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Arizona
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State of Arizona Parks

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USA Parks
Arizona
West Coast Region
Buckskin Mountain State Park
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Buckskin Mountain State Park © Christina R. Cupa
Buckskin Mountain State Park Peaceful Spot © Susan Kordish
The bench in the cactus garden near the park entrance
Buckskin Mountain State Park The Bench © Susan Kordish
Nice quiet spot to watch the Colorado River flow past.
Buckskin Mountain State Park The Park © Susan Kordish
The view from our site
Buckskin Mountain State Park The View © Susan Kordish
The view from one of the benches in the cactus garden
Buckskin Mountain State Park Running © Susan Kordish
My dog running along the river.
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BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
BUCKSKIN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
5476 North US Hwy 95
Parker, Arizona   85344

Phone: 928-667-3231
Reservations: 928-667-3231
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 ofParker 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.
History of the Area
Located in Arizona, this park was established in 1967. It spans over 1,677 acres along the Colorado River between Parker and Lake Havasu City. The area is known for its scenic beauty with mountains on one side and river views on the other.

The site has been a popular spot for outdoor activities such as camping, boating, hiking and wildlife viewing since its inception. In addition to natural attractions like Buckskin Mountain itself or Bouse Wash Wilderness Area nearby it also offers facilities including campgrounds & picnic areas.

Over time improvements have been made; visitor center construction occurred during late-1980s while renovations took place throughout early-2000s enhancing accessibility features among others.

Passes
Arizona offers a non-commercial standard pass for weekday use at all parks, including weekends at most parks and the non-commercial premium pass which includes weekend and holiday access to the parks. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is not included in either annual park pass. You can find additional Arizona Annual State Park Pass informataion and order online by visiting the ARIZONA ANNUAL STATE PARK PASS web page.
Camping
1. Buckskin Mountain State Park offers 68 campsites with electric and water hookups.
2. There are also non:hookup tent sites available for camping.
3. Cabins can be rented, offering a more comfortable stay in the park.
4. Group camping is possible at River Island Unit within the park area.
5. The campground provides restrooms, showers, picnic areas and dump stations for RVs.




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!
Area Attractions
Nearby - Lake Havasu State Park, Cattail Cove State Park, Alamo Lake State Park, London Bridge, and Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

River Island Unit:

The River Island Unit is ideal for tent campers and can provide a scenic respite, a desert escape, or a fun-filled water adventure. It offers 37 campsites, a ramada, sandy beach, cove, and boat launch area.

In the summer, the park unit is most popular for boating, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and camping amidst a backdrop of beautiful mountains. In the winter, visitors appreciate the mild climate and enjoy camping and fishing. River Island Unit - Buckskin Mountain State Park is a year-round destination for those looking to discover a variety of recreational and culturalresources.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 2 Fun in the Sun! by Paul
park review stars; one to five Visited a few times. Great place to get away from it all. Very relaxing. Check out this video I made of my visit to the park on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4UmOBC7YbU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
April 24 We Love this Park by AZBirddog
park review stars; one to five We camp here at least 6 time a year. We love the area and the frendly people. It is our favorite camp-ground.
March 25 Favorite Park by Larry Raab
park review stars; one to five We have visited this Park for 6 years, coming ( winter home ) & heading back to (summer home)in WA. Will be so very disappointed if Buckskin will be one of the 11 State parks that are closing.
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Directions
Buckskin Mountain State Park is located on Arizona Highway 95, about 12 miles north of Parker. The River Island unit is one mile north of Buckskin Mountain State Park.

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Arizona
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State of Arizona Parks

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