Bucksin Mountain State Park, an Arizona State Park near Desert Hills, Empire Landing

USA

Arizona

Bucksin Mountain State Park

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State Park Link:
Bucksin Mountain State Park

Nearby Parks:
Buckskin Mountain State Park
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Havasu State Park

State Park Contact Information:
	Bucksin Mountain State Park 5476 North US Hwy 95 Parker, Arizona 85344 Phone: 928-667-3231	Area Accommodations
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State Park Overview:
	Buckskin Mountain State Park commands one of the finest views along the Parker strip, an 18-mile stretch between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam. Mountains line the river on both the Arizona and California sides, and the wildlife is as varied as the recreational opportunities along the river. This picturesque park provides scenic respite, mountain hikes, a desert escape and fun-filled water adventure. The nearby River Island Unit, about one mile north, is ideal for tent campers. It offers a ramada with campfire ring, which may be reserved for group use (fee required) except on holiday weekends. A sandy beach, cove, and boat launch area are also located at the River Island Unit. In the summer, Buckskin and River Island are popular for boating, jet skiing, swimming and camping. In the winter, visitors appreciate the mild climate and enjoy camping, fishing and hiking in the park. Both areas are year-round destinations for those looking to discover a variety of recreational and cultural resources. The Colorado River Indian Reservation is just east of Parker and archaeological sites are scattered up and down Arizona's "west coast." Parker Dam, the world's deepest dam, is located approximately five miles to the north on Highway 95. About 25 miles north is Lake Havasu City, home of the famous London Bridge. This 1,677-acre park has been operated by Arizona State Parks since 1967.
Nature of the Area:
	Mammals that may be seen at the park include: bobcats, ringtail cats, coyote, and gray fox. Snakes include: Coachwhip (Red Racer), and King Snakes. Lizards include: desert iguana, and the collared lizard. Birds include: red-tailed hawk, vermillion flycatcher, great horned owl, burrowing owls, turkey vultures, and egrets.
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Camping:
	There are 68 camping & RV sites. There are 21 cabana sites. Camping Fees are per vehicle and are per night depending on the site. There is a 14-night stay limit. The RV & Tent sites have water and 30 amp electric available, 15 of the sites also have a sewer connection. All sites have a BBQ grill and picnic table. The 21 Cabana Sites overlook the Colorado River and are perfect way for tenters to enjoy the water. The cabanas have two and a half walls, a concrete floor and a roof. Cabanas have a 15 amp electrical outlet. Tents can be pitched on the ground between the cabana and the river. All sites have a BBQ grill and picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the cabana sites. A group camping area is located at the River Island just one mile north of the park.
Trails:
	Many visitors take advantage of a terrific network of hiking trails. Starting at the entrance to Buckskin is the steep and winding 1/2-mile round trip Lightning Bolt Trail that affords a wonderful view of the campground and Colorado River. From this trail, visitors can access the 1-mile loop Buckskin Trail. A very informative trail guide corresponding to numbered posts along the trail highlights native vegetation and can be obtained at the Ranger Station. A concrete pedestrian footbridge crosses Highway 95 and leads to two other one-way trails. Interruption Point Trail is a one-mile round trip trek to a scenic overlook. There is also a one-way trail travelling to a series of abandoned mines, roundtrip is about 1/2-mile. Ranger-led hikes are held throughout the year. To the right of the boat launch at River Island is the entrance to the Habitat Trail. Pick up a trail guide and learn about the river's edge from "Arnie Ant." In the brochure, Arnie shares what life on the Colorado River is like from an ant's perspective from what to eat to how to avoid being eaten. The one-mile roundtrip trail is quite steep and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and the Parker Dam. From a brief excursion to an overlook or a several hour test of your endurance, the trails at Buckskin and River Island can meet your needs. Remember, for safety sake, wear sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and take along plenty of water. Have fun!
Picnicking:
	The day use area is located northwest of the Contact Station. It is a grass area with shade trees and overlooks the Colorado River. The area has picnic tables and 2 large BBQ grills. There is parking available for 28 vehicles, 12 of the sites will accommodate vehicles towing small boat trailers. Day Use Fees are per vehicle with up to 4 adults. Day Use hours are 8 am ? 10 pm.
Boating:
	The park has a two lane launch ramp. There is no parking at the boat ramp. Campers must park back at their campsite. Day Use Visitors must park in the Day Use Parking lot. Non-motorized watercraft may launch at any boat ramp.
Swimming:
	The park offers swimming along all of the shoreline. Swimming is not allowed at the Boat Ramp or Docks. The park has a designated swim area located at the Day Use area. No Lifeguard on Duty. Swimming is at your own risk.
Fishing and Hunting:
	The park has fishing opportunities. Whether you sport fishing for Large and Smallmouth Bass or bottom fishing for Catfish and Carp with the Colorado River on two sides of the park anglers test their skills and try their luck at fishing. The kids will also enjoy fishing for Bluegill, Sunfish and Crappie. A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers fourteen and older. Licensing information is available online at Arizona Game & Fish, or purchase a fishing license at a local dealer.
History of the Area:
	As previously discussed in the history of Lake Havasu, Buckskin Mountain was identified in the Lower Colorado River Land Use Plan as an area to be administered by State Parks. The Parks Board had identified the area as a top priority on its first list of potential park sites. The Community of Parker had strongly supported the creation of a State Park in their area to bring in additional visitors. On June 1, 1965, the Bureau of Reclamation leased lands along the Colorado River, approximately 12 miles north of Parker, to the State Land Department for park and recreation purposes through Contract No. 14-06-300-1590. The properties were immediately sub-leased by the State Land Department to the State Parks Board. The Contract was for 50 years with the end of the lease to be May 31, 2015. The original lease was cancelled on January 18, 1968, and a modified lease was issued to the State Land Department on October 31, 1968. The 1676.56 acres of land covered under the new lease, Contract No. 14-01-0002-0008, were then sub-leased to the Parks Board by the State Land Department. The lease was for 50 years with an ending date of October 30, 2018.River Island Unit in 1981River Island Unit in 1981. Construction of park facilities began in 1965, and John Eager was hired as the first Park Manager. The Park opened for public use and an official dedication was held on October 29, 1967. A concession for a general store with boat gas was add within the Park in 1972. In the mid 1970s, additional cabanas, campsites and restrooms were developed. The River Island Market with gas, boat storage and laundromat was added in the late 1970s. The River Island Unit of Buckskin was developed with a contact station, campground, day use area and restroom in the early 1980s. This Unit is located approximately one and one quarter miles north and east of Buckskin proper. It also provides shoreline access and a boat ramp to the Colorado River just off State Highway 95.Buckskin Mountain State Park in 1969Buckskin Mountain State Park in 1969. In 1995, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of Land Management and the State Parks Board changed the Park boundary. The Parks Board relinquished its lease in return for a patent on 907 acres of land that contained the major developments at Buckskin Mountain and River Island. Buckskin Mountain State Park and its River Island Unit are water based, high intensity, recreation areas along the Colorado River two miles below Parker Dam. The high intensity recreation use occurs from March through October each year. Then the winter visitors, who are retreating from the cold climate of the North and Midwest States, come and stay for most of the other part of the year.

Area Accommodations

B&Bs / Inns

Desert Rose Bed and Breakfast - Cottonwood, AZ
We offer world class luxury and amenities at an affordable small town price. Our quaint desert setting will give you the most authentic Arizona experience. We are very centrally located, within 16 miles of Sedona, Jerome, Cliff Castle Casino and Montezuma's Castle, and no more than 10 miles from at least 4 wineries.
Web Site: http://www.desertrosebandb.com

Hotels/Motels

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