Fishing area guide
Parker Strip (California Side)
Earp, San Bernardino County, CA
Overview
The Parker Strip is the stretch of the Colorado River below Parker Dam. On the California side, the BLM's Parker Strip Recreation Area runs along the shore from Parker Dam south along Parker Dam Road to the Colorado River Indian Reservation boundary. The 11-mile Parker Dam Road Back Country Byway follows the river through it.
Where to launch
The main public ramp on the California side is the BLM's Rock House Recreation Area near Parker Dam, which has river access, a boat launch, shaded benches, a visitor center and restrooms. A BLM volunteer host is on site in winter. Most other ramps along Parker Dam Road in Earp and Big River belong to private RV resorts, such as River Land Resort and Big River RV Park. Their launch policies and fees vary, so call ahead.
Who boats here
The Strip is known for ski boats, wakeboard boats, PWC and riverfront camping. The BLM area also offers fishing, swimming, camping, rockhounding, hiking, OHV areas and wildlife viewing.
What's different
Arizona and California officers share jurisdiction on the river, so the state line in the middle of the channel doesn't change who can stop you. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Marine Enforcement Unit patrols most heavily from Spring Break through Labor Day, with a focus on boating under the influence. It's fresh water, so California-registered boats need a Mussel Fee Sticker.
Getting there & access
By road
Parker Dam Road runs along the California bank from Parker Dam south through Earp and Big River. Rock House, Empire Landing and most of the riverfront resorts are off this road.
Rock House launch
The BLM's Rock House Recreation Area has a boat launch, river access, shaded benches, a visitor center and restrooms. It's described as best for launching and river access. Recreation.gov doesn't take reservations for Rock House.
Empire Landing
The state boating facilities directory lists the Empire Landing launch on Parker Dam Road as temporarily closed to the public. Check with the BLM Lake Havasu Field Office at (928) 505-1200 before planning around it.
Private resort ramps
Several RV resorts along the river have launches, including River Land Resort (3401 Parker Dam Rd., Earp, which also lists fuel) and Big River RV Park (1 Marina St., Big River). These are private businesses, so call ahead about day-launch access and fees.
Mussel decontamination
BLM lists a California decontamination scheduling line, (928) 412-5965, for the Parker Strip area. Boats leaving the Colorado River should be cleaned, drained and dried before visiting other waters.
Amenities
- Rock House launch ramp — BLM public launch with river access and shaded benches
- Visitor center — Rock House Visitor Center, with a winter BLM volunteer host
- Restrooms — At Rock House Recreation Area
- Camping — BLM Crossroads Campground on the California side, plus private RV resorts
- Day use — BLM Bullfrog Day Use Area within the recreation area
- Fuel — River Land Resort, 3401 Parker Dam Rd., Earp, lists fuel sales
- OHV — Copper Basin Dunes OHV Area within the Parker Strip Recreation Area
Rules & official resources
- Arizona and California law enforcement share jurisdiction on the river, regardless of the state line
- Everyone must stay inside the boat while underway; slow down when approaching a law enforcement vessel with lights on; children under 13 must wear a life jacket
- Every vessel needs a Type IV throwable flotation device, a serviceable fire extinguisher, a life jacket for each person and a sound-producing device
- California DMV-registered vessels used in fresh water must display a current Mussel Fee Sticker on the hull next to the registration sticker
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Engine service
Hot summer temperatures, long days of towing and sandy river water are hard on outdrives, impellers and cooling systems. Mid-season checks are common for boats that run here all summer.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Canvas, covers and upholstery
Desert UV quickly breaks down Biminis, covers and vinyl seats on boats parked on the beach or in open storage.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Gelcoat and oxidation
Sun exposure chalks gelcoat and fades hull graphics, so polishing and protective coatings are popular.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Transport
Most Parker Strip boats are trailered in from Southern California, Arizona or Nevada. Long-distance transport and trailer repair are frequent needs.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026