Bonelli Landing

Overview

Bonelli Landing is the quiet, primitive side of the lake—an undeveloped shoreline access on the Arizona side where you can camp right by the water, fish, or launch small craft when levels allow. It’s more about solitude and big-sky views than services.

Getting There & Road Conditions

Expect a long stretch of dirt and gravel (about 15 miles) with washboards, dips, and pockets of soft sand. High‑clearance is smart; 2WD can make it when dry, but scout ahead and avoid wet clay or storms that can flood washes. Turning big rigs around can be tricky near the shore.

Facilities (Keep Expectations Low)

There are vault toilets (reported as two, up the hill from the landing). No potable water, no hookups, no marina, no fuel, and no store. Basic trash dumpsters are located at the junction of Road #74 and #143—plan to pack it out until you reach them.

Camping & Rules Snapshot

Dispersed camping is allowed with a 15‑day limit. Keep sites on durable surfaces above the high‑water mark and out of washes. An entrance fee/pass for the recreation area is required. Common rules apply: use a fire pan or established rings (check restrictions), pets allowed (leash rules apply), glass and styrofoam are banned on beaches, and drones are generally prohibited.

What to Do

• Shoreline camping with sunrise/sunset views
• Fishing from shore or small craft; species include popular warm‑water game fish
• Paddling and small‑boat launching when lake levels cooperate
• Casual wandering on desert tracks and informal routes

Wildlife

You might see free‑roaming burros (and the occasional cow). Broader area sightings include desert bighorn sheep on slopes, assorted lizards and the rare rattlesnake, plus seasonal birds like osprey, eagles, grebes, and winter waterfowl. Give all wildlife space.

Conditions You’ll Feel

It’s often breezy in the afternoons; stake tents well. Mosquitoes can show up at times. Helicopter overflights are occasional. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent, though some visitors have caught weak Verizon 4G.

Best Time to Visit

November–April brings cooler temps, clearer air, and better hiking and fishing conditions. Summer heat is punishing—do activities at dawn/dusk if you go then. Monsoon season (typically July–September) can bring sudden storms and flash floods. Mornings are usually calmer for paddling. Holiday weekends can fill the best dispersed spots early.

Safety & Practical Tips

Bring far more water than you think you need, plus a real spare tire, jack base, and recovery boards if you have them. Download offline maps—side roads look alike. Clean, drain, and dry boats; follow Arizona/Nevada fishing license reciprocity rules. Lake levels fluctuate, so shoreline access and informal launches change over time.