Boating

Changes to the Topock Marsh seasonal closure:
The closed portion of Topock Marsh will be closed to all entry from October 1 through the last day of the state quail season to decrease disturbance to wildlife. Closed Area signs mark the boundaries.

The breathtaking Topock Gorge attracts many wildlife viewers in boats. Boats may enter from either end of the Topock Gorge on the beautiful clear, blue waters of the Colorado River. Operators need to be aware and alert throughout the canyon because of narrow two-way boat traffic. Boat rentals and guided tours are available from Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City, Arizona and Laughlin, Nevada.

Several local guidebooks offer an in-depth look at the natural features of the canyon. Detailed maps and boating regulations are available from the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge headquarters in Needles, the Bureau of Land Management offices in Needles and Lake Havasu City, and local tourist information sites.

Boating on Refuge waters is extremely popular, but can become dangerous. Water skiing or similar recreational towing is permitted between sunrise and sunset only on designated portions of the Colorado River. Boat mooring is not permitted on Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

Stay alert and out of restricted areas, which are marked by regulatory signs and/or buoys. As more boaters share the river, it is crucial that all watercraft operators follow all boat safety regulations. Make sure your boat conforms with the appropriate federal, state, and local safety rules and laws to make boating the lower Colorado River a safe and enjoyable time for everyone. Click on the logos at the top of this page to read boating regulations for Arizona and California.

Mesquite Bay 1 and 2 in Lake Havasu City are closed to all watercraft entry. Each bay has its own fishing pier and constructed underwater fish habitat areas that are set aside for visitor use without watercraft disturbance.

Boat Launches
There are free boat launches that access Topock Marsh: North Dike, Fivemile Landing (on County Route 1) and Catfish Paradise (on Oatman Highway/Route 66).

Local boat launches that allow access to the Colorado River include the Topock Gorge Marina, Arizona (exit 1, I-40), Park Moabi (located 11 miles south of Needles, CA on I-40), Havasu State Park at Windsor Beach (on London Bridge Road in Lake Havasu City). There are many other private and public boat launches along the Colorado River.

There is no boat access between Topock Marsh and the Colorado River.

No Wake zones exist in the harbor of Fivemile Landing on Topock Marsh and the entrance and harbor at Topock Marina.

Havasu Wilderness Area
(Marked by regulatory buoys and/or signs)
Within the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is the Havasu Wilderness Area. It is located along the Colorado River for a 15-mile stretch from the north buoy line at river mile marker 234 (at the Interstate 40 bridge) to the south buoy line at river mile marker 219 (near Castle Rock). The Refuge has established specific boating regulations for the wilderness area.

Personal Watercraft
Motorized personal watercraft (PWC) such as Sea Doos, Wave Runners, and Jet Skies are not allowed in the backwaters off of the main Colorado River channel. Waterbirds such as grebes, bitterns, and herons build their nests in vegetation near open water. Wakes from PWCs can easily knock these nests loose from vegetation, causing mortality of nestlings or abandonment of the nest by the parents.

Air-thrust Boats
We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats or air-cooled propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.

No Wake Zones
All other watercraft allowed into these backwaters are restricted to wakeless speed or otherwise will be posted as no watercraft entry. Please respect the regulatory buoys placed in these backwaters.

Water Skiing and Recreational Towing
You cannot water ski, tube, wake board, or tow other recreational crafts from the north buoy line at Interstate 40 to the south buoy line near Castle Rock. State and Federal regulations apply in all areas on Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

Hunting Restriction (Oct. 1 to January 31)
The Havasu Wilderness Area is closed to all migratory waterfowl hunting.

Other hunting is permitted according to state regulations. The wilderness may be accessed by land or water. No hunting is permitted within a one quarter mile of the Colorado River. Please call Refuge Headquarters for our Hunting Brochure or to ask about designated hunting areas.

Topock Marsh
A portion of Topock Marsh is closed to all entry annually from October 1 through February 4 to decrease disturbance to wildlife. Closed Area signs mark the boundaries.

Air-thrust Boats
We prohibit the use of all air-thrust boats or air-cooled propulsion engines, including floating aircraft.

Personal Watercraft
PWC use is not allowed on Topock Marsh.

Overnight Mooring and Camping
Fivemile Landing concessionaire on Topock Marsh has boat slips, tent, and recreational vehicle camping available for a nominal fee.

Camping (Land or Water) and open wood fires are prohibited unless authorized by Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.