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Outdoorsman's Guide To Visiting Arizona's Lake Havasu

Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Go on an adventure like no other by planning a trip to Lake Havasu in Arizona. Located in the lowlands of the Sonoran Desert, Lake Havasu City offers plenty of things to do for those looking for an outdoor adventure. You will be able to enjoy everything from picnicking to camping and hiking to boating. There are a variety of adventures you can enjoy, making each trip to the Lake Havasu area unique and different from any previous visit.
Getting To Lake Havasu

You will be overjoyed by the many adventures available to you in one central location, that you will have trouble sitting still when traveling to Lake Havasu. There are international airports that are within driving distance of the area, making it possible to fly in and after just a few hours of driving you will be ready to get your adventure started.

Nearby airports include McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas) and Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix). Rentals cars are available at each airport or you can charter a plane to take you from the International Airports to the Lake Havasu City municipal airport. From the airport you can rent a car or take a local shuttle service to and from your hotel, resort or campground.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Where To Stay

There are a variety of different types of accommodations available in the Lake Havasu area, including resorts, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, rental homes and campgrounds. There is definitely something for everyone, no matter what your preference and vacation budget may be.

If you are looking for a true outdoor adventure plan to go camping, the Crazy Horse Campgrounds may be right up your alley. This campground is conveniently located close to Lake Havasu City, giving you easy access to a variety of area attractions. During your stay at the Crazy Horse Campgrounds you will have access to beaches in the park, swimming areas, jet-skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, fishing and golfing.

If camping in a tent is not at the top of your desired accommodations list, consider renting an RV and staying at a local Lake Havasu City RV park. Area RV parks include:

Local vacation rentals include:

Hotels, motels and other accommodations in the area include:

Related: Best Campgrounds in Southern Michigan

Where To Eat

Pack a picnic lunch or grab a quick bite to eat before exploring the Lake Havasu City. There are many picnic spots located throughout the area, including several along the lakeside and hiking trails. If you are looking for something more than just a blanket and a picnic basket, there are a variety of restaurants located throughout Lake Havasu City. These restaurants include everything from steakhouses to pizza joints and sandwich shops to fine dining. Many of the less formal restaurants offer grab-and-go meals, making it possible to take that meal with you and enjoy the fresh air of the outdoors.

Top restaurants in the Lake Havasu area include:

Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Things To Do

Often referred to as "Arizona's Playground," Lake Havasu offers visitors a variety of things to do in the great outdoors. With more than 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, it is no wonder why so many outdoorsman have made their way to this region of Arizona for their vacations. You will find everything from off-roading to jet-skiing and rock climbing to boating centrally located around Lake Havasu. Recreational activities in the area include swimming, kayaking, birding, boating, fishing, cycling, hiking and golfing.

Spend the afternoon testing your shooting skills at the Lake Havasu City Sportsman Club, Inc. where you will find an archery range. This range is free to the public and offers twenty different archery targets and other ranges for rifles and shotguns.

Use various GPS coordinates to go geocaching throughout the beautiful Lake Havasu area. This is a great way to see a variety of different sites and explore the great outdoors of the area. You will be able to hunt for hidden items in the mountains, along the lake and other outdoor areas of Lake Havasu.

If you enjoy hunting, you will have a grand time hunting during your visit to Lake Havasu. Mohave County offers some of the best hunting in the country. You will find bighorn sheep, javelina, mountain lions, elk, doves, quail and mule deer throughout the region.

After spending the day exploring the great outdoors, grab your blanket and telescope. The skies are so clear at night you will see millions of stars illuminating the night sky.

Before leaving the area, do not forget to make a stop at the historic London Bridge, which is located in the center of the Bridgewater Channel.

What To Bring

If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors during your visit to Lake Havasu, make sure to pack all of your outdoor essentials and a lot of sunscreen. Here are some of the key items you should bring with you when planning a vacation to Lake Havasu:

  • Clothing, toiletries and other personal necessities
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Swim suits
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Lightweight jacket (at night)
  • Watch
  • Compass
  • Fishing equipment
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Canteen or water bottle
  • Flashlight
  • Map of the area
  • Toilet paper
  • Zip locking bags
  • First aid kit
  • GPS unit
  • Lightweight towel
  • Camping equipment

This list covers just the basics of what you might want to bring with you. Add other items to the list based on what you plan to do and what you will need during your getaway.

From the very moment you arrive, you will discover just how beautiful the Lake Havasu area is. Chances are you will find yourself spending 24 hours enjoying the great outdoors. There are so many things to do, it might be difficult to remember to take a moment to enjoy the scenery.

Related: Packing for Kids: What to Bring on Vacation

Heather Landon is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.
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