Scenic riverside recreation area featuring sandy beaches, clear cool water, desert canyons, and diverse wildlife with opportunities for boating, camping, and hiking.
Hours may extend seasonally and during peak summer months
Non-Nevada vehicles: approximately $15
Camping: $10 per night ($15 for non-Nevada vehicles)
How to Get There
From Laughlin (8 mi): Head south on Needles Highway for about 6–8 miles, following signs along the Colorado River corridor until reaching the park entrance on the riverside.
Overview
The Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area offers a rare blend of desert and river landscapes, where golden sand meets the cool, steady waters of the Colorado River. Spanning over 2,000 acres, the park features roughly two miles of shoreline framed by rocky canyons and desert washes, creating a dynamic environment for both relaxation and exploration. Visitors are drawn to its inviting beaches and clear water, perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing, while birdwatchers can spot herons, geese, hawks, and hummingbirds weaving through the riparian habitat.
Established in 1996, the recreation area preserves a stretch of river that has long served as a lifeline for wildlife and human settlement in the region. Today, it offers modern amenities like campgrounds, picnic areas, and boat launches, while still maintaining a sense of rugged natural beauty. The river remains cool and clear year-round due to its proximity downstream from Davis Dam, making it a refreshing retreat even in the desert heat. Whether exploring quiet trails, watching the sunset over the water, or enjoying a family day on the sand, this destination captures the timeless appeal of life along one of the Southwest’s most iconic rivers.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
