
Buckskin Mountain State Park
Full-service recreation and camping area on the Colorado River, offering hiking, boating, and stunning desert mountain views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical sunlit boat wakes

Buckskin Mountain State Park
Best Time
Magical sunlit boat wakes

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Full-service recreation and camping area on the Colorado River, offering hiking, boating, and stunning desert mountain views.
"This is our new favorite spot! Highly recommend sitting at the riverside in the early hours."

🚤 Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
Consider renting a boat or jet ski for full enjoyment of the Colorado River. Book in advance if possible!
📚 Borrow a Book
Immerse yourself in a good book from the park's lending library while relaxing by the river.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Colorado Riverfront Camping
Riverside
Wake up to the gentle lapping of the Colorado River. Perfect for boaters and those who love waking up to water views.

Desert Mountain Scenery
Hiking Trails
Explore clearly marked trails offering stunning desert vistas and a refreshing escape from the heat.

Dog-Friendly Fun
Dog Park
A spacious and well-maintained dog park ensures your furry friends have a great time too, with bags readily available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Riverside Campsite Early
Beat the Summer Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat and Jet Ski rental recommendations for Parker, AZ at Buckskin National Park?
🚤 Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
Consider renting a boat or jet ski for full enjoyment of the Colorado River. Book in advance if possible!
📚 Borrow a Book
Immerse yourself in a good book from the park's lending library while relaxing by the river.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the hiking trails and the cactus garden.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona heat is intense; carry plenty of water, especially when hiking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
Consider renting a boat or jet ski for full enjoyment of the Colorado River. Book in advance if possible!
📚 Borrow a Book
Immerse yourself in a good book from the park's lending library while relaxing by the river.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the hiking trails and the cactus garden.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona heat is intense; carry plenty of water, especially when hiking.
🚗 Extra Vehicle Fees
Be aware of additional fees for extra vehicles at your campsite.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Buckskin Mountain State Park for its beautiful Colorado Riverfront camping and abundant recreational activities. The well-maintained dog park and clear hiking trails are frequently mentioned positives. However, some note the small shower doors and the intense summer heat as minor drawbacks.
"We loved this place! In fact, we tried to get a third night, but it was booked. There is so much to do here, several hiking trails and the park offers horse shoes, corn hole, and other games that can be checked out. There's a lending library filled with books in case you want to immerse yourself in a good book while relaxing next to the Colorado River. The dog park is big and well maintained. The campsites are raked and kept clean."
C Tuck
"The mountains in Tucson are absolutely stunning. The drive up was super easy, and once we got to the top, it felt like a completely different world so peaceful and refreshing. It was the perfect escape from the Tucson heat. The only downside was that most of the shops were closed due to the Fourth of July, but other than that, it was a really nice little getaway spot."
Heather
"Staying here was an excellent experience. It is easy to launch a kayak. The dog park area was large and had bags available. The store has some educational displays as well as a helpful and knowledgeable volunteer. This cactus garden makes for a nice stroll. The hiking trails were very clearly marked. The only negative is the awkwardly small doors in the shower area"
Jolene Knighton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buckskin Mountain State Park is located between two dams on the Colorado River. The drive is generally easy, offering scenic views as you approach. Specific directions can be found on the park's official website or by using GPS navigation.
Public transportation options to remote state parks like Buckskin Mountain are typically limited. It is recommended to travel by personal vehicle or rental car for the most convenient access.
The park is situated near Parker, Arizona. This provides a good base for accessing amenities and services before or after your visit.
The drive to the park itself can be quite scenic, especially as you approach the Colorado River. Exploring the surrounding desert landscapes offers beautiful vistas.
Road conditions are generally well-maintained, making for an easy drive. However, it's always a good idea to check local road advisories before your trip, especially during inclement weather.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Campsite fees vary, with reserved sights around $50 per night and rustic camping spots around $35 per night. Additional vehicle fees may apply. Check the park's official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for reserved sights which can fill up a year in advance. Rustic camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but can be competitive during peak times.
State parks typically have day-use hours, but campgrounds are accessible 24/7 for registered campers. It's best to check the park's official website for specific hours of operation for facilities like the visitor center or store.
Rustic camping spots often allow for payment upon arrival, day or night. However, for reserved sights, pre-booking is essential. It's advisable to confirm payment procedures with the park in advance.
Information on park passes or discounts is usually available on the Arizona State Parks and Trails website. It's worth checking if any multi-park passes or resident discounts apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Buckskin Mountain State Park offers a variety of activities including hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, and relaxing by the Colorado River. The park also provides amenities like horseshoe pits, cornhole, and a lending library.
Yes, there are clearly marked hiking trails available. These trails offer opportunities to explore the desert landscape and enjoy scenic views.
Absolutely! The park is situated on the Colorado River, making it ideal for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and swimming. Boat launches are available for easy access.
Yes, the park has full public bathrooms with showers available in multiple buildings along the riverfront. They are cleaned daily.
Yes, there is a large and well-maintained dog park with bags available, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park itself may not have extensive dining facilities, the nearby area around Pirates Den and Parker offers several restaurant options if you prefer not to cook.
Yes, there is a store that offers some educational displays and is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers. It may also carry basic supplies.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics and to enjoy at their campsites. Grilling is also a popular option for campers.
Designated picnic areas are typically available within state parks, offering tables and sometimes grills. These are great spots for day visitors or for campers to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Parker, Arizona, offers a range of dining choices, from casual eateries to more established restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside in the early morning offers magical views as the sun shines on boat wakes, sometimes creating rainbows against the cliff backdrop. The desert landscapes and mountain views are also excellent subjects.
Early mornings provide soft, beautiful light for photography, especially along the river. Sunsets can also offer dramatic colors over the desert mountains.
Capturing the contrast between the desert environment and the life-giving Colorado River can be very striking. The unique light on the water and the surrounding rugged terrain offers many creative possibilities.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide landscape shots and details of the desert flora and fauna. A polarizing filter can be useful for reducing glare on the water.
Drone usage is subject to park regulations. It's essential to check the park's official policy on drone operation before flying to ensure compliance with all rules and restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Riverside Camping Experience
When setting up camp, you can often back your trailer or rig up to the tent site and utilize the parking space. This flexibility allows for comfortable arrangements. Be aware that there are additional fees for extra vehicles at your spot. The park provides full public bathrooms with showers, cleaned daily, which is a significant amenity for campers. The experience of sitting by the riverside in the early hours, watching the sun glint off powerboats and create rainbows, is frequently highlighted as a magical moment.
Activities and Recreation
Beyond the core activities, Buckskin Mountain State Park also provides recreational amenities like horseshoe pits and cornhole games, which can be checked out. For those who enjoy quiet relaxation, there's a lending library filled with books, perfect for immersing yourself in a good read by the river. Pet owners will appreciate the large and well-maintained dog park, complete with available bags, ensuring that furry companions can also enjoy their stay. The park's store also features educational displays, adding a touch of learning to your visit.
Navigating the Arizona Heat
If you're camping, ensuring your air conditioning unit is in perfect working order is highly recommended for a comfortable stay during the hottest months. Even with the heat, many visitors find the experience rewarding by embracing the opportunity to jump in the water and cool off. Visiting during the shoulder seasons, like spring or fall, can offer more moderate temperatures for exploring the park's trails and enjoying its amenities without the extreme heat.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit