Marina guide
Moabi Regional Park (Pirate Cove Resort)
Needles, San Bernardino County, CA
Overview
Moabi Regional Park is San Bernardino County's Colorado River park at 100 Park Moabi Road outside Needles, where the river forms the California and Arizona state line. It's the biggest public boating base on the California side around Needles, with a seven-lane launch ramp, a 250-slip marina with a fuel dock, and more than 500 dry storage spaces.
Who runs it
The County owns the park and Pirate Cove Resort runs it as the concessionaire, so the resort sets day-to-day hours. Boat rentals on site are handled by Arizona Motorsports.
Who boats here
The park welcomes motorized boats, pontoons, fishing boats, personal watercraft, kayaks and canoes. It's popular with ski and wakeboard boats, PWC riders and anglers. The County stocks trout, catfish, bass and crappie, and a California fishing license is required. Many visitors camp in the RV and tent sites and keep a boat on the beach or in dry storage for the season.
What's different about boating here
This is a busy, warm-water desert river. The Sheriff's Marine Enforcement Unit from the Colorado River Station in Needles patrols most heavily from Spring Break through Labor Day, and Arizona and California officers share jurisdiction on the river, so the state line doesn't change who can stop you. The Colorado is fresh water, so California-registered boats need a current Mussel Fee Sticker.
Getting there & access
By road
The park is at 100 Park Moabi Road, Needles, on the California bank of the Colorado River at the Arizona state line. San Bernardino County lists a car-and-trailer lot with room for about 2,000 vehicles, so this is the main trailer-boat launch for the Needles area.
Launching
The seven-lane ramp has two boarding floats and two carry-down walkways, and the state boating facilities listing shows launching valet service. Hours are set by Pirate Cove Resort and change through the year, so check with the resort before an early or late launch.
Day-use fees
San Bernardino County lists $20 per vehicle or motorized cycle, which includes one watercraft, plus $10 for each additional watercraft. Visitor vehicles are $20 for day use or $25 overnight, pedestrians and non-motorized users are $7, and dogs are $7 each (two per site maximum).
On the river
Arizona and California law enforcement share jurisdiction on the Colorado River. The Sheriff's Colorado River Station is at 1111 Bailey Avenue, Needles, (760) 326-9200, and its Marine Enforcement Unit patrols most heavily from Spring Break through Labor Day.
Other Needles launches
Upriver in town, the City of Needles runs Jack Smith Park at 1000 River Road, a public launch with one boarding float, 48 car-and-trailer spaces and restrooms.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — 7 lanes, 2 boarding floats, 2 carry-down walkways
- Marina — 250 slips with a fuel dock; transient berths listed
- Dry storage — 500+ spaces on site
- Boat rentals — Arizona Motorsports, (928) 453-5558
- Pump-out & washdown — Sewage/bilge pump-out and boat washdown listed for the facility
- Haul-out & repair — Listed among the facility's services
- Camping — RV sites with full hookups plus tent camping
- Store & food — Convenience store, tackle sales, restaurant and bar
- Water taxi — Shore-boat / water-taxi service
- Family areas — Swim area, splash pad, playground and picnic shelters
Rules & official resources
- Daily fee of $20 per vehicle includes one watercraft; each additional watercraft is $10
- Maximum two dogs per campsite at $7 each; aggressive breeds aren't allowed
- A California fishing license is required to fish at Moabi
- Everyone must stay inside the boat while underway, children under 13 must wear a life jacket, and boats must slow when approaching a law enforcement vessel with lights on
- 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 and cooling-system service
Long summer days of towing and running in hot desert temperatures are hard on engines, impellers and cooling systems. Pre-season and mid-season service is common for boats that run here all summer.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Canvas and upholstery
Intense desert sun breaks down Bimini tops, covers and vinyl seating quickly, especially on boats kept in open dry storage for the season.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Oxidation and gelcoat care
UV exposure chalks gelcoat and fades graphics faster than on coastal boats. Owners commonly book compounding, polishing and protective coatings.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Washing and mussel-ready cleaning
River silt and hard-water spots build up quickly, and boats leaving the Colorado need to be cleaned, drained and dried before visiting inspected lakes elsewhere in California.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Trailer transport
Many Moabi boats are trailered hundreds of miles from Southern California or Nevada. Long-distance boat transport and trailer service are a steady need.
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