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In the lowest part of the State of Nevada, Laughlin is often overlooked in favor of Lake Mead and nearby Las Vegas. Yet every summer, Laughlin comes alive with a younger crowd that bring along their boats and personal watercraft, to turn Lake Mohave and the Colorado River into a shining mecca of water based fun that is nearly unrivaled.
No fewer than 10 Hotel-casinos line the Colorado river just south of Lake Mohave. Each casino is accessible by boat or PWC but do not have public docks. There is a water-taxi service available to each casino for only $2 each way. One casino, Harrah's, even offers a private launch ramp and beach for hotel guests. There is a large public launch ramp just north of the first casino, the Riverside, that provides easy access to the river. On the Arizona side, Davis Camp provides launch facilities and camping areas. Bullhead city, directly across the river from Laughlin, has a large public launch ramp and many "unofficial" ones as all roads in Bullhead truly lead to the water.
Lake Mohave, a part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service, charges a daily fee of $10 per car and $5 pre watercraft. For most people, the annual pass of $20 per car, $20 for the first watercraft and $10 for each additional watercraft, makes more economic sense. There are several large launch facilities on the lower part of Lake Mohave. Katherine's Landing provides a full marina and large boat ramp with ample parking. Just north of that is Telephone Cove AZ, which is a large day use area that employs a dirt launch area without the sharp grade most launch ramps have. Across the lake, Telephone Cove NV is another unimproved day use area, smaller than it's Arizona sister, that has a long beach and is accessible from graded dirt roads of hwy 168. Back on the Arizona side, Cabinsite is your next launch option. This small launch area fills up quickly as it has a small rocky shoreline. Down a graded dirt road, is Princess Cove with it's steep grade but paved (at least the last 200 yards) launch ramp. There is plenty of parking here and this ramp almost never fills up during holiday weekends.
The swift moving Colorado river, the center of which makes up Lake Mohave before the Davis dam, is some of clearest and freshest water around. Many jetskiers, not used to seeing the bottom, marvel at how shallow Lake Mohave seemed to be until they hopped off and realized they were in water 10 feet deep. The clear water and shining sun make for a intoxicating day of liquid enjoyment. But keep an eye out for high wind advisories, announced by strobe lights placed every few miles up the shoreline. Lake Mohave is known for afternoon winds that can sometimes gust over 30mph. Many an EZ-up has been claimed by these feisty breezes. The water, calm and glassy in the morning, can grow to whitecap status in the afternoon. Luckily, Lake Mohave is a relatively narrow and long lake that is lined with wind-sheltering coves all along its massive shoreline. Even a windy day can still be enjoyed by sticking to the coves and darting out only to zip into the next one. The Colorado river suffers no such disruption as the swift moving current quickly calms any wind driven swells and dampens even the largest Yacht's wake.
During the week, you may never see another soul in the secluded cove you have selected to spend your day. But weekends quickly fill up with people intent on getting the maximum enjoyment out of the water and the casinos. Rental watercraft companies, both in Bullhead and Laughlin, make the river a hairy ride as you dodge inexperienced riders out to burn their hour of rented time. Fewer rentals are encountered on Lake Mohave, mostly houseboats and slow moving pontoons. Hotels routinely sell out on weekends and holidays are especially busy so reserve early. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest holiday weekends as several casinos put on a large fireworks show over the Colorado River.
Yes, Laughlin Nevada is a personal watercraft paradise but not without cost. The intense sun and unforgiving Arizona/Nevada heat make the watersports almost a necessity for survival. Temperatures routinely reach 115-119 degrees (and that's measured in the shade!) so bring extra sunscreen and portable shelter!
Lake Mohave and the Colorado River are controlled by an inter-governmental agreement that encompasses Arizona boating laws, Nevada boating laws, and Coast Guard laws. Law enforcement is most prevalent on the Colorado river, where no wake zones and boating while intoxicated is strictly enforced. Currently, there is a .008 blood alcohol content limit and Arizona has an aggravated BUI law seeking approval in the legislature which would allow stiffer penalties if BAC met or exceeded .016
General rules are: counter clockwise dircection around the lake, boats or PWC pulling skiers must have an operator and observer with a flag, Minimum age for operation is 12 years, yeild to watercraft returning to shore, yield to all non-motorized vessels, PWC operation prohibited at night unless equipped with approved lighting devices, all PWC operators and passengers must wear USCG approved life vest. There are no restrictions on the distance to shore but watercraft must be operated in a safe manner.
Other Laughlin info:
Rentals:
Bullhead City: Area Code 928
Bullhead Watercraft Rentals 763-5333 888-565-6790
***Johns Watercraft Worx**** 754-3009 cool dude
Lake Mohave Resorts 754-3245
River Front Water Sports 763-5333
Riverjetz 754-1222
Splash Watercraft Rentals 754-3101
Two Wheels Watercraft Rental & Repair 754-6700
Watercraft Adventures 754-1221
Laughlin Nevada: Area code 702
Bayshore Inn 299-9010
Desert Recreation (Harrah's Beach) 298-6828
River Rat Watersports 298-7547
River Runners Watersports 299-9102
Check out:
www.nps.gov/lame/ Katherine's Landing phone # is (520)-754-3245
www.daviscamp.com/ Davis Camp, near the base of Davis Dam on the Colorado River
Casinos: Submarine AZ's Review
www.coloradobelle.com The Boiler Room is a great place to eat/drink and hang out. Best place to gamble, they play good music. Craps anyone?
The Mississippi room is excellent also.
www.flamingolaughlin.com/ This is where I stay. Lots of tables (4 craps tables!!) and high $$ slots but they always seem to get the better of me. Try the Alta Villa if you are looking for finer dining. Their buffet is also pretty good and quick. The Diner is great for late night bingeing.They also have cool riverview rooms. In fact, you can see the river from just about every room, even if it is only about a 2ft view. They had a new dance club last year to replace their "We refuse to die even if we have to DANCE TO THEse HITS till were 50!" show. Hope the dance club returns this year or is improved (they only had bottles or shots--- no Crown and Coke!???!!)
www.riversideresort.com/ There is always the Loser's Lounge!! They added a new tower so this might be a good place to stay. Stay away from the Watchman, what a rip off. The Casino did do some remodeling though and I played craps for 8 hours with the same $20 and finally walked away out of sheer exaustion with double my money.
www.gnlaughlin.com/ Golden Nugget
Tarzan's is o.k. but overrated if you didn't go early and get an armband. Only 1 Craps table, what's up with that? We river taxi to here and gamble back. Always good for a couple of hours.
www.pioneerlaughlin.com/
Strictly low rent. Think "Vegas Vacation". Anyone for War?
www.harrahslaughlin.com/
On the southern end. They have the best buffet but their casino seems to think you are trapped so they have a higher blackjack limit and they take all your money. The beach is cool but now it is for guests only. This casino is a non-smokers paradise. There are little signs everywhere of what you can and cannot do.
www.edgewater-casino.com/
Do not venture down the hotel hallways, some people are still missing in this maze. The casino is o.k. Think Colorado Belle but in green. Kokopelli Lounge is alright.
www.rvrpalm.com/
This place has changed names often and has tried several different club scenes. Some worked, some didn't. I hope they are on this year.
www.ramadaexpress.com/
Only stayed there temporarily, if you know what I mean. The rooms seemed o.k. and I did alright at the tables. It isn't on the water though.
Good Italian restaurant: Passagio's
I don't recommend camping simply because the hotel's are so cheap. You would probably spend the same or more paying for an RV site plus gas etc. and no Maid Service! Launching at Katherines Landing is relatively easy and there is also Cabinsite, Telephone, and Powerline (now Princess) coves to launch from if you need a boat ramp. You can launch into the Colorado River anywhere you can find a space to back in, even in the middle of Bullhead City. There are many official ramps on both sides of the river though.
Always get gas in Bullhead AZ. It is alot cheaper.
There are river taxis to take you to each casino and across to the AZ side. Very cheap.
You can walk around all the casino's and between with your drinks!!! This is an excellent place to party, no need to drive anywhere.
They put on an excellent fireworks show for the 4th. You can see it from anywhere so don't worry about getting a good spot. It lasts for about 45min to an hour. There are lots of boats on the river watching too. If you do this, keep it cool because the river patrol loves to bust people at this time. No drinking if you're the driver and watch the under 21's and no flashing. :( (((((((((((
UPDATE: the Flamingo got bought out so it is no longer part of the Hilton chain.
www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Laughlin.html
Laughlin Weather
[ May 31, 2002, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: Bryan Glynn ]
No fewer than 10 Hotel-casinos line the Colorado river just south of Lake Mohave. Each casino is accessible by boat or PWC but do not have public docks. There is a water-taxi service available to each casino for only $2 each way. One casino, Harrah's, even offers a private launch ramp and beach for hotel guests. There is a large public launch ramp just north of the first casino, the Riverside, that provides easy access to the river. On the Arizona side, Davis Camp provides launch facilities and camping areas. Bullhead city, directly across the river from Laughlin, has a large public launch ramp and many "unofficial" ones as all roads in Bullhead truly lead to the water.
Lake Mohave, a part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service, charges a daily fee of $10 per car and $5 pre watercraft. For most people, the annual pass of $20 per car, $20 for the first watercraft and $10 for each additional watercraft, makes more economic sense. There are several large launch facilities on the lower part of Lake Mohave. Katherine's Landing provides a full marina and large boat ramp with ample parking. Just north of that is Telephone Cove AZ, which is a large day use area that employs a dirt launch area without the sharp grade most launch ramps have. Across the lake, Telephone Cove NV is another unimproved day use area, smaller than it's Arizona sister, that has a long beach and is accessible from graded dirt roads of hwy 168. Back on the Arizona side, Cabinsite is your next launch option. This small launch area fills up quickly as it has a small rocky shoreline. Down a graded dirt road, is Princess Cove with it's steep grade but paved (at least the last 200 yards) launch ramp. There is plenty of parking here and this ramp almost never fills up during holiday weekends.
The swift moving Colorado river, the center of which makes up Lake Mohave before the Davis dam, is some of clearest and freshest water around. Many jetskiers, not used to seeing the bottom, marvel at how shallow Lake Mohave seemed to be until they hopped off and realized they were in water 10 feet deep. The clear water and shining sun make for a intoxicating day of liquid enjoyment. But keep an eye out for high wind advisories, announced by strobe lights placed every few miles up the shoreline. Lake Mohave is known for afternoon winds that can sometimes gust over 30mph. Many an EZ-up has been claimed by these feisty breezes. The water, calm and glassy in the morning, can grow to whitecap status in the afternoon. Luckily, Lake Mohave is a relatively narrow and long lake that is lined with wind-sheltering coves all along its massive shoreline. Even a windy day can still be enjoyed by sticking to the coves and darting out only to zip into the next one. The Colorado river suffers no such disruption as the swift moving current quickly calms any wind driven swells and dampens even the largest Yacht's wake.
During the week, you may never see another soul in the secluded cove you have selected to spend your day. But weekends quickly fill up with people intent on getting the maximum enjoyment out of the water and the casinos. Rental watercraft companies, both in Bullhead and Laughlin, make the river a hairy ride as you dodge inexperienced riders out to burn their hour of rented time. Fewer rentals are encountered on Lake Mohave, mostly houseboats and slow moving pontoons. Hotels routinely sell out on weekends and holidays are especially busy so reserve early. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest holiday weekends as several casinos put on a large fireworks show over the Colorado River.
Yes, Laughlin Nevada is a personal watercraft paradise but not without cost. The intense sun and unforgiving Arizona/Nevada heat make the watersports almost a necessity for survival. Temperatures routinely reach 115-119 degrees (and that's measured in the shade!) so bring extra sunscreen and portable shelter!
Lake Mohave and the Colorado River are controlled by an inter-governmental agreement that encompasses Arizona boating laws, Nevada boating laws, and Coast Guard laws. Law enforcement is most prevalent on the Colorado river, where no wake zones and boating while intoxicated is strictly enforced. Currently, there is a .008 blood alcohol content limit and Arizona has an aggravated BUI law seeking approval in the legislature which would allow stiffer penalties if BAC met or exceeded .016
General rules are: counter clockwise dircection around the lake, boats or PWC pulling skiers must have an operator and observer with a flag, Minimum age for operation is 12 years, yeild to watercraft returning to shore, yield to all non-motorized vessels, PWC operation prohibited at night unless equipped with approved lighting devices, all PWC operators and passengers must wear USCG approved life vest. There are no restrictions on the distance to shore but watercraft must be operated in a safe manner.
Other Laughlin info:
Rentals:
Bullhead City: Area Code 928
Bullhead Watercraft Rentals 763-5333 888-565-6790
***Johns Watercraft Worx**** 754-3009 cool dude
Lake Mohave Resorts 754-3245
River Front Water Sports 763-5333
Riverjetz 754-1222
Splash Watercraft Rentals 754-3101
Two Wheels Watercraft Rental & Repair 754-6700
Watercraft Adventures 754-1221
Laughlin Nevada: Area code 702
Bayshore Inn 299-9010
Desert Recreation (Harrah's Beach) 298-6828
River Rat Watersports 298-7547
River Runners Watersports 299-9102
Check out:
www.nps.gov/lame/ Katherine's Landing phone # is (520)-754-3245
www.daviscamp.com/ Davis Camp, near the base of Davis Dam on the Colorado River
Casinos: Submarine AZ's Review
www.coloradobelle.com The Boiler Room is a great place to eat/drink and hang out. Best place to gamble, they play good music. Craps anyone?
The Mississippi room is excellent also.
www.flamingolaughlin.com/ This is where I stay. Lots of tables (4 craps tables!!) and high $$ slots but they always seem to get the better of me. Try the Alta Villa if you are looking for finer dining. Their buffet is also pretty good and quick. The Diner is great for late night bingeing.They also have cool riverview rooms. In fact, you can see the river from just about every room, even if it is only about a 2ft view. They had a new dance club last year to replace their "We refuse to die even if we have to DANCE TO THEse HITS till were 50!" show. Hope the dance club returns this year or is improved (they only had bottles or shots--- no Crown and Coke!???!!)
www.riversideresort.com/ There is always the Loser's Lounge!! They added a new tower so this might be a good place to stay. Stay away from the Watchman, what a rip off. The Casino did do some remodeling though and I played craps for 8 hours with the same $20 and finally walked away out of sheer exaustion with double my money.
www.gnlaughlin.com/ Golden Nugget
Tarzan's is o.k. but overrated if you didn't go early and get an armband. Only 1 Craps table, what's up with that? We river taxi to here and gamble back. Always good for a couple of hours.
www.pioneerlaughlin.com/
Strictly low rent. Think "Vegas Vacation". Anyone for War?
www.harrahslaughlin.com/
On the southern end. They have the best buffet but their casino seems to think you are trapped so they have a higher blackjack limit and they take all your money. The beach is cool but now it is for guests only. This casino is a non-smokers paradise. There are little signs everywhere of what you can and cannot do.
www.edgewater-casino.com/
Do not venture down the hotel hallways, some people are still missing in this maze. The casino is o.k. Think Colorado Belle but in green. Kokopelli Lounge is alright.
www.rvrpalm.com/
This place has changed names often and has tried several different club scenes. Some worked, some didn't. I hope they are on this year.
www.ramadaexpress.com/
Only stayed there temporarily, if you know what I mean. The rooms seemed o.k. and I did alright at the tables. It isn't on the water though.
Good Italian restaurant: Passagio's
I don't recommend camping simply because the hotel's are so cheap. You would probably spend the same or more paying for an RV site plus gas etc. and no Maid Service! Launching at Katherines Landing is relatively easy and there is also Cabinsite, Telephone, and Powerline (now Princess) coves to launch from if you need a boat ramp. You can launch into the Colorado River anywhere you can find a space to back in, even in the middle of Bullhead City. There are many official ramps on both sides of the river though.
Always get gas in Bullhead AZ. It is alot cheaper.
There are river taxis to take you to each casino and across to the AZ side. Very cheap.
You can walk around all the casino's and between with your drinks!!! This is an excellent place to party, no need to drive anywhere.
They put on an excellent fireworks show for the 4th. You can see it from anywhere so don't worry about getting a good spot. It lasts for about 45min to an hour. There are lots of boats on the river watching too. If you do this, keep it cool because the river patrol loves to bust people at this time. No drinking if you're the driver and watch the under 21's and no flashing. :( (((((((((((
UPDATE: the Flamingo got bought out so it is no longer part of the Hilton chain.
www.wunderground.com/US/NV/Laughlin.html
Laughlin Weather
[ May 31, 2002, 02:05 PM: Message edited by: Bryan Glynn ]
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