Hike-in Required
No
Open Year-round
Yes
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Catfish Paradise Day Use Area is an easy-to-access spot popular for birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking along the southeastern banks of the marshy Havasu National Wildlife Refuge area.

The small area has a few shaded picnic tables, a fishing dock, a cement boat launch ramp, and an access path to the the wildlife refuge area for those on foot. While the small dirt parking lot doesn't seem like much, this area of the marsh offers views varying from wide looks across the mountainous opposite side of the lakes, to a shaded area to possibly catch sight of double-crested cormorants that perch on the snags protruding from the water or hear the great horned owls or yellowthroats that take refuge in the brush.

As the wildlife refuge is located within the Pacific Flyway, many species of migratory birds frequent Catfish Paradise throughout the year. 

Small boats can launch from the ramp, and the area is popular for fishing. Paddlers should be weary of the numerous snags located in the shallows around the dock and launch area.

As a day use only site, camping is not permitted here. However daytime visitors will often find themselves alone at Catfish Paradise, as the rural location tends to keep the area free from crowds for the most part.

Vault toilets are located at Catfish Paradise, however there are no other amenities available here.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Pros

No crowds. Variety of uses.

Cons

Can be littered.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

ADA accessible
Vault toilet
Boat ramp(s)
Wildlife
Fishing
Family friendly
Near lake or river
Big vistas
Bird watching
Picnic tables

Location

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