Bullhead City Arizona - Colorado River, Lake Mohave & Things To Do

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on October 20, 2026

Bullhead City, Arizona, is a popular Colorado River vacation destination known for boating, fishing, swimming, waterfront parks and year-round desert recreation. Located directly across the river from Laughlin, Nevada, and just south of Lake Mohave, the city offers easy access to river beaches, boat launches, scenic desert landscapes and nearby casino entertainment. Visitors can enjoy summer water sports, comfortable winter sightseeing, fishing trips and day trips to historic Oatman, Kingman and other western Arizona attractions.

• Things To Do
• Colorado River Recreation
• Lake Mohave
• Best Time To Visit
• Hotels & Camping
• Directions
• Map
• FAQ

Why Visit Bullhead City

Bullhead City's location along the Colorado River gives visitors immediate access to boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing and riverfront parks. Just north of the city, Lake Mohave expands the recreational options with beaches, coves, marinas and open water surrounded by desert scenery. Across the river, Laughlin offers casinos, restaurants, entertainment and additional visitor services.

Bullhead City's location in western Mohave County makes it a convenient base for exploring the Colorado River region. Nearby destinations include Kingman, historic Oatman, Lake Havasu City, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Visitors can combine a river vacation with Route 66 sightseeing, desert recreation and day trips into southern Nevada.

Things To Do In Bullhead City

• Colorado River Recreation: Enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, jet skiing and relaxing at riverfront beaches.
• Explore Lake Mohave: Visit nearby Lake Mohave for boating, fishing, beaches, coves and desert lake scenery.
• Visit Laughlin: Cross the Colorado River for casinos, restaurants, concerts, nightlife and entertainment.
• Explore Local Parks: Bullhead City's parks offer beaches, picnic areas, sports facilities, walking areas and family recreation.
• Take A Day Trip To Oatman: Explore the historic Route 66 mining town known for its Old West character and roaming burros.
• Enjoy Desert Trails: Discover hiking, ATV and off-road routes throughout the surrounding desert landscape.

Colorado River Recreation

The Colorado River is the centerpiece of outdoor recreation in Bullhead City. Water released from Davis Dam flows through the city from Lake Mohave, creating opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and other water sports. Riverfront parks and beaches provide additional places to relax, picnic and enjoy the desert scenery without launching a boat.

Fishing In Bullhead City

Anglers can fish both the Colorado River and nearby Lake Mohave. Depending on location and season, popular game fish include striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and catfish. Shore-access areas provide opportunities for anglers without boats, while boaters can explore deeper river channels, coves and the broader waters of Lake Mohave. Cooler fall, winter and spring weather can make longer fishing trips more comfortable.

Boating In Bullhead City

Bullhead City provides convenient access to boating on the Colorado River, while nearby Lake Mohave offers larger expanses of open water, sheltered coves and scenic desert shoreline. Katherine Landing, located on Lake Mohave within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, offers launch ramps, fuel, boat rentals, slips, storage and other boating services. Personal watercraft, tubing and water skiing are especially popular during the warmer months.

Lake Mohave Recreation Near Bullhead City

Lake Mohave is a major boating and fishing destination just north of Bullhead City. Formed by Davis Dam on the Colorado River, the reservoir stretches north toward Hoover Dam through scenic desert canyons. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking and exploring coves and shoreline recreation areas within Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Katherine Landing, near Bullhead City, is one of the main access points to the lake, offering marina facilities, boat launching, rentals and visitor services. Anglers pursue striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and other game fish, while boaters enjoy open water and desert mountain scenery. See our Lake Mohave visitor and recreation guide for additional information.

Best Time To Visit Bullhead City

Spring: Warm days and comfortable mornings make spring an excellent season for boating, fishing, sightseeing and desert recreation.

Summer: Very hot temperatures make the Colorado River and Lake Mohave especially popular for swimming, boating and other water activities.

Fall: Cooling temperatures create pleasant conditions for fishing, boating, hiking and day trips throughout the region.

Winter: Mild daytime weather attracts seasonal visitors and provides comfortable conditions for golf, fishing, sightseeing and desert exploration.

Summer travel tip: Bullhead City experiences extreme desert heat during summer. Plan outdoor activities for early morning, carry plenty of drinking water, use sun protection and check weather and river conditions before boating, swimming or hiking. Even during cooler months, water temperatures and river currents can present hazards.

See our Bullhead City weather and climate guide for average temperatures, rainfall and seasonal travel information.

Bullhead City History

Bullhead City's modern development began during construction of Davis Dam in the 1940s, when a community formed to house workers and their families. Many residents remained after the dam was completed, and the settlement gradually developed into a permanent Colorado River community. Bullhead City was officially incorporated in 1984. The city's name comes from a distinctive rock formation once described as resembling a bull's head that is now submerged beneath Lake Mohave.

Bullhead City Events

Bullhead City hosts festivals, river activities, family events, concerts and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Event schedules and dates change annually, so visitors should check the official Bullhead City tourism calendar before planning a trip around a specific festival or special event.

View Current Bullhead City Events

Where To Stay In Bullhead City - Hotels, RV Parks & Camping

Bullhead City offers hotels, motels, vacation rentals, RV parks and campgrounds for Colorado River visitors. Travelers who want easy access to boating and waterfront recreation can look for accommodations near the river and local parks. Across the Colorado River, Laughlin provides additional resort hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Visitors planning to spend most of their time on Lake Mohave may prefer Katherine Landing, where lodging, RV sites and camping facilities provide convenient access to the lake.

Directions To Bullhead City Arizona

Bullhead City is located in western Arizona along the Colorado River directly across from Laughlin, Nevada. From Phoenix, the most common driving route travels northwest through Wickenburg and Kingman before continuing west toward Bullhead City on Arizona State Route 68. Bullhead City is also approximately 90 miles south of Las Vegas, making it accessible for visitors combining Arizona and southern Nevada destinations. Check current road conditions and navigation before beginning your trip.

More Bullhead City Information

Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce
1251 Highway 95
Bullhead City, AZ 86429
(928) 754-4121

Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce
Official Bullhead City Tourism Website
Laughlin Nevada

Bullhead City Arizona Map

Bullhead City Boat Rentals & Visitor Services

Visitors planning Colorado River activities can find local boat and personal watercraft rental services, river recreation businesses and other visitor amenities. Sandbar Watersports is one option to investigate when planning a water recreation trip. Confirm current rental availability, operating locations, age requirements and river conditions directly with the provider before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bullhead City Arizona

Where is Bullhead City Arizona located?

Bullhead City is located in western Arizona along the Colorado River directly across from Laughlin, Nevada, and just south of Lake Mohave.

What is Bullhead City known for?

Bullhead City is best known for Colorado River recreation, boating, fishing, beaches, water sports, warm desert weather and convenient access to Laughlin and Lake Mohave.

Can you fish in Bullhead City?

Yes. Anglers fish the Colorado River near Bullhead City and nearby Lake Mohave for species including striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and catfish.

Is Bullhead City good for boating?

Yes. The Colorado River provides convenient boating access in town, while nearby Lake Mohave offers open water, coves, beaches, marinas and additional boating facilities.

When is the best time to visit Bullhead City?

Fall through spring generally provides the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, fishing and desert recreation. Summer is very hot but remains popular for boating, swimming and other water activities.

How far is Bullhead City from Las Vegas?

Bullhead City is approximately 90 miles south of Las Vegas, making it a convenient destination for travelers visiting both the Colorado River region and southern Nevada.

How do you get to Lake Mohave from Bullhead City?

Visitors can reach Lake Mohave by driving north from Bullhead City toward Katherine Landing, a major lake access area with boat launching, marina facilities and recreation services. Check current road and facility conditions before traveling.

Can you visit Laughlin Nevada from Bullhead City?

Yes. Laughlin is directly across the Colorado River from Bullhead City and is accessible by road bridges. Visitors can enjoy Laughlin's casinos, restaurants, entertainment and riverfront attractions while staying in Bullhead City.

What can families do in Bullhead City?

Families can enjoy riverfront parks, picnicking, swimming areas, boating, fishing and sightseeing. Nearby Lake Mohave, Laughlin and historic Oatman provide additional options for day trips and family recreation.

How hot does Bullhead City get in summer?

Bullhead City experiences extremely hot summers, with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors should plan outdoor activities carefully, stay hydrated, use sun protection and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours.

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Along The Colorado River