Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area

Facilities & Amenities
  • Camping
  • RV Dump Station
  • Boat Launch
  • Picnicking
  • Trails
  • Historic Sites
  • Nature Study
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Max. RV size: 60'
  • Pets allowed

Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area was opened as Nevada's newest state park in 1996. The park includes about 2 miles of the western shore of the Colorado River, just below Laughlin (although the park is still within the Laughlin city limits). Being just downstream from the Davis Dam, the river is cool and clear here. And while the Colorado River is the main attraction, a large part of the park area is filled with canyons and washes with beautiful rock formations and scenic view points. There are now four miles of established hiking trails open to the public. Hikers also have access to the canyons in the undeveloped areas west of the Needles Highway.

Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area offers 24 RV campsites, all with power and water available. Most sites have pull-through parking and can accommodate virtually all sizes of RV. Each site also has a tent pad, barbecue grill, shade ramada and fire pit. Three campsites are reserved for those folks with valid ADA permits. The camping area also has central restroom and shower facilities.

As for picnicking, there are some shade ramada's located along the shoreline in both the boat ramp and day use areas. Some ramada's have BBQ grills and picnic tables.

If you are using the boat launch facilities, keep in mind that boating and fishing on the river are regulated by Arizona, California and Nevada. You'll want to be familiar with license requirements and regulations for all three states.

Kayaking on the Colorado River
Kayaking on the Colorado River
Photos courtesy of Nevada State Parks  
Lake Mead National Recreation Area map

Related Pages

Map courtesy of National Geographic Topo!