizona destinations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
River Island State Park is a campground and day-use area, so entry typically involves camping fees or day-use fees, rather than traditional tickets. It's advisable to check the official park website for current rates.
As a state park and campground, it's generally open year-round, though specific hours for day-use areas or facilities like restrooms might apply. Always check the official park information for the most up-to-date hours.
Camping fees vary based on site type (RV, tent) and amenities. Reviews suggest the park is well-maintained, implying fees are reasonable for the quality of experience.
It's highly recommended to reserve campsites in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your spot. Check the park's reservation system online.
Yes, day-use passes are typically available for visitors who wish to enjoy the park's amenities like the beach and picnic areas without camping overnight.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy camping, fishing, swimming at the beach, boating (with a launch), hiking, and relaxing by the Colorado River.
Yes, it's a great spot for tent camping, offering spacious sites and a pleasant environment, though be mindful of summer heat and potential highway noise.
The park is noted for having clean bathrooms and showers, which are well-maintained and add to the comfort of the stay.
The park is situated on a lovely bay of the Colorado River, offering a beach area and access for boating. The river's height can affect the boat ramp's usability.
Yes, solo female travelers have reported feeling safe at the park due to its well-kept facilities and quiet atmosphere at night.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
River Island State Park is primarily a campground and recreational area, so it does not typically have on-site restaurants. Visitors usually bring their own food or dine in nearby Parker.
Campfires are usually permitted in designated fire rings, but always check for current fire restrictions, especially during dry seasons.
The park is located between Parker and Lake Havasu City, both of which offer various dining options ranging from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
While some state parks have small convenience stores, it's best to come prepared with all your food and supplies, as options within the park itself may be limited.
Most campgrounds allow personal grills, but it's always a good idea to confirm park regulations regarding cooking equipment.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the scenic Colorado River cove, the beach at sunrise or sunset, and the unique desert landscape surrounding the park. The rocky hills offer great vantage points.
Absolutely. The combination of the river, desert terrain, and unique geological formations provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets over the river can be particularly stunning.
Drone usage is often regulated in state parks. Check the park's specific rules and FAA guidelines before flying a drone for aerial photography.
While not a primary wildlife destination, you might spot local desert birds or small mammals. Early mornings are often best for observing wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Boaters
Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at River Island State Park
For those planning to fish or launch a boat, it's crucial to monitor the river's height. The boat ramp's depth can vary significantly, potentially impacting its usability. While the park offers a peaceful atmosphere, cell service, particularly for Verizon, can be very limited, so plan accordingly for communication needs. Overall, it's a great option for a family camping trip, offering a good balance of natural beauty and essential facilities.
Fishing and Water Activities
A key consideration for boaters is the variable depth of the boat ramp, which is dependent on the river's current height. Visitors are advised to check this beforehand to ensure a smooth launch and retrieval. For families, especially those with young children, the park is highlighted as a good place for tent camping and fishing, suggesting a family-friendly environment. The combination of accessible river frontage and camping facilities makes it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the water.
Park Accessibility and Connectivity
However, visitors should be prepared for limited connectivity. Cell service, particularly for Verizon users, is reported to be almost non-existent within the park. This means that relying on mobile data for navigation or communication might not be feasible, so downloading offline maps or informing others of your itinerary in advance is recommended. Despite the connectivity challenges, the park's well-maintained facilities and safe environment are frequently praised, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a natural escape.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit