Lake Havasu State Park

People flock from all over Arizona and southern California to Lake Havasu State Park in the summertime. It is a sublime natural area, a place where the land itself seems to exude a free-spirited wind. Individuals bring their boats and set up camp right at the edge of the lake, spending whatever time they aren’t on the water by soaking up the sun or exploring the regions many trails. 

Fortunately, Lake Havasu State Park is dog-friendly, and your dog can explore almost anywhere that you can! Dogs are only prohibited from beach areas, although some people have slyly posted photos of their dogs on the water, whether in boats or on paddleboards, seeming to neglect or avoid the rule. However, the rule is in place because the beach is the nesting site of many unique shorebirds, some of which are threatened by even the lingering scent of a dog. 

That being said, dogs are allowed throughout Lake Havasu’s Mohave Sunset Trail, a beautiful one-and-a-half-mile trail that showcases both the desert environment surrounding the lake and the beautiful, inviting lake itself. Arizona State Parks & Trails manages Lake Havasu State Park, which includes campgrounds, docks, and RV sites that are heavily populated throughout the summer months. 

As a slight word of caution, this particular state park is known for the wild partying that college students participate in during spring and summer break. It is a heavily commercialized area, and not ideal for individuals seeking remote, quiet wilderness ventures. This is a fun place to be most times of the year, and your dog will have no lack of people and dogs to befriend when you visit. 

Bring plenty of water; although there are plenty of facilities throughout the park, the summer is brutal, and you can never be too hydrated in the desert. Come and visit the park to see what makes it such a popular place to be, or come during the off-season and enjoy an alternative perspective on one of the most beautiful desert paradises in the world!