Colorado River recreation near Parker and western Arizona river towns

Parker Arizona: Colorado River Recreation & Parker Strip

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 23, 2026.

Parker, Arizona is a Colorado River community in western Arizona near the California border, known for boating, fishing, riverfront camping, off-highway recreation and warm desert weather. The town sits along Arizona State Route 95 and serves as the southern gateway to the Parker Strip, an approximately 18-mile recreation corridor along the Colorado River.

Visitors come to Parker for summer water sports, mild winter weather, riverfront resorts, state parks, desert trails and scenic drives. Nearby attractions include Parker Dam, Buckskin Mountain State Park, River Island State Park, BlueWater Resort & Casino and the Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway.

Parker Arizona Quick Facts
Best Things To Do
Colorado River & Parker Strip
State Parks & Outdoor Recreation
OHV & Desert Recreation
BlueWater Resort & Casino
Best Time To Visit
Getting To Parker
Visitor Tips
FAQ

Colorado River and desert mountain scenery at Parker Arizona

Parker Arizona Quick Facts

Location: Western Arizona on the Colorado River near California
County: La Paz County
Primary highway: Arizona State Route 95
Parker Strip: Approximately 18 miles of Colorado River recreation
Major activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, camping, OHV riding and hiking
Nearby parks: Buckskin Mountain State Park and River Island State Park
Major resort: BlueWater Resort & Casino
Scenic route: Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway
Phoenix distance: Approximately 160 miles
Best seasons: Winter for desert recreation; summer for water sports

Colorado River & Parker Strip Recreation

The Colorado River is the center of recreation around Parker. The Parker Strip extends for approximately 18 miles between the Parker Dam area and Headgate Rock Dam, with resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, beaches, boat ramps and waterfront recreation along the river corridor.

Popular activities include boating, personal watercraft, kayaking, swimming, water skiing, wakeboarding and fishing. Anglers target bass, catfish and other warm-water species, while visitors who prefer a slower pace can enjoy riverside picnics, wildlife viewing and scenic drives.

Best Things To Do In Parker Arizona

Boat, kayak, swim or water ski on the Colorado River
Fish the Parker Strip and Colorado River backwaters
Camp at Buckskin Mountain State Park or River Island State Park
Explore the Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway
Ride designated OHV routes in the surrounding desert
Visit BlueWater Resort & Casino
Enjoy beaches, picnic areas and river-access sites
Drive north toward Parker Dam and Lake Havasu
Watch for desert bighorn sheep, wild burros and other wildlife
Enjoy Parker's mild winter weather and desert sunsets

State Parks & Outdoor Recreation Near Parker

Buckskin Mountain State Park and River Island State Park provide developed Colorado River recreation north of Parker. Visitors can camp, picnic, launch boats, swim, hike and enjoy river and mountain scenery along the Parker Strip.

Additional public recreation sites are managed by the Bureau of Land Management along the lower Colorado River and Parker Dam Road corridor. Facilities vary by location, so visitors should check current park and BLM information before traveling.

Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway

The Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway follows approximately 11 miles of the California side of the Colorado River beginning near Parker Dam. The paved route provides scenic river views and access to boat launches, fishing areas, campgrounds, day-use sites and desert recreation.

Parker Dam itself has an important vehicle restriction: oversized vehicles and vehicles towing trailers are not permitted to cross the dam. RV and boat-trailer travelers should use appropriate highway routes rather than planning to cross Parker Dam.

OHV & Desert Recreation Near Parker

The desert surrounding Parker offers extensive off-highway vehicle recreation, including designated riding areas and routes managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Copper Basin Dunes and Crossroads OHV Area are among the Parker Strip recreation locations used by ATV, UTV and other off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.

Always remain on routes and in areas legally open to your vehicle type, observe seasonal closures and fire restrictions, and carry water and emergency supplies when traveling into remote desert terrain.

Where To Stay In Parker Arizona

Parker and the Parker Strip offer hotels, riverfront resorts, vacation rentals, RV parks and campgrounds. Visitors who want direct access to the Colorado River can choose from numerous waterfront accommodations, while staying in town provides convenient access to restaurants, shopping, fuel and other services.

Campers can also consider nearby state parks and public recreation areas, depending on the type of facilities and river access desired.

The Parker Strip

The Parker Strip is an approximately 18-mile Colorado River recreation corridor north of Parker. Waterfront resorts, RV parks, marinas, campgrounds, restaurants and recreation areas line portions of the river, making this one of western Arizona's most concentrated water-recreation destinations.

Parker Dam anchors the northern end of the recreation corridor, while Headgate Rock Dam lies near the southern end. The area is especially popular for boating, fishing, personal watercraft, camping and winter RV travel.

BlueWater Resort & Casino

BlueWater Resort & Casino is located along the Colorado River in Parker and combines a hotel, casino, restaurants, live entertainment, marina and boat launch. Its riverfront location makes it both an entertainment destination and a convenient base for Colorado River recreation.

Visitors should check the resort directly for current lodging, entertainment, dining and marina information before traveling.

Best Time To Visit Parker Arizona

Spring: Warm weather makes March and April excellent for boating, camping and desert recreation.
Summer: Very hot desert temperatures make the Colorado River the focus for boating, swimming and water sports.
Fall: Cooling temperatures provide good conditions for camping, fishing, boating and OHV recreation.
Winter: Mild daytime weather attracts RV travelers, snowbirds, hikers and off-highway recreation visitors.

Getting To Parker Arizona

Parker is located on Arizona State Route 95 in western Arizona. From Phoenix, the most direct route is Interstate 10 west to Quartzsite, then State Route 95 north to Parker. The trip is approximately 160 miles.

Lake Havasu City is north of Parker on State Route 95. Travelers can find detailed regional routes, approximate driving distances and Parker Strip orientation on the Parker Arizona Map & Directions page.

Parker Arizona Visitor Tips

Carry plenty of drinking water during every season.
Plan outdoor desert activities early in the day during hot weather.
Use life jackets and observe Arizona boating regulations on the Colorado River.
Check river and weather conditions before boating or paddling.
Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment to prevent aquatic invasive species.
Use designated routes and legal riding areas for OHV recreation.
Check current fire restrictions before camping or off-road travel.
Expect busy river traffic during summer weekends and holidays.
Do not attempt to cross Parker Dam while towing a trailer or driving an oversized vehicle.
Use the Parker map page for detailed regional driving directions.

Parker Arizona FAQ

Where Is Parker Arizona?

Parker is located in western Arizona along the Colorado River near the California border in La Paz County.

What Is Parker Arizona Known For?

Parker is best known for Colorado River boating, fishing, water sports, the Parker Strip, riverfront camping and off-highway desert recreation.

How Long Is The Parker Strip?

The Parker Strip is approximately 18 miles long and follows the Colorado River recreation corridor between the Parker Dam area and Headgate Rock Dam.

How Far Is Parker From Phoenix?

Parker is approximately 160 miles west of Phoenix, usually reached by Interstate 10 to Quartzsite and State Route 95 north.

Can You Boat On The Colorado River At Parker?

Yes. Boating, personal watercraft, kayaking, swimming and other water recreation are among Parker's most popular activities.

Is Parker Arizona Good For Fishing?

Yes. The Colorado River and associated backwaters around Parker support bass, catfish and other warm-water fish.

Where Can You Camp Near Parker?

Camping is available at riverfront RV parks, private campgrounds, Buckskin Mountain State Park, River Island State Park and other recreation sites in the Parker Strip area.