Katherine

Overview

Katherine Landing is the Lake Mohave hub: desert mountains, clear blue water, and an all‑in‑one setup for boating, camping, and easy beach time. It’s named for the early 1900s Katherine gold mine, and the lakeshore you see today exists because Davis Dam impounded the Colorado River to create Lake Mohave in 1951.

What You’ll Do

• Get on the water: rent boats and gear, refuel on land or at the fuel dock, and use the upgraded marina ramps and slips.
• Swim and lounge: short paths lead to sandy coves with picnic‑friendly beaches.
• Hike: the Lake View Trail (about 4.7 miles round‑trip) starts near the picnic area and strings together multiple coves. A short Fisherman’s Trail also drops to Turkey Cove.
• Fish: anglers target striped, largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus catfish and sunfish.

Camping, RVs and Lodging

• Campground: 173 first‑come, first‑served sites open year‑round, with concrete picnic tables, fire rings with grills, modern restrooms, showers, laundry and Wi‑Fi. Many sites feel private thanks to hedges.
• RV Park: a separate 24‑site full‑hookup area (30/50 amp), back‑in sites fitting rigs up to ~40', with restrooms, showers and laundry.
• Lake Mohave Lodge: 51 rooms from standard kings/doubles to kitchen suites; a larger private home is also available. Pet‑friendly options exist (deposit/fee). Housekeeping is currently modified—no daily in‑room service; supplies are delivered on request.

Trails, Beaches and Scenery

Expect classic Basin and Range geology—dark volcanic cliffs with desert varnish dropping to cobalt water. From the landing, established trails reach sandy coves perfect for low‑key swimming and picnics. Trail signage can be sparse, so bring a map or GPS track.

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep on nearby slopes, plus coyotes, jackrabbits, quail and roadrunners. Around the water you’ll spot wintering waterfowl, herons, egrets and ospreys. Snakes (including rattlesnakes) are present—give all snakes plenty of space.

Best Time to Visit

October through April brings the best temperatures; summers are very hot. Mornings offer calmer water and softer light on the cliffs; afternoons can turn breezy. Weekdays are the quietest. Fridays peak in the early‑to‑late afternoon; plan early starts or late‑day visits for easier parking and launching.

Practical Tips

• Wind happens—use sturdy tent stakes/guylines on the gravelly ground, and be prepared for sudden wind waves on the lake.
• Shade is limited; bring sun protection and a shade structure for camp.
• The marina store and café are convenient, but carry extra water/ice in case hours vary.
• Fishing spans the Arizona/Nevada line—check current license rules before you cast.
• Do not burn oleander trimmings (they’re toxic). Pack out trash—ravens are crafty.

Need‑to‑Know Details

• Camping is first‑come, first‑served (no online reservations). Posted rates note standard sites at about $25/night, with senior/military discounts available; the RV park lists nightly and seasonal options.
• Services on site include a restaurant/café, store, fuel (land and water), boat rentals and repairs, slip rentals, dry storage, an accessible fishing pier and a fish‑cleaning station.
• Trails begin right from the landing area, including the Lake View Trail connecting multiple sandy coves.