Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area in Nevada, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-27. Check linked official notices before travel.

Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area is a Nevada State Parks riverfront destination near Laughlin. Its sandy Colorado River shoreline supports beach days, boat launching and camping below Davis Dam. The key summer planning detail is the morning day-use reservation requirement; arriving later does not guarantee space.

Riverfront space in Nevada’s southern tip

The recreation area has about two miles of sandy shoreline, with a sheltered launch lagoon for boaters and roughly four miles of trails through the developed area. These make different visits possible: a shoreline picnic, a launch day or a campground stay with short walks nearby.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

River current and launch limits

The launch lagoon shelters boats from the Colorado River’s current; do not treat that shelter as a description of the river beyond it. No wakes or speeds above 5 mph are allowed in the lagoon. Boating and fishing rules involve Nevada, Arizona and California, and visitors must check the licenses and regulations applicable to their route.

Plan a compliant beach picnic

Keep glass and charcoal out of the day-use area. Portable grills there must be gas, propane or electric; fires belong only in the supplied grills. Keep pets on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Drones and other remote-controlled aircraft are prohibited. Leave rocks, plants, artifacts and other park features in place and use the dumpsters for trash.

Drive licensed vehicles only on designated roadways, with a licensed operator. Use one parking space per vehicle and keep trailers out of the day-use lot; the launch area has boat-trailer parking.

Choose the right reservation

The 24-site developed campground is reservable, while eight sites behind its loop remain first come, first served. Camping is limited to 14 days in any 30-day period. Book through Reserve Nevada. Day-use bookings made before arrival day carry a nonrefundable USD 5 transaction fee; same-day bookings do not. Review the official reservation rules for the applicable entry window.

Location and arrival

The park address is 4220 South Needles Highway, No. 3, Laughlin, Nevada. Choose the day-use or boat-launch parking appropriate to your visit; trailer parking is not allowed in the day-use area.

Nearby parks

Davis Camp is a Mohave County park across the river in Bullhead City, with an entrance address on Highway 68 below Davis Dam. Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers another nearby park setting around Lake Mohave; Cottonwood Cove is a paved-road option reached from U.S. 95 at Searchlight. Use the road entrances rather than interpreting the river as a road connection.

Beach, boat or trail

Use the shoreline for a picnic, launch a boat through the two-lane lagoon ramp, or follow the developed-area trails. Fishing and bird-watching are also park activities. The clear, cool water below Davis Dam is part of the appeal, but river users still need to account for current and applicable boating rules.

Campground and shoreline facilities

Developed campsites have water, electric and sewer hookups, with restrooms and showers nearby. Three ADA-equipped sites require the appropriate ADA permit. First-come sites have a picnic table, fire ring and shade structure and use the nearby campground washrooms. Ask staff to unlock a sewer hookup if it is secured during summer.

About the recreation area

A river valley with a longer history

The state recreation area was established in 1996. Nevada State Parks identifies the Mohave as the earliest inhabitants of the Colorado River Valley; protected cultural resources remain part of the landscape.

Birds along the water

Mallards, coots, herons and geese use the river shoreline. The park also extends into canyons and washes, so a trail walk explores a different environment from the beach.

Contact

Call 702-298-1859 or email [email protected]. The official recreation-area page carries current hours, fees and park notices.