This Southern Nevada border town on the Colorado River offers plenty of water recreation.
Set in southern Nevada near the Arizona and California borders, Laughlin is often considered a laid-back and cheaper alternative to Las Vegas, with a scenic riverwalk and waterfront casino row. Its location on the Colorado River, along with proximity to Lake Mohave, Lake Mead, and Lake Havasu, means there’s plenty of water activities to be had, from river cruises to more active pursuits like swimming, kayaking, water skiing, and fishing. The surrounding desert also offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, biking, and off-roading. Campers will find amenities-filled RV resorts in town, while nearby parks and recreation areas offer tent, RV, and primitive camping options along the water and in the desert.
Within Laughlin, campers are limited to RV parks, including some affiliated with casinos. Just south of Laughlin, the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area offers plenty of water play, hills for hiking, and a campground offering full hookups and pull-throughs. West of Laughlin, Christmas Tree Pass and Grapeview Canyon offers hiking, petroglyphs and a BLM-managed campground.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons and two lakes, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. Lake Mohave is the closest to Laughlin and offers 200 miles of shoreline, and hundreds of secluded coves, along with hiking and biking trails. More than a dozen national park- and concessionaire-run campgrounds offer around 900 tents and RV sites. Vehicle, horseback, shoreline, and backcountry camping options are also available.
Bullhead City is located just across the Colorado River from Laughlin, and offers RV parks for campers. Campgrounds can also be found along Lake Mohave, like at Katherine Landing. At Moabi Regional Park, at the Arizona and California state line along the Colorado River, dispersed and developed campsites are available, along with fishing, hiking, boating, and off-roading. Further south, Lake Havasu City offers London Bridge, water activities, and a campground at Lake Havasu State Park.
Summer temperatures can regularly soar above 110°F in Laughlin, making outdoor activities other than water play dangerous. Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor activities, including camping. Spring is a good time for fishing, especially for striped bass. Visit in late April for the Laughlin River Run, one of the largest motorcycle events on the west coast.