Willow Beach Campground and RV Park

Overview

Set on the Arizona side of the Colorado River about 30 minutes from Boulder City and roughly 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Willow Beach Campground & RV Park is the riverside basecamp inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It’s concessioner-run, and the vibe is tidy, quiet, and scenic—think canyon views by day and starry skies at night. Standard park entrance fees apply.

Campsites & Facilities

You’ll find 28 full-service RV sites (water/sewer/electric) and 9 designated tent sites. Pads are paved and level, with picnic tables and fire rings; tent sites add lantern poles. Facilities punch above their weight: clean restrooms with individual shower rooms, 24‑hour showers and laundry, potable water, trash, and a dump station. Expect little to no shade. Cell service is generally a no‑go; on‑site Wi‑Fi exists but can be spotty and may require extra payment per device.

Marina, Store & Services

Down the hill, the marina area packs in the convenience: launch ramp, docks, land and water fuel, a well‑stocked store (snacks, drinks, bait, charcoal, basic supplies), and the Willow Beach Grill. It’s easy to stage a day on the water or grab last‑minute items before you shove off. Picnic tables dot sandy/rocky river nooks nearby.

On the Water: Paddling & Fishing

This is the classic put‑in for the Black Canyon Water Trail. Emerald Cave sits roughly 2–3 miles upstream—easy paddling on calm mornings, and easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Afternoon winds can kick up; use coves to wait it out. The river stays cold year‑round, perfect for cooling off after a scorching day. Anglers work the banks and pier for rainbow trout (regularly stocked from the local hatchery), plus striped and largemouth/smallmouth bass; a fish‑cleaning station is by the marina.

Wildlife & Scenery

Expect desert birds (quail, hummingbirds), cottontails, and the occasional bighorn sheep on surrounding slopes. Sunsets paint Black Canyon beautifully, and clear nights reward stargazers.

History Note

After a devastating 1979 flash flood wiped out the original Jumbo Wash campground, the entire area was rebuilt higher on the bench and reopened in 2010 with modern utilities and flood protection.

Nearby: Hatchery Stop

The Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery sits a short walk away and typically welcomes visitors Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. It raises rainbow trout and supports endangered native fish of the Colorado River.

Best Time to Visit

Fall through spring is prime—cooler temps, calmer winds, and lighter crowds. Aim for early mornings to beat wind on the river and snag parking by the marina. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Summer can be blistering (100–110+ °F) with virtually no shade, so RVs with A/C fare best.

Need to Know

• Reservations are handled through the campground’s own system, not Recreation.gov.
• The campground sits above the water; it’s an easy drive down but a steep walk back up—especially rough in heat.
• Store and grill hours can be limited; bring backup meals and plenty of water.
• No cell service—download maps and confirm meet‑ups before you descend.