River Island State Park
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River Island State Park

4.7
·499 reviews·Parker, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures for camping

CrowdLow
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River Island State Park

River Island State Park

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temperatures for camping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(499 reviews)

"Lovely campground snuggled into a cove between rocky hills and with a lovely little bay on the Colorado."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Colorado River Cove

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.

Reddit
Beach & Boat Launch

Beach & Boat Launch

Riverfront

Enjoy the sandy beach and convenient boat launch for water activities, though check river height for ramp access.

Reddit
Spacious Campsites

Spacious Campsites

Campground

Well-laid-out, clean, and spacious campsites offer comfort, with many just a short walk from the river.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Camping & Fishing

Planning a family camping and fishing trip to River Island State Park? Consider visiting during milder weather, as summer temperatures can soar. The park is a great spot for tent camping and fishing, offering a family-friendly environment. Reddit

River Access & Amenities

While River Island State Park offers a beach and boat launch, be aware that the boat ramp's depth can vary with river height. The park is generally clean, well-maintained, and offers good amenities like bathrooms and showers, making it suitable for both RVs and tent camping. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures for camping
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Winter days
Why
Mild weather, great for fishing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Where to tent camp and fish in Parker?

🎣 Family Fishing Spot

Ideal for tent camping and fishing with family, including young children. Reddit

⚠️ Boat Ramp Depth

Monitor river height; the boat ramp can be shallow at times. Reddit

📱 Spotty Cell Service

Verizon signal is almost non-existent; be prepared for limited connectivity. Reddit

☀️ Summer Heat Warning

Extremely hot in summer. Tent campers should be aware of potential road noise. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Family Fishing Spot

Ideal for tent camping and fishing with family, including young children. Reddit

⚠️ Boat Ramp Depth

Monitor river height; the boat ramp can be shallow at times. Reddit

📱 Spotty Cell Service

Verizon signal is almost non-existent; be prepared for limited connectivity. Reddit

☀️ Summer Heat Warning

Extremely hot in summer. Tent campers should be aware of potential road noise. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Safe Solo Stays

Felt safe as a solo female traveler; clean facilities and quiet nights. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(499 reviews)

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

Clean and well-kept
Spacious campsites
Scenic river cove

What People Dislike

Shallow boat ramp
Extreme summer heat
Limited cell service

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

While specific directions aren't detailed, its location between Parker and Havasu suggests it's accessible via major routes connecting these cities. Reddit

Information on public transportation is limited, but given its location, it's likely best accessed by private vehicle. Reddit

It's situated between Parker and Lake Havasu, making it a good stop if you're traveling between these Arizona destinations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy camping, fishing, swimming at the beach, boating (with a launch), hiking, and relaxing by the Colorado River. Reddit

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. Reddit

The park is noted for having clean bathrooms and showers, which are well-maintained and add to the comfort of the stay. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, solo female travelers have reported feeling safe at the park due to its well-kept facilities and quiet atmosphere at night. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Campfires are usually permitted in designated fire rings, but always check for current fire restrictions, especially during dry seasons. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Most campgrounds allow personal grills, but it's always a good idea to confirm park regulations regarding cooking equipment. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Absolutely. The combination of the river, desert terrain, and unique geological formations provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Reddit

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. Reddit

Drone usage is often regulated in state parks. Check the park's specific rules and FAA guidelines before flying a drone for aerial photography. Reddit

While not a primary wildlife destination, you might spot local desert birds or small mammals. Early mornings are often best for observing wildlife. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

River Island State Park is a fantastic choice for families looking for a camping and fishing adventure. The park is noted as being a good place for tent camping with children, offering a safe and engaging environment. Reddit The beach area provides a fun spot for kids to play by the water, and the relatively calm river conditions (depending on the season) can be suitable for supervised water activities. Reddit Ensure you pack plenty of sun protection and water, as summer temperatures can be extreme. Reddit

🎣 Anglers and Boaters

For fishing enthusiasts and boaters, River Island State Park offers direct access to the Colorado River. The park provides a boat launch, making it convenient to get your vessel into the water. Reddit However, it's crucial to be aware of the river's fluctuating levels, as this directly impacts the depth and usability of the boat ramp. Reddit Anglers can find good fishing opportunities in the river, and the park's setting provides a pleasant backdrop for a day on the water. Reddit

Solo Travelers

Solo travelers, particularly women, have found River Island State Park to be a safe and welcoming environment. The park is described as well-kept, with clean facilities and a quiet atmosphere, especially at night. Reddit This sense of security, combined with the natural beauty of the river cove, makes it a good option for those seeking a peaceful solo retreat. Reddit Just remember the limited cell service and plan your communication accordingly. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Camping at River Island State Park

River Island State Park offers a well-regarded camping experience, suitable for both RVs and tent campers. The sites are described as spacious and clean, with many located just a short walk from the Colorado River. Amenities like bathrooms and showers are noted as being well-kept, contributing to a comfortable stay. Reddit The park's location in a cove between rocky hills provides a scenic and relatively quiet environment, even though it's close to the highway. Reddit However, visitors should be aware of the extreme heat during summer months, which can make tent camping challenging. Reddit

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. Reddit While the park offers a peaceful atmosphere, cell service, particularly for Verizon, can be very limited, so plan accordingly for communication needs. Reddit 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

River Island State Park is a popular spot for fishing and other water-based activities, thanks to its location on the Colorado River. The park features a beach area, perfect for relaxing by the water, and a boat launch for those looking to get out on the river. Reddit The river itself provides opportunities for various water sports and fishing. Reddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit 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

River Island State Park is conveniently situated between Parker and Lake Havasu City, making it relatively accessible for travelers in that region of Arizona. Reddit Its proximity to the highway offers ease of access, yet the park is designed to feel like a secluded cove, offering a peaceful retreat. Reddit

However, visitors should be prepared for limited connectivity. Cell service, particularly for Verizon users, is reported to be almost non-existent within the park. Reddit 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. Reddit

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