Pros & cons
PROS
- Designated swim beach steps from the marina, store, and dining
- Picnic area with tables and grills right by the water
CONS
- No drinking water at the beach and picnic area
- No beach showers; showers are only in the campground/RV area
Overview
Katherine Landing Swim Beach is the easy, no-fuss way to get in the water at Lake Mohave. It sits right next to the marina hub, so you can pair a swim with snacks, a sit-down meal, or a quick resupply without leaving the area.
What You'll Find
- Day-use restrooms by the beach, plus a picnic area with 10 tables and 6 grills.
- Heads up: the picnic/beach area does not have drinking water, and there are no beach showers (showers are available to overnight guests in the campground/RV park).
- Immediate access to marina services: boat ramp, fuel, rentals, store, and food.
Rentals and Nearby Options
If you want to add some play to your swim day, rentals at Katherine Landing include paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats, water trikes, and rentable cabanas. Prefer a wider, swim-only feel? Arizona Telephone Cove South (a short drive away) has a sandy beach and vault toilets.
Trails and Wildlife
Two short hikes start from Katherine Landing if you want to mix in a walk before or after your swim:
- Lake View Trail: about 4.7 miles round-trip, moderate, starting near the picnic area and leading to sandy beaches like South Arizona Telephone Cove with chances to spot shorebirds and ducks.
- Fisherman’s Trail: under 1 mile with little elevation change to Turkey Cove, good for a quick stroll and a mellow shoreline scene.
Fees and Logistics
Standard recreation area entry fees apply on top of any rentals or lodging. The concessionaire operates even during federal shutdowns, though some park-managed features may be limited—check the NPS page before you go.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall mornings are the sweet spot for comfort and lighter crowds. In peak-summer heat, aim for evenings. Weekdays are typically calmer than weekends, and on busy days parking can mean a short walk to the sand.
Where it is
35.2192, -114.5652Tips for Katherine Landing Swim Beach
- 01Bring plenty of drinking water—there’s none at the beach or picnic area.
- 02There are no beach showers; plan to rinse off back at camp or your room.
- 03For quieter swims, go early or late in hot weather and aim for weekdays.
- 04Reserve rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, cabanas) and weekend lodging ahead.
- 05Want a larger sandy cove feel? Drive to Arizona Telephone Cove South.
Amenities
Near Katherine Landing Swim Beach
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayKatherine Landing StoreQuick stop for snacks, bait, and last‑minute lake gearStore · Food
0 mi awayKatherineFull‑service marina and big campground on Lake Mohave’s clear waterCampground · Restroom
0.1 mi awayKatherine Landing Boat LaunchFull‑service boat ramp with fuel, rentals, and easy lake accessParking · Store
0.1 mi awayNo Bad Days Bar and GrillWaterfront deck for breakfast, lunch, and post‑launch beersFood · Restaurant
6.6 mi awayGrapevine Canyon TrailPetroglyph-rich desert wash to seasonal waterfalls and slickrock tubsModerate · 3.3 mi · 2 hr
53.1 mi awayArizona Hot SpringsVolcanic slot hike to steamy pools via ladder and the riverChallenging · 4.9 mi · 3 hr
53.1 mi awayWhite Rock CanyonVolcanic canyon to riverside hot springs with a spicy ladder.Challenging · 5.8 mi · 4 hr
53.1 mi awayLiberty Bell Arch TrailDesert romp to a photogenic arch and big Colorado River viewsModerate · 5.5 mi · 3.5 hr
