bill williams river camping

Bright colors from birds like the yellow warbler, vermillion flycatcher, and summer tanager flash like sparks in the desert sky as they flit across the riverbed.

History of the Area. The Bureau of Land Management is working within rapidly evolving CDC guidance and with local and state health authorities to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission while delivering essential services to the greatest extent practicable. The rare riparian habitat of Bill Williams River NWR draws a variety of neotropical migratory birds - winging their way from Central and South America to their breeding grounds in the north. Fires are not permitted on the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge. Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge is situated in central-western Arizona along the Lower Colorado River, the Bill Williams River extends a short 40 miles before emptying into the Colorado River at Lake Havasu. Ecologically, the river serves an important function as a wildlife corridor. The Bill Williams River is a 46.3-mile-long (74.5 km) river in west-central Arizona where it, along with its tributary, the Santa Maria River, form the boundary between Mohave County to the north and La Paz County to the south. The Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge offers three accessible fishing structures on the peninsula adjacent to our visitor center. The lower portion of the river, in the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge is accessible from the road south of the Bill Williams bridge on Highway 95.

Coronavirus Advisory. The marshy delta created at the confluence can be viewed from several Highway 95 turnouts. From Interstate 40, take State Highway 95 south approximately 37 miles to where the Bill Williams River flows into the Colorado River at Lake Havasu. Camping is not allowed on the refuge, but visit nearby Bureau of Land Management areas or States parks for excellent camping opportunities. After a scenic drive through the Joshua Tree Forest, board a jet boat and cruise down the Colorado River to Lake Havasu.

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of the lake, go for a swim, and walk across London Bridge. Leave the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip behind on this Colorado River day trip.

Unlike most rivers in Arizona, the Bill Williams runs east to west across the landscape. It allows wildlife to travel across the desert landscape expanding their range and establishing new territories.