Laughlin, Nevada

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 20, 2026

Laughlin, Nevada is a Colorado River vacation destination known for riverfront casino resorts, boating, fishing, entertainment and easy access to outdoor recreation in both Nevada and Arizona. Located directly across the river from Bullhead City, Arizona, Laughlin combines resort amenities with Lake Mohave, desert scenery, river activities and convenient day trips to historic Route 66 communities.

Visitors can walk portions of the Laughlin Riverwalk between riverfront resorts, take a water taxi along the Colorado River, fish or boat nearby waters, explore Lake Mohave and Katherine Landing, or spend the day visiting Oatman, Kingman and other regional attractions. Laughlin is roughly a 90-minute to two-hour drive from the Las Vegas area and about a four-hour drive from Phoenix depending on traffic and starting point.

• Why Visit Laughlin
• Things To Do
• Laughlin Riverwalk
• Fishing
• Boating & Lake Mohave
• Outdoor Adventures
• Family Activities
• Nearby Day Trips
• Best Time To Visit
• Directions
• Maps
• FAQ

Why Visit Laughlin Nevada

Laughlin appeals to travelers who want resort entertainment without giving up access to the outdoors. Riverfront hotels and casinos line Casino Drive, while the Colorado River provides boating, kayaking, fishing and scenic views immediately beside the resort corridor.

Nearby Lake Mohave adds beaches, coves, fishing, boating and camping, while Bullhead City, Oatman and the surrounding desert provide easy day-trip options. Laughlin also offers live entertainment, bowling, arcades, pools, riverfront dining and other activities for visitors who are not interested in casino gaming.

Things To Do In Laughlin Nevada

• Walk the Laughlin Riverwalk: Follow the paved riverside walkway between sections of the resort corridor while enjoying Colorado River views.
• Visit Laughlin Resorts & Casinos: Enjoy gaming, restaurants, live entertainment, lounges, pools and other resort amenities.
• Ride the River Passage Water Taxi: Travel between participating riverfront resorts while enjoying a scenic ride on the Colorado River.
• Go Boating or Kayaking: Explore the Colorado River or nearby Lake Mohave by boat, personal watercraft, kayak or paddleboard.
• Fish the Colorado River: Anglers pursue striped bass, catfish, bass and other species in the Laughlin-Bullhead City area.
• Explore Lake Mohave: Visit Katherine Landing for boating, fishing, beaches, camping and marina services.
• Visit Oatman Arizona: Explore the historic Route 66 mining town known for Old West character and free-roaming burros.
• Explore the Desert: Scenic drives, hiking and off-road recreation are available throughout the surrounding Mojave Desert.

Fishing Near Laughlin Nevada

The Colorado River and nearby Lake Mohave provide year-round fishing opportunities around Laughlin and Bullhead City. Species vary by location, season and water conditions, and anglers should check current Arizona or Nevada fishing regulations depending on where they fish.

• Colorado River: Anglers pursue striped bass, catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and panfish in the Laughlin-Bullhead City area.
• Lake Mohave: Popular species include striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish and sunfish.
• Katherine Landing: Provides convenient Lake Mohave access, marina services, shoreline fishing and a fish-cleaning station.
• Boat Fishing: A boat provides access to additional river and Lake Mohave structure, coves and deeper water.
• Shore Fishing: Public shoreline areas and Lake Mohave coves provide opportunities for visitors without boats.

The Colorado River At Laughlin

The Colorado River is central to the Laughlin vacation experience. Visitors use the river for boating, personal watercraft, kayaking, fishing and scenic cruises, while resort properties and the Riverwalk provide views of the water throughout much of the hotel corridor.

River conditions can change with releases, weather, wind and boat traffic. Boaters and paddlers should wear appropriate life jackets, follow current Nevada and Arizona boating laws and check weather conditions before heading onto the water.

Boating Around Laughlin & Lake Mohave

• Colorado River: Popular for cruising, personal watercraft, kayaking and sightseeing near Laughlin and Bullhead City.
• Lake Mohave: Offers broad open-water boating, protected coves, beaches and desert scenery north of Laughlin.
• Katherine Landing: Provides a launch ramp, boat and equipment rentals, fuel, marina services, camping and lodging.
• Water Skiing & Wakeboarding: Lake Mohave and suitable sections of the river support popular tow-sport recreation.
• Kayaking & Paddle Sports: Protected coves and quieter waters can provide excellent paddling opportunities when weather conditions are favorable.

As of August 18, 2026, the Katherine Landing launch ramp is open on concrete. Visitors should still check current National Park Service launch and weather conditions before towing a boat to Lake Mohave.

Best Time To Visit Laughlin Nevada

• Spring: Warm days and relatively comfortable evenings make spring excellent for boating, fishing, golf, Riverwalk strolls and desert excursions.
• Summer: Popular for pools and water recreation, but extreme daytime heat requires careful planning and reduced midday outdoor activity.
• Fall: Cooling temperatures make fall one of the most comfortable seasons for fishing, sightseeing, hiking and outdoor recreation.
• Winter: Mild desert days attract visitors seeking casino getaways, riverfront walks, golf and outdoor activities without summer heat.

For detailed monthly temperature and rainfall information, see our Laughlin Nevada Weather & Climate Guide.

Lake Mohave & Katherine Landing

Lake Mohave extends north from Davis Dam through Lake Mead National Recreation Area and is one of the most popular outdoor destinations near Laughlin. Katherine Landing, just minutes from Laughlin and Bullhead City, provides boating, fishing, beaches, camping, lodging and marina services.

Current facilities include a launch ramp, boat and equipment rentals, fuel, docks, food and drink services, camping and lodging. Visitors can also reach numerous coves and shoreline recreation areas from the Katherine Landing vicinity.

Outdoor Adventures Near Laughlin

The desert surrounding Laughlin provides scenic driving, hiking, mountain biking and off-road recreation away from the resort corridor. Cooler fall, winter and spring weather is generally best for exploring exposed desert terrain.

Christmas Tree Pass and the Spirit Mountain area offer rugged Mojave Desert scenery west of Laughlin, while Grapevine Canyon is known for rocky desert landscapes and prehistoric petroglyphs. Visitors should use established roads and trails, respect cultural sites and check current land-management conditions before traveling into remote areas.

Desert temperatures can become dangerous quickly. Carry abundant drinking water, avoid strenuous midday summer activity and tell someone where you are going before traveling into remote backcountry.

Oatman Arizona Day Trip

Oatman, Arizona is a historic Route 66 mining town in the Black Mountains southeast of Laughlin. Visitors come for its Old West atmosphere, historic buildings, shops, staged entertainment and the burros that frequently wander through town.

The drive between Laughlin and Oatman also provides dramatic desert and mountain scenery. Allow extra time on older Route 66 sections because portions of the road are narrow and winding.

Family Things To Do In Laughlin

Laughlin offers more family activities than its casino reputation might suggest. Depending on the resort, families can enjoy swimming pools, riverfront beach areas, arcades, bowling, dining and easy access to the Laughlin Riverwalk.

• Laughlin Riverwalk: A paved riverside walk with resort access and Colorado River views.
• Bowling: Riverside Resort and Laughlin River Lodge currently offer bowling facilities.
• Arcades: Several Laughlin resorts currently provide family arcade and game areas.
• Pools & Beaches: Many resort properties offer pools, while selected riverfront hotels provide beach access for registered guests.
• Water Activities: Depending on age and operator requirements, families can enjoy boat rides, kayaking and other Colorado River recreation.
• Day Trips: Oatman, Bullhead City and Lake Mohave provide additional family-friendly outings.

Nearby Day Trips From Laughlin

• Bullhead City, Arizona: Cross the Colorado River for parks, restaurants, shopping and additional river access.
• Oatman, Arizona: Explore an Old West Route 66 mining town in the Black Mountains.
• Lake Mohave: Enjoy boating, fishing, beaches, kayaking, camping and desert coves.
• Kingman, Arizona: Visit Route 66 museums, historic sites, restaurants and road-trip attractions.
• Lake Havasu City: See London Bridge and enjoy beaches, boating and waterfront recreation.

Getting To Laughlin Nevada

From Phoenix: A common route travels northwest through Wickenburg and Kingman before continuing toward Bullhead City and Laughlin. Allow approximately four hours under normal conditions, with additional time for traffic and stops.

From Southern California: Travelers commonly use Interstate 15 and Interstate 40 toward Needles before continuing north toward Laughlin. Actual mileage and travel time vary considerably depending on the starting city.

From Las Vegas: Laughlin is approximately 97 miles from Las Vegas. A common route uses US 95 south through Searchlight and Nevada State Route 163 east toward Laughlin.

Check current Nevada and Arizona highway conditions before beginning a long drive, especially during extreme heat, storms or construction.

Laughlin Visitor Information

For current resort information, events, entertainment schedules, dining, attractions and visitor services, see the official Visit Laughlin tourism website.

For current Lake Mohave launch ramps, recreation conditions and National Park Service information, see Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Map Directions To Laughlin

Map & Directions To Laughlin

Laughlin City Map

Laughlin Nevada City Map

Frequently Asked Questions About Laughlin Nevada

Where Is Laughlin Nevada?

Laughlin is located in southern Nevada along the Colorado River directly across from Bullhead City, Arizona and approximately 97 miles from Las Vegas.

What Is Laughlin Nevada Known For?

Laughlin is known for riverfront casino resorts, Colorado River recreation, boating, fishing, entertainment, nearby Lake Mohave and a more relaxed atmosphere than Las Vegas.

Can You Walk Between Casinos In Laughlin?

Portions of the Laughlin Riverwalk connect several riverfront resort properties along the Colorado River. Street-level connections are required between some sections.

Can You Go Boating In Laughlin?

Yes. Visitors boat, kayak and use personal watercraft on the Colorado River and nearby Lake Mohave. Katherine Landing provides major Lake Mohave boating and marina services.

Is Fishing Good Near Laughlin?

Yes. The Colorado River and Lake Mohave offer fishing for striped bass, catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout and other species depending on location.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Laughlin?

Spring and fall generally provide the most comfortable weather for boating, fishing, sightseeing, river walks and desert day trips. Winter is also mild, while summer can be extremely hot.

Is Laughlin Good For Families?

Yes. Family activities can include pools, riverfront beaches, bowling, arcades, the Riverwalk, boating and day trips to Lake Mohave, Bullhead City and Oatman.

How Far Is Laughlin From Las Vegas?

Laughlin is approximately 97 miles from Las Vegas, typically about a one-hour-and-40-minute drive depending on traffic and road conditions.

What Is There To Do At Lake Mohave Near Laughlin?

Lake Mohave offers boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, camping, beaches and scenic desert coves. Katherine Landing provides marina, rental and visitor services.

What Are Good Day Trips From Laughlin?

Popular day trips include Oatman, Bullhead City, Lake Mohave, Kingman and Lake Havasu City.

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Along The Colorado River