Parker, AZ
Havasu Springs Resort
Operated by Havasu Springs Resort
- Marina
- Boat rentals
- Fuel
- Lodging
AZ · CA · Verified 2026-07-16
Lake Havasu Houseboat Rentals
A warm desert reservoir on the Colorado River between Arizona and California, anchored by Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge.
About Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is a 45-mile Colorado River reservoir formed by Parker Dam, sitting between Arizona and California about 150 miles south of Las Vegas. It's the warmest of the Colorado River reservoirs — surface water temperatures climb into the mid-80s°F in midsummer — and its long, wide main channel is edged with red-brown desert mountains, tucked coves, and long protected side arms in Cattail Cove and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Lake Havasu City is the hub of the region, best known for the relocated London Bridge and a mix of resort marinas, restaurants, and public boat access. Havasu is a mature powerboat and pontoon market, and true short-term navigable houseboat rentals here have been narrower than at destinations like Powell or Shasta — most water-borne overnight rentals in the market today lean toward pontoons, deck boats, and moored floating vacation homes rather than a full navigable-houseboat fleet. Because that inventory shifts, we treat every Havasu houseboat inquiry as a special request and only quote current, verified navigable options for your dates rather than a static list. If you're comparing Colorado River reservoirs, Havasu shines for warm water, easy access from major Southwest cities, and long calendar seasons — it's less of a fit if you specifically want a multi-day self-driven navigable-houseboat cruise like Powell or Mohave.
Quick facts
- Waterway
- Reservoir (Colorado River)
- States
- AZ · CA
- Approx. surface
- 19,300 acres
- Approx. shoreline
- 400 mi
- Approx. elevation
- 450 ft
- Time zone
- MST (AZ) / PST (CA)
- Managing agency
- Bureau of Land Management / Arizona State Parks / California State Parks
- Rental season
- Long — Havasu's mild winters and hot dry summers keep on-water operations extended, though summer heat is extreme.
Facts sourced from the managing agency and public reference material and last verified 2026-07-16. Water levels, marina operations, and access can change — confirm current conditions before departure.
Available houseboats
Houseboat options for Lake Havasu are currently being verified with the marinas listed below. Submit your trip details to request current rental information for your dates, group size, and preferred features.
Departure marinas
Verified 2026-07-16
Best time to visit
Rental season: Long — Havasu's mild winters and hot dry summers keep on-water operations extended, though summer heat is extreme.
Peak season: Spring break through Labor Day, with major peaks around Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day weekends.
Summer highs frequently exceed 105°F; spring and fall are dramatically more comfortable. Winter days are typically mild and pleasant. Wind can pick up on the wider main channel in the afternoon.
Weather & water conditions
Lake Havasu is fed by dam-controlled Colorado River flows and holds a fairly stable elevation compared with Lake Mead. Boat traffic is heavy on peak summer weekends; navigation and anchoring plans should account for it.
Conditions can change quickly. Always follow marina, National Weather Service, and local authority guidance while on the water.
Directions & airports
Most guests fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix and drive two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hours to Lake Havasu City. The city sits directly on the lake, and marinas and public boat launches are within a few minutes of the London Bridge area.
Nearby cities
- Lake Havasu City, AZ — Hub city with marinas, resorts, and the London Bridge.
- Parker, AZ
- Needles, CA
- Las Vegas, NV — Roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to Lake Havasu City.
- Phoenix, AZ — Roughly 3 to 3.5 hours to Lake Havasu City.
Airports
- HII — Lake Havasu City Airport (regional)
- LAS — Harry Reid International (Las Vegas) (major)
- PHX — Phoenix Sky Harbor International (major)
Things to do at Lake Havasu
Cove anchoring and swimming
Long, warm swim season with dozens of side coves; Cattail Cove and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge shorelines offer quieter alternatives to the main-city marinas.
Waterskiing, wakeboarding, and jet-skiing
Havasu is one of the most popular powersport water bodies in the West, with wide reaches of open water and a very long calendar season.
Fishing
Striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, redear sunfish, and catfish are all present. Arizona and California fishing licenses may both apply depending on where you fish.
London Bridge and Lake Havasu City
The city itself is a genuine destination — relocated London Bridge, waterfront restaurants, and shopping — and pairs naturally with a lake trip.
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
The upper end of the reservoir is protected as a national wildlife refuge with quieter water, wading birds, and marshland side channels.
Copper Canyon and Topock Gorge day trips
Both are classic Lake Havasu side excursions best reached from an anchored houseboat or day boat.
Fishing at Lake Havasu
Common species include: Striped bass, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Redear sunfish, Catfish, Bluegill.
Confirm current fishing licenses with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; a use stamp may be required to fish across the state line.
Groceries & provisioning
Lake Havasu City has full-scale grocery stores, restaurants, and marine services. Bring extra water, ice, and sun protection — the desert climate is dehydrating.
Safety & operation
Marinas provide a mandatory orientation. Summer heat is extreme; plan shaded midday hours, drink more water than seems necessary, and watch for afternoon wind. Peak-weekend boat traffic can be very heavy — plan anchoring and channel crossings accordingly. Confirm current fleet composition and rental type with the marina to make sure you're booking a genuine navigable rental rather than a moored vacation home.
Where to stay
Lake Havasu City has a wide range of hotels, condo rentals, and waterfront resorts for pre- and post-trip stays. Las Vegas and Phoenix offer full-scale airport-city lodging.
Vacation planning
Related destinations
Lake Havasu FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Lake Havasu
Answers to the questions people most commonly search before planning a trip here.
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