Are you looking for a scenic campground? How about a new place to take your boat out? Maybe some quiet hiking trails? Or are you simply looking to avoid large crowds while enjoying some fresh air? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you should definitely check out River Island State Park. River Island State Park is ideal for tent campers, boaters, anglers, hikers, and everyone in between.
If this is your first time learning about River Island State Park, we have your back! This article will tell you everything you need to know to get started planning your next adventure. We’ll cover what River Island State Park is known for, the area’s must-see spots, hiking trails, park and campground information, and our nearby accommodation recommendations.
1. What is River Island State Park known for?
What’s cool about this state park is that it draws in different crowds based on the season. In the summer, water lovers come to soak up the sun on the Colorado River. In the winter months, outdoor enthusiasts come to fish, take in the mountainous views, or utilize the hiking trails that cross over into Buckskin Mountain State Park. Overall, River Island State Park is best known as a hotspot for boating, swimming, fishing, and scenic hiking.
Boating
River Island State Park is located right on the infamous Colorado River. This perfect location means that River Island draws in hundreds and hundreds of boaters — if not more — every year. Motorized and non-motorized water-crafts are welcome to use the water at River Island. Water sports such as skiing, tubing, and wake-boarding are more than welcome as well. However, you must note that the Swimming Cove is a no-wake zone and the island reef is located in the center of the cove.
Boat Ramp
There are three paved boat launching lanes located in the park’s Calm Cove area. Non-motorized watercraft may launch at the boat ramp or from the cove beach.
Swimming
That Arizona sun can get pretty darn hot! And that’s exactly why River Island State Park is such a popular swimming destination during the summer months. The park’s swimming beach spans the riverfront inside of the park and is tucked away in a cove that protects swimmers from the river’s current, boaters, and fishing lines. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming is always at your own risk.
Fishing
River Island State Park is well known for its fishing opportunities. The Colorado River water is home to many largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill, carp, and striper. However, you will need a valid Arizona fishing license for all who are fishing over the age of 10 years old. For the proper licensing information, visit a local dealer or the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.
Hiking
One scenic hiking trail is located right inside of River Island State Park. And if you’re looking for more trails, the trail network of nearby Buckskin Mountain State Park is easy to cross over into via the connecting trails at River Island. You won’t even realize you’re in a different park!
2. What are the Top Spots to See Near River Island State Park?
If you’re spending the weekend camping at River Island, you may find yourself wondering what else there is to do in the area. Fortunately, River Island State Park’s location makes it easy for visitors to take quick morning or afternoon trips to see other area attractions like the Lake Havasu City London Bridge or the Bill Williams Wildlife Refuge. You can make it to these must-see spots and back with plenty of time to spare!
Lake Havasu City’s London Bridge
A few miles outside of River Island State Park, you’ll find the “world’s largest antique”, otherwise known as the Lake Havasu City London Bridge. This bridge comes all the way from early nineteenth-century London, England. Yet in 1968, a Lake Havasu City resident purchased it for $1.2 million and decided to bring it back to the states. Yes, this citizen reconstructed the entire bridge right in their hometown. Now tourists from all over the world come to Lake Havasu City to admire it.
Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge
The Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge spans over 6,000 acres and is home to almost 400 different species of birds, and dozens of documented reptiles, butterflies, mammals, amphibians, and other indigenous wildlife. Need we say more?
3. Hiking and Trails Information
While River Island State Park is predominantly a water recreation state park, there are plenty of on-land activities as well. One of the best ways to spend some time enjoying this park’s nature is by walking the Wedge Hill Trail.
Wedge Hill Trail
The Wedge Hill Trail is approximately half a mile in length and will lead you uphill until you find yourself overlooking the beautiful Colorado River and the neighboring Parker Dam. The trailhead is located just east of the boat launch ramp.
If you’re looking for some more serious hiking in the area, you’ll be happy to know that the trails inside of River Island State Park connect with the trails at nearby Buckskin Mountain State Park, which extends eastward into the unbelievably scenic western Arizona mountain range. For those who want to get their hiking fix, it’s easy to accomplish that by quickly hopping between these two parks. For more information, check out the River Island State Park map.
4. Park and Camping Information
Park and Facility Hours
River Island State Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Park Entrance Fee
- Per vehicle (up to four adults): $10.00
- Per Individual/bicycle: $3.00
River Island Market
The River Island Market is located 1/4 mile outside the park. Here, you can find groceries, food, deli, gas, clothing, camping and boating supplies, and storage.
Camping Information
River Island State Park is a great state park to camp in Arizona! There are 37 campsites to choose from, eight of which are located right on the Colorado River riverfront. All River Island campsites have electricity, access to water, and a fire pit. The riverfront campsites are for tents or small campers only, while the other twenty-eight campsites are properly equipped for large RVs, tents, or small campers.
From April through September, River Island State Park mandates a two-night minimum stay for all campsites. On Memorial and Labor Day holiday weekends, there is a three-night minimum stay. From October through March, campsites can be reserved for one night or more.
To make a campsite reservation at River Island State Park, visit their state park website or call the reservation desk at (877) MY-PARKS during normal office hours.
5. Where to Stay Near River Island State Park
If you’re on the hunt for hotels, motels, inns, or Airbnb accommodations, your best bet is in the nearby town of Parker, Arizona. Parker has a wide range of lodging options and its convenient location makes going back and forth between River Island State Park and town a breeze!
Whether you stay inside or outside of the park, you’re sure to enjoy your time at River Island State Park. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a day on the water with a scenic backdrop of Arizona’s mountains. No matter how you feel before your visit, you’ll find yourself tuned in and reconnected to nature in no time once you enter this state park.
