Prospective visitors often think of Laughlin as a low-cost, convenient alternative to Las Vegas, with bright lights, entertainment, food and yes, free parking. Yet Laughlin has one thing that Vegas doesn't — the Colorado River running alongside it. And where there's water, there's always a beach and sun-drenched vacationers to slather on the sunscreen.
The Big Bend of the Colorado
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area the largest and most popular beach in the Laughlin area. Think of it as a two-in-one deal. The north beach is a little older, cleared of vegetation in recent years to widen its soft, sandy landscape. The south beach has four full bathrooms with indoor plumbing, a shaded concrete ramada and lagoon where visitors can access a launch ramp for boats or personal watercraft like Jet Skis and WaveRunners.
Keep in mind, the river is relatively shallow at times. "We don't have as much water as we used to," Ranger Evan Kreil says, referencing ongoing drought conditions. "It's pretty rocky, so anything with a big propeller boat is a bit more challenging to drive."
It's always a good idea for boaters to play it safe and check the water release schedule for the Davis Dam, which manages the river flowing downstream through Laughlin. The water is cool, blue and crystal clear by the time it reaches the Big Bend of the Colorado, stretching two miles along the coast south of the casino strip.
Reservations are a must during weekends and holidays between March 15 and September 15. Otherwise, you shouldn't have much trouble getting in. Admission is $15 ($10 for Nevada residents) with a $10 charge for a boat launch.
Kreil notes that due to the Big Bend of the Colorado's status as an official state park, all rangers are Category I peace officers with duties that expand to law enforcement, adding an additional layer of security to quickly address any risks to public safety.
The park is open year-round, welcoming visitors to enjoy hiking trails, off-roading and campgrounds in addition to the water. "We have mild winters down here," Kreil says. "So we get a lot of people from the northern states and up in Canada that come down and take advantage of that weather."
Amenities are sparse, so most visitors bring their own food. Gas, propane and electric grills are allowed. Charcoal or wood fire grills aren't. Don't bring drinks or anything else in a glass container.
Laughlin Hotels with Beaches
Seven of the eight Laughlin hotels on the main strip are on the Colorado River, but only three have beaches.
Harrah's is somewhat secluded — located on a slight bend of its own on the river — with a long, sandy beach that slopes downward towards the water. Between the elevated pool deck that overlooks the action and cocktails just steps away, the beach has a backyard, party cove vibe. Take a dip, hang out in the shade of a thatched palapa or rent a JetSki and explore the coastline
The Laughlin River Lodge, just north of Harrah's, is a more modest experience with a smaller, quieter beach. The rocky stretch of sand is open exclusively to hotel guests, who are encouraged to bring their own food and chairs and find a seat near a palm tree or underneath a tropical-style thatched umbrella. JetSki rentals are usually available.
Further within the heart of Laughlin, the New Pioneer has a beach for hotel guests or anyone renting a WaveRunner directly from the on-property vendor. The layout is simple: no cabanas and bring your own chairs or E-Z UP portable shade system and watch the water taxis dock and depart near the sand. The New Pioneer has an Old West theme that matches the charm of Laughlin with River Rick—a towering neon cowboy reminiscent of Vegas Vic 90 miles north on Fremont Street—looking down on the water.
Arizona Beaches
There's more fun in the sun at beaches on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. Davis Camp, just north of the Laughlin Bridge, is two experiences in one. The north end welcomes RV campers to pull up close to the water while escaping the heat with shaded picnic tables. Between the towering palm trees and views of mountainous terrain on the Nevada side of the river, the beach has an undeniable "lost in the desert" feel. The south end is dominated by a small neighborhood of historic cottages, formerly used to house the workers who built the nearby Davis Dam in the 1940s. Overall, there's nearly two miles of shoreline to explore. Passes begin at $10 with added charges for pets and ramp access to launch watercraft.
The Bullhead City Rotary Park is 300 acres of grass and trees with a thin strip of beach that stretches more than a mile along the Colorado River. The park is geared towards Arizona locals, who enjoy free access while others pay a $25 parking fee. It's a popular destination for a variety of athletics, from baseball and soccer fields to basketball, tennis and pickleball courts. The beach, meanwhile, has areas for volleyball nets and a fishing pier. Just walking the riverside trail has its charm, but don't hesitate to hop in the water for a cool, refreshing swim.
