Willow Beach

Willow Beach sits in the Black Canyon corridor where the Colorado River cuts through the mountains.

NPS/A. Cattoir

Quick Facts

Location:

Willow Beach, Arizona (25804 N Willow Beach Rd, White Hills, AZ 86445)

Amenities

27 listed

Automated Entrance, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Beach/Water Access, Benches/Seating, Boat Ramp, Boat Rental, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Dock/Pier, Electrical Hookup - Boat/RV, Electrical Outlet/Cell Phone Charging, Fire Extinguisher, Food/Drink - Cafeteria, Food/Drink - Snacks, Fuel (Diesel), Fuel (Unleaded), Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Grill, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Wheelchair Accessible

Discover Willow Beach

Surrounded by steep canyon walls along the Colorado River, Willow Beach is a paddlecrafter's dream destination. Many visitors choose to take a guided raft or kayak trip from the base of the Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, stopping at coves, hot springs and waterfalls along the way. Others drive straight to Willow Beach where you can rent boats or paddlecraft and fish from the accessible pier.

Boating
Willow Beach offers a range of boating services; including a launch ramp, fuel on land and water, along with a variety of boat and equipment rental options, including paddlecraft. Boat slip rentals and dry storage are also available.

Where to Stay
Looking to spend the night? Willow Beach has an RV Park and Campground with 28 full-service (water, sewer, electric) RV sites and nine tent sites. All sites have fire rings, picnic tables and 24-hour shower and laundry access. You can also camp in the backcountry as you kayak up and down the river.

Resteraunts and Picknicking

You may choose to dine while viewing the water at the Willow Beach Grill, or the on-site store sells a variety of snacks, drinks and charcoal. Picnic tables and grills are available throughout the area.

Hiking

While there aren't any hiking trails at Willow Beach, you can hop in a canoe or kayak and paddle up river to access the Arizona Hot Springs. This trail is located in a dramatic slot canyon that joins the river just downstream of Ringbolt Rapid.

Fishing

Fishing is a year-round activity in Lake Mohave; each season bringing its own exciting opportunities. For those without a boat, there is an accessible fishing pier, and many enjoy fishing right from the shore. Fishing equipment, bait and supplies are available at the marina store. A convenient fish cleaning station is located east of the marina parking lot.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Willow Beach Fish Hatchery is located north of the marina near the fishing pier. They routinely release rainbow trout on Fridays. You can also tour their facility.

Beaches and Coves

The riverfront along Willow Beach Harbor includes a mixture of sandy and smooth rocky beaches with a few picnic tables and grills. If you travel by water north or south along the river, you will encounter many coves. Some offer special wonders of nature, including an emerald cave, hot springs and waterfalls. 

History

From artifacts found along the Colorado River, Willow Beach might have been a prehistoric trading center. The Basketmaker Indians from Lost City started camping at Willow Beach around 250 B.C. In more modern times, Willow Beach became a well-known fishing camp on the Colorado River, and once Davis Dam was built, creating Lake Mohave, more amenities were added like pictured here in 1954.