Pros & cons
PROS
- Wild, undeveloped island vibe
- Easy stopover for fully self-contained houseboats; nearest services at Temple Bar Marina
CONS
- No built amenities or restrooms on the island
- You must handle all waste onboard and pump out at a marina
Overview
Houseboat Island is exactly what the name implies: a small, undeveloped island in the Arizona arm of the lake. It’s a quiet, no-frills stop that feels far from the marinas and roads—great when you want simple scenery and your own space.
What to Expect
There are no facilities here—no docks, bathrooms, or kiosks—so plan to be fully self-contained. Most visitors use it as a calm place to linger on the water, swim, or stage a low-key day on their houseboat. Anglers work these waters for popular species found around the lake, including striped bass, trout, largemouth bass, and catfish.
Where It Is
It’s a named landform in Mohave County, Arizona. Approximate coordinates in the research place it near 36.0675, -114.3366. Treat it as a simple landmark in the open lake rather than a developed destination.
Essentials and Rules
- No-discharge waters: federal regulations prohibit releasing any vessel sewage into the lake. Use the bathrooms on your boat and pump out at a marina.
- Temple Bar Marina on the Arizona side is the closest full-service facility noted in the research, with restrooms available.
Houseboating Notes
Lake-wide houseboating guidance applies here: boats typically travel slowly, beach or anchor in suitable spots, and give others plenty of space. Expect better luck finding a spot early in the day, and remember that wind and wakes are part of life on open water.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays are typically mellower on the water. If you’re here to fish, the broader lake’s striped bass action tends to peak from late spring through summer. Light is most flattering early and late in the day; use midday for swims and shade time aboard.
Where it is
36.0675, -114.3366Tips for Houseboat Island
- 01Plan to be fully self-contained and pump out at a marina—no facilities on the island.
- 02Temple Bar Marina is the closest full-service stop on the Arizona side for restrooms and services.
- 03Scout for a spot early; departing boats often leave before 10 AM.
- 04Give other houseboats ample space—100 yards or more is a good starting guideline.
- 05Know and follow the no-sewage-discharge rule (36 CFR 3.13) while on the lake.
Near Houseboat Island
All places →All trails →
2.3 mi awayTemple Bar RV ParkTiny full-hookup RV park steps from Temple Bar MarinaRestroom · Parking
2.3 mi awayTemple Bar BeachRemote shoreline hangout with boat-access coves and big-sky sunsetsParking · Restroom
2.3 mi awayTemple Bar RestaurantScenic marina café with seasonal hours and grab‑and‑go optionsFood · Restaurant
2.3 mi awayTemple Bar PeninsulaRemote marina hub with big water, dark skies, and desert viewsTrailhead · Restroom
15.6 mi awayRedstone TrailKid-friendly loop around blazing red sandstone dunes and picnic spotsEasy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
15.7 mi awayRedstone Dune TrailShort loop through flaming Aztec Sandstone—kid friendly, camera ready.Easy · 0.5 mi · 30 min
18.7 mi awayFortification Hill TrailBasalt-capped mesa with big Lake Mead and Hoover Dam views.Challenging · 4 mi · 0 min
19.3 mi awayBowl of Fire TrailVivid Aztec sandstone playground with solitude and light scramblingModerate · 9.2 mi · 6 hr
