Cattail Cove State Park

Cattail Cove State Park is a 2,000-acre state park located along the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, approximately 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Established in 1970, the park provides recreational access to Lake Havasu, a reservoir created by Parker Dam on the Colorado River. The park sits at approximately 450 feet elevation in the Mohave Desert, featuring a distinctive cove with protected waters ideal for swimming, boating, and water sports. The park's name derives from extensive cattail marshes that once lined the Colorado River before dam construction. The dramatic setting includes views across Lake Havasu to the Mohave Mountains in California. The park serves both as a day-use destination and overnight camping area for visitors exploring the Lake Havasu region. Its sheltered cove location provides protection from the strong winds and large boat wakes common on the main lake.

Cattail Cove State Park's aquatic and desert environments support diverse wildlife adapted to the Colorado River reservoir ecosystem. The lake and shoreline attract waterfowl including Canada geese, various duck species, double-crested cormorants, and American coots. Great blue herons, egrets, and other wading birds feed in shallow areas. The park lies within the Pacific Flyway, hosting migratory birds during spring and fall movements. Ospreys nest and hunt along the lake, diving for fish throughout the year. Desert bighorn sheep occasionally visit from the surrounding Buckskin Mountains. Coyotes, bobcats, and kit foxes inhabit upland desert areas. The lake supports introduced game fish including largemouth bass, striped bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout seasonally. Razorback sucker and bonytail, endangered native Colorado River fish, are subjects of reintroduction efforts. Desert tortoise populations occupy undisturbed desert areas.

The park's vegetation reflects Mohave Desert plant communities with elements of Sonoran Desert influences. The shoreline features sparse riparian vegetation including tamarisk, which has invaded many areas along Lake Havasu and requires ongoing management. Away from the lake, typical Mohave Desert species dominate, with creosote bush and white bursage forming extensive scrublands. Catclaw acacia, desert lavender, and brittlebush occupy washes and disturbed areas. Joshua trees, characteristic of Mohave Desert landscapes, appear in nearby areas though not abundantly within the park itself. Various cholla species, barrel cactus, and hedgehog cactus inhabit rocky slopes. Palo verde and ironwood trees grow in larger washes. The desert floor supports annual wildflowers during favorable spring conditions, including desert dandelion, phacelia, and desert lupine. The extreme heat and low rainfall limit vegetation density compared to higher elevation desert areas.

Cattail Cove State Park lies within the Basin and Range Province, characterized by north-south trending fault-block mountain ranges separated by alluvial valleys. The Buckskin Mountains to the east consist of Precambrian metamorphic and igneous rocks, primarily schist, gneiss, and granite dating back 1.5-1.7 billion years. These ancient rocks have been uplifted by extensional tectonics and extensively eroded. Lake Havasu occupies a structural basin along the Colorado River, with the lake bed consisting of river sediments deposited over millions of years. The shoreline reveals layered sediments and occasional bedrock outcrops. Alluvial fans extending from the mountains demonstrate ongoing erosion and deposition processes. The Colorado River has transported sediments from throughout its watershed, creating the diverse substrate visible along exposed shorelines. Parker Dam, located downstream, created Lake Havasu by impounding the Colorado River beginning in 1938.

Cattail Cove State Park experiences an extremely hot desert climate with some of the highest temperatures in North America. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August, with peaks occasionally reaching 120 degrees. Nighttime summer lows typically remain in the 80s to 90s, providing little relief. Winter temperatures are mild and pleasant, with daytime highs in the 60s to 70s and nighttime lows rarely dropping below freezing. Annual precipitation is minimal, averaging only 3-4 inches, making this one of the driest regions in Arizona. Most rainfall occurs during winter storm systems, with occasional summer thunderstorms. The lake moderates temperatures slightly near the shoreline. Humidity is generally very low except during rare monsoon moisture incursions. Wind conditions can be variable, with afternoon breezes common. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities.

The Colorado River corridor has supported human habitation for thousands of years, with Mojave and Chemehuevi peoples historically utilizing this region for fishing, hunting, and seasonal agriculture. Archaeological evidence indicates prehistoric settlements along the river's floodplain, taking advantage of fertile soils and reliable water. Spanish explorers documented the area in the 18th century, followed by American military expeditions in the 19th century. The Mojave people maintained cultural and trade connections across the region. Steamboat transportation on the Colorado River during the late 1800s connected remote mining camps and settlements. Construction of Parker Dam from 1934 to 1938 fundamentally altered the river environment, flooding the natural river channel and creating Lake Havasu. The dam project provided employment during the Great Depression and facilitated water delivery to Southern California through the Colorado River Aqueduct. Lake Havasu City was founded in 1963.

Cattail Cove State Park was established in 1970 as part of Arizona State Parks' expansion of recreational facilities along Lake Havasu. The park was developed to provide public access to Lake Havasu for boating, fishing, and water recreation in a more sheltered environment than the open lake. Initial development included basic campground facilities, a boat launch, and day-use areas. The park's sheltered cove location made it particularly attractive for swimming and family water activities. Over the decades, facilities have been improved and expanded while maintaining the park's focus on water-based recreation. The park has become popular with snowbirds and seasonal visitors escaping colder climates. Management has addressed challenges including shoreline erosion, fluctuating water levels controlled by dam operations, and impacts from invasive species. The park coordinates with federal agencies managing Colorado River operations and surrounding public lands.

Cattail Cove State Park's primary attractions focus on Lake Havasu water recreation and the protected cove environment. A paved boat launch ramp provides access for various watercraft, from kayaks to larger motorboats. The sheltered cove offers excellent swimming conditions, protected from the wind and large boat wakes common on the main lake. Shore fishing is popular along accessible areas, targeting bass, catfish, and other species. A designated swimming area provides family-friendly water access. Short nature trails provide walking opportunities along the shoreline and into adjacent desert areas, though extensive hiking trail systems are not the park's primary focus. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist along the shoreline, particularly for water birds. The park offers scenic views across Lake Havasu to the Mohave Mountains in California. Nearby areas provide access to additional Lake Havasu recreation including London Bridge and Lake Havasu City attractions.

Cattail Cove State Park offers developed camping facilities with approximately 61 campsites featuring picnic tables and grills. Some sites include electrical hookups and water. Modern restroom facilities with showers serve the campground. A group use area accommodates larger parties. The day-use area provides ramadas, picnic tables, and beach access. A paved boat launch ramp with parking accommodates vehicles and trailers. Drinking water and dump stations are available for recreational vehicles. The park entrance station provides information and collects day-use and camping fees. The park is accessible from Arizona State Route 95, located approximately 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City. Lake Havasu City offers full services including groceries, fuel, restaurants, and medical facilities. Reservations are recommended during peak winter season and holiday weekends when campgrounds fill quickly. The park is open year-round, though summer heat significantly reduces visitation.

Cattail Cove State Park management emphasizes protection of Lake Havasu's shoreline ecosystem while accommodating recreational use. Primary conservation efforts focus on controlling invasive tamarisk that has displaced native vegetation and managing shoreline impacts from fluctuating water levels. Revegetation projects aim to stabilize eroding shorelines and restore native desert plant communities. Wildlife habitat protection prioritizes maintaining diverse habitats for birds and desert species. Water quality monitoring ensures the lake remains suitable for recreation and aquatic life. The park participates in native fish conservation programs supporting razorback sucker and bonytail recovery efforts. Educational programs emphasize responsible recreation practices, Leave No Trace principles, and desert ecosystem awareness. Desert tortoise habitat protection includes designated conservation areas and public education. Coordination with Bureau of Reclamation addresses reservoir management and environmental concerns. Energy conservation measures reduce the park's operational environmental footprint in this extremely hot climate.