The Colorado River near Needles offers public launch facilities, riverfront parks and access to a water trail through the southern part of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Needles sits on the river’s western bank near the California–Arizona border, making the water a local outing from a two-star motel in Needles.
- River setting: Needles is on the Colorado River’s western bank.
- Public boating facilities: California State Parks identifies four in Needles.
- One launch option: Jack Smith Park has seasonal operating hours and day-use facilities.
- Current: The City of Needles describes it as 4–8 miles per hour.
Where the river meets the Needles area
Needles stands on the western bank of the Colorado River, close to the California–Arizona border. The river is both a defining part of the local landscape and a place to launch boats or spend time at a riverfront park.
The City of Needles describes the river current in this area as 4–8 miles per hour. That current is an important part of planning any time on the water, particularly for non-motorized craft.
What public river access and recreation options are there?
Public access around Needles includes boating launches, park facilities and beaches. The four public boating facilities in Needles are Jack Smith Park, Moabi Regional Park, Needles Marina and North Shore Resort Colorado River Adventures. A one-day itinerary for Needles, California can help fit a river stop around other local outings.
Jack Smith Park
Jack Smith Park is a public Colorado River launch at 1000 River Road, Needles, California 92363. It has a boat launch, day-use beach, barbecue areas, paved walking paths, exercise equipment, shaded seating and a playground. There are 48 car-and-trailer parking spaces, one boarding float and restrooms.
The City of Needles gives the launch different hours across the year: weekends only, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. in March and October; Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and Friday–Sunday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m., in April, May and September; and daily, 7 a.m.–6 p.m., in June, July and August.
Hours may change due to inclement weather. Launch passes cost $20 per day or $180 per year; a vehicle day-parking pass is $5, with passes purchased at the park kiosk.
The city says its parks close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. If you enter the launch area before business hours, you must buy a pass during business hours to remain in the facility and avoid a citation.
Moabi Regional Park
Moabi Regional Park is at 100 Park Moabi Road, Needles, California 92363, on the river at the California–Arizona state line. The park is open year-round except during bad weather and on Christmas Day; for hours and amenity details, San Bernardino County directs visitors to concessionaire Pirate Cove Resort.
You can bring motorized boats, pontoons, fishing boats, personal watercraft, kayaks or canoes to Moabi. Boats are also available to rent through the Moabi Marina concessionaire.
The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge water trail is just over four miles long. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describes it as a way to visit the refuge’s southern part without planning an all-day trip. The Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a nearby river access destination.
Bob Belt’s Beach Park is a riverfront option with sandy beaches, a grassy knoll, playground equipment and shaded picnic areas.
How should you plan boating and water safety?
Plan around the river’s 4–8-mile-per-hour current and the rules at your chosen access point. For non-motorized boats, Castle Rock at River Mile 220 is a designated take-out. From the parking area, reaching its sandy beach landing requires a portage of about 100 yards.
Castle Rock Bay is closed to personal watercraft and is a no-wake zone for all other watercraft. Check the rules that apply to your launch and craft before setting out, and account for the portage if Castle Rock is your take-out.
Local launches providing Colorado River access include Topock Marina in Arizona, Park Moabi 11 miles south of Needles on Interstate 40, and Havasu State Park at Windsor Beach in Lake Havasu City. The Topock Gorge trip from Needles is another way to plan around this stretch of the river.
What seasonal conditions and hours should you check?
Launch schedules and park access can depend on the time of year and weather. Jack Smith Park’s hours vary by month, and inclement weather can change them. Moabi Regional Park also closes during bad weather, as well as on Christmas Day.
Before choosing a launch, check its operating hours, access rules and any weather-related changes with the relevant operator. For Jack Smith Park, use the City of Needles’ official information; for Moabi, consult Pirate Cove Resort for park hours and amenities. Check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Which public boating facilities are in Needles?
They are Jack Smith Park, Moabi Regional Park, Needles Marina and North Shore Resort Colorado River Adventures.
Can you rent a boat at Moabi Regional Park?
Yes. Boats may be rented through the Moabi Marina concessionaire, or you can bring several types of watercraft, including kayaks and canoes.
How long is the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge water trail?
The trail is just over four miles long and provides access to the refuge’s southern part without an all-day trip.
Is personal watercraft allowed in Castle Rock Bay?
No. Castle Rock Bay is closed to personal watercraft, and all other watercraft must observe the no-wake zone.