La Paz County Outdoor Access and Safety Guide for Residents and Visitors

La Paz County remains a major draw for river recreation, winter RV traffic and desert outings, but the patchwork of municipal, county and federal rules means preparation is essential. Parker is the county’s principal gateway to the Colorado River, with municipal ramps, county-managed boat ramps and Riverfront parks providing primary public access for boating, tubing, fishing and watersports. Boaters should carry life jackets for every passenger, bring at least one charged phone or VHF radio, and plan for limited cell coverage in some river canyons. Fuel, ice and basic marine supplies are available in Parker, but operators are advised to carry backups on longer floats and to observe posted speed limits and no-wake zones near docks and swim areas.

Quartzsite’s winter season remains a focal point for RVers and rock-and-gem enthusiasts, including large RV shows and the QIA Pow Wow gem and mineral events in mid-to-late January. Visitors planning to attend paid shows should reserve space in advance. Those using BLM dispersed camping must follow Leave No Trace practices, avoid blocking two-track roads and observe local signage on generator hours. Potable water points are limited during the season, so plan resupply stops and identify legal gray- and blackwater disposal options before arrival. Expect heavy traffic on state routes, crowded services and slower response times from local businesses during peak winter events.

Rural communities such as Bouse and Ehrenberg offer quieter access to desert roads, hunting and riverside staging, but services and fueling options are constrained. Bouse visitors should respect private-property boundaries associated with grazing and agricultural leases and obtain permission where required. Ehrenberg provides western river access but is adjacent to state line areas where regulations may differ; users must obey posted signs and local rules. Small towns may have shortened business hours, so refueling and obtaining supplies in Parker or Quartzsite is often prudent.

Public lands in La Paz County support extensive OHV use but include seasonal closures for races and special events. Use designated staging areas, respect posted speed and noise rules, and avoid driving through washes or bird-breeding sites to protect desert tortoise and other habitat. Pack a recovery kit, ample water, paper maps as a backup to electronic navigation, and consider a personal locator beacon or satellite communication device for remote travel.

Fishing and hunting require Arizona Game and Fish licenses and adherence to season dates, bag limits and any special river regulations. For medical and emergency needs, La Paz Regional Medical Center in Parker is the county’s primary hospital; emergency response times can be longer in remote areas, so carry a first-aid kit and alternative communications. Before any trip, check county notices and public works advisories, BLM Lake Havasu Field Office restrictions, Arizona Game and Fish regulations, and local chamber calendars for event dates and vendor rules. Adequate planning and respect for public-land rules preserve safety and the natural resources that make La Paz County a popular destination.