Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a protective conservation area encompassing over 300 miles of shoreline along 30 river miles of the Lake Havasu area.

This National Wildlife Refuge includes sections of the California and Arizona shorelines of the river between the towns of Needles, California to the north and Lake Havasu City, Arizona to the south. The habitat of the refuge is home to over 300 species of birds, as the area lies along the Pacific Flyway and is an essential landscape to migratory birds as well as native species.

While the refuge was established under the Roosevelt administration in 1941 due to its importance for migratory birds, it is also home to a variety of fish species, and today offers many access points for recreational visitors to launch paddle boats from, to fish at, to explore the desert environment along the river wetlands and marshes, or just to sit in the shade at one of its covered picnic tables or benches.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is free to visit, and some of its established areas include:

• Five Mile Landing
• Goose Lake and the Topock Marsh Public Viewpoint
• Catfish Paradise
• South Dike Access
• Topock Gorge
• Castle Rock Bay
• Mesquite Bay

Features at each of the public access areas vary, including boat ramps, hiking areas, fishing and observation docks, covered benches, and telescopes. There are no overnight camping areas located in the wildlife refuge, however there are many camping options lying immediately outside of it.

Guided tours are offered occasionally by the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, which can be visited at 31 Mesquite Avenue in Needles, California.

Those interested in learning more about the refuge and its programs, or planning a visit are invited to log onto the wildlife refuge's website for complete information.