Lake Havasu, Arizona

In Western Arizona, along the Colorado River, and nestled along the foot of California's Chemehuevi Mountains near Interstate 40, is Lake Havasu, a 45-mile-long (72-km-long) body of water formed by Parker Dam to the south. The famous London Bridge of Lake Havasu City marks the northern reaches of the lake. Note that Lake Havasu State Park reaches capacity most summer weekends and closes its gates after exceeding capacity on holiday weekends.
Depths to: In the southern third of the lake, closest to the dam, depths reach about 75 feet (23 m), but average about 30 feet (9 m).

Visibility: 3-20 feet (0.9 to 6 m) depending on the time of year.
Water temperature: High 40s Fahrenheit (8-10 degrees Celsius) mid-winter to the high 80s F (30-32 C) mid-summer
Aquatic life: Include striped bass, channel catfish, carp, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, trout.
Fees: $10 per vehicle

On-site amenities: Campground sites (nonelectric), boat launch ramps, 1.5-mile-long Mohave Sunset Trail, showers, picnic shelters, visitors center, and the Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden, an interpretive area that showcases the diverse life that exists within the park.
More info: For more information, visit www.golakehavasu.com or the Lake Havasu City Chamber of Commerce at http://havasuchamber.com.
Open: Year-round.

Getting there: The park is located at 699 London Bridge Road off Highway 95 and Industrial Boulevard.