Located in Laughlin, Nevada and just across the Colorado River from Bullhead City, Arizona, the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area is Nevada’s newest state park. You can find a lot to do at Big Bend, especially if you enjoy the outdoors or want to spend some time out on the water.
Opened in 1996, the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area has quickly become a great place for vacationers due to its many amenities and nearby attractions. Activities you might enjoy at Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area (SRA) include the following:
- Camping – the Big Bend of the Colorado SRA offers tent and RV camping sites, complete with pull-through sites for any size motorhome. Three sites are ADA equipped and are available for use with the proper ADA permits. The campground also includes restrooms and shower facilities. Note that sites cannot be reserved but are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Picnicking – the park has several shade ramadas that make a great place for a picnic lunch. Some ramadas include picnic tables and grills.
- Boating – you can access the Big Bend of the Colorado SRA’s boat launch into the Colorado River via their two-lane boat ramp. Note that if you do not have your own boat, you can easily get an boat rental in Arizona at the nearby town of Bullhead City (just across the river from the SRA).
- Swimming – you can enjoy the river waters and take a quick dip from the banks of the Big Bend of the Colorado SRA.
- Fishing – bring along your fishing pole and cast a line into the river, whether from the shore or off the side of your boat rental from Bullhead City.
- Hiking – the SRA has four miles of developed trails and several acres of undeveloped land that visitors like yourself can explore.
Because the Colorado River is the border between several states, you will want to be sure to check into local boating and fishing permit requirements. We don’t want you to get into trouble before your vacation can even begin!
Other nearby attractions that you may want to consider for a day trip include Davis Dam on Lake Mohave, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Las Vegas, the Oatman Historic Mining Area, and even Hoover Dam. If you don’t want to go as far as Las Vegas to try your luck at the slots, you can actually drive into Laughlin, NV and try out one of their many casinos. Or, you may just want to play a round of golf or check out their outlet mall.
Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area and its nearby cities offer a lot for vacationers of all interests. Be sure to check into Big Bend; Lauglin, NV; and Bullhead City, AZ area for your next vacation or weekend getaway.
