River Island State Park

Throttle down at this state park on the banks of the Colorado River along the Parker Strip.

The Colorado River is the main attraction at state parks along Arizona’s West Coast. Wind along this stretch of Highway 95 to access the water at many riverside parks with some of the most scenic campsites in the state. The drive itself is part of the adventure, curving through parched hills and multi-colored rock formations with peekaboo views of the refreshing river along the way. Those views often include a local phenomenon: row after row of mobile homes lined up along the riverbanks give the area its nature-first vibes.

Enjoy the Water

A small and scenic campground here attracts outdoor adventurers to stay the night and enjoy more than a day on the river. In the warmer months, that means swimming, Jet Skiing and boating. The main swimming area features a sandy beach in a cove away from the boat traffic on the river. Year-round, visitors come here to fish, watch the river flow by and explore the rugged desert surroundings by foot or recreational vehicle. River Island Market just outside the park has all the supplies needed for a camping trip. Visitors can also head to nearby Parker for creature comforts.

Take a Hike

From the park, visitors walk along the Wedge Hill Trail, an easy half-mile overlook trail that connects to a shared trail system with neighboring state parks. Dig in for a longer hike that connects to Buckskin Mountain State Park a mile downriver via an abandoned mines trail. Be on the lookout for a surprising array of wildlife that thrives in this arid environment. Bighorn sheep, desert mule deer, coyotes and water birds are common sightings near the ribbon of water that brings this area to life.

Go Off Road

Expect to see many travelers heading to the Parker Strip towing their all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes. This scenic desert area has hundreds of miles of off-road trails to explore plus many local outfitters who rent the high-flying machines. While none of this noise-producing activity takes place within park boundaries, River Island State Park is a great home base to set off on the area’s extensive network of backcountry roads. Learn more about Arizona’s opportunities for off roading.