River Island State Park sits along the Colorado River north of Parker. We have stayed at this park before in the spring and it was packed full. We had to have reservations to get in during that time. This time of year, early December, we basically had the park to ourselves but we heard that the park was full the week of Thanksgiving which was the week before. You just never know. There were maybe about 4 other units in the park while we were there except for the weekend when a few others joined us.
The State Park campground offers over 40 sites of which 10 are back-ins on each side of the campground with paved areas under the picnic tables. There are 19 large pull-thru sites of which two seemed to be occupied by the camp hosts. Either that is new or we just didn’t notice it last year. These sites are very consistent, i.e., each site is very similar, all level, all about the same length and space, and they offer water and electric (50 AMP) hookups. The only difference is the direction you are facing and whether you have a river view or not. The park is meticulously maintained and the gravel raked and everything always looks neat and clean.
There are a few sites (sites 30-37) for tenters or RV’s up to 24’ which offer 10AMP. The sites are basically the size of a parking space so don’t expect to open any slides or awnings. But the sites offer a grass area behind them that are all waterfront beside a lovely beach.
Campground: River Island State Park (A unit of Buckskin Mountain State Park)
Location: North of Parker, Arizona
Site: 23
Cost: $25 (the month of Nov and Dec offer 7 nights for the 5 nights)
Services: Water/Electric (50 AMP)
Comments: Our favourite state park in the area. It accommodates around 40 sites and is nestled between the mountains on two sides, the Colorado River on the other side, and Hwy 95 on the fourth side. We rarely hear highway traffic but you can hear boat traffic. It is about 15 minutes north of Parker and has the feel of being remote and quiet and peaceful.
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