There are certain stops on an RVer’s journey that just stick with you, the ones that perfectly blend practical necessity with a truly memorable experience. Lake Havasu State Park’s campground is one of those places. It’s not every day that you find a spot where you can take care of the dirty work of emptying your holding tanks and then, just moments later, be strolling along a white-sand beach with the iconic London Bridge in the distance. This unique combination makes it a premier destination for anyone traveling through this corner of Arizona. The park features a well-designed, paved double-lane dump station, which is a welcome sight for any RVer who’s had to navigate a tight, single-lane setup. It’s readily available for registered campers, and for a reasonable fee, it’s often accessible to non-campers as well, making it a crucial piece of infrastructure for the entire RV community in the area.
Lake Havasu is a playground, plain and simple. It’s a place built for recreation. The state park itself is the epicenter of much of this activity. Beyond the campground, you have the beautiful Windsor Beach, a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing. There are four boat ramps, so launching your watercraft is a breeze. For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, the 1.75-mile Mohave Sunset Trail offers a wonderful walk through the low-desert landscape, with interpretive signs that tell you about the local flora and fauna. It’s especially beautiful in the late afternoon as the sun begins to dip toward the horizon. Boaters flock to the area to explore the hidden coves and dramatic landscapes north of the park, especially up toward Topock Gorge. Locals affectionately call this area a “mini Grand Canyon,” and when you’re out on the water, surrounded by those sheer rock walls, you can see why. It’s a spectacular setting that feels a world away from everything.
Understanding how a state park dump station operates is key to a smooth visit. Unlike a private facility or a truck stop, these are managed by park rangers and have a more structured rhythm. You’ll typically enter through a staffed kiosk where you’ll pay your day-use fee or the specific dump station fee, which usually hovers around $15 to $20. The lanes leading to the dump station are generally clear and well-marked. The presence of potable water spigots is a huge plus, allowing you to rinse your gear and top off your fresh tank. The most important thing to be aware of is the traffic flow, which is heavily influenced by the campground checkout time. The window between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. is peak time. This is when a wave of campers is trying to get on the road, and everyone needs to dump their tanks. If you’re not staying in the park and you roll up during this period, you should expect to wait. On busy weekends, you might even be asked to come back in the afternoon to give registered campers priority.
The amenities within the campground are excellent, making it a great place to stay for a few days. There are 54 developed sites with both water and 30/50 amp electric hookups. The restrooms are modern and clean, and the fee for camping includes access to hot showers, which can feel like the height of luxury after a few days of boondocking in the desert. You’ll also find large trash dumpsters conveniently located near the campground loops, so you don’t have to worry about packing out your garbage. For pet owners, it’s important to note the specific rules. While leashed pets are welcome in the campground loops, they are not allowed on the beach. This is a common rule in state parks to protect the shoreline and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors, so be sure to verify the current regulations at the gate when you check in. Also, remember that this is a park, not a full-service travel center. You won’t find propane or fuel for sale on-site, so make sure you top up everything you need in town before you enter.
In terms of cost and value, Lake Havasu State Park offers a solid proposition. A standard campsite runs about $50 a night. While that might sound a bit steep at first, you have to consider what’s included. You get a campsite, often with a lake view, plus electricity and water hookups, access to clean showers and restrooms, use of the beach and trails, and your dump station fee is covered. When you compare that to some nearby private resorts that might charge a similar nightly rate and then tack on a separate dump fee, the value becomes clear. It’s an all-in-one package that simplifies your stay and lets you focus on enjoying the incredible scenery.
To ensure your visit is as easy as possible, a little planning goes a long way. If you’re just coming in to use the dump station, try to arrive after 2 p.m. By then, the morning checkout rush has subsided, and you’ll likely have little to no wait. Here’s a practical tip from experience: carry a bit of extra sewer hose. I recommend having at least 30 feet on hand. The dump pad here is on a slight angle, and depending on where your RV’s outlet is located, you might need that extra reach to get a good, downhill flow. It’s a simple thing that can prevent a lot of hassle. After you’re done with your chores, consider taking advantage of one of the self-serve pressure-wash bays in town to rinse off the inevitable layer of road dust. And finally, if you’re visiting anytime from late spring to early fall, be prepared for the heat. Shade is a precious commodity in the desert, and temperatures often climb above 110 degrees. Pack shade tents, awnings, and plenty of water.
In conclusion, if your idea of a perfect RV stop involves more than just a concrete pad and a water spigot, Lake Havasu State Park is an outstanding choice. It masterfully combines the practical need for a reliable sanitation point with the recreational appeal of a premier waterfront destination. It’s a place where you can take care of business and then immediately transition into vacation mode. Just be sure to confirm the fee structure and the access hours for non-campers before you head over. With a little bit of planning, you’ll find that this park provides a seamless and scenic stop that will leave you refreshed and ready for whatever lies ahead on the road.
FJJV+WM, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(602) 542-4174
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
azstateparks.com