About Bill Williams River
The Bill Williams River provides habitat for fish and wildlife, clean water, forage, and recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, rafting, and hiking. The river is historically unique to this section of the Lower Colorado River as a major tributary that was used as a travel corridor by Native Americans, European explorers, and early settlers.Six state and federal agencies have worked together since 1992 to manage the Bill Williams River's outstanding riparian, wildlife, recreational, and fisheries resources. The river system provides habitat for both migratory and resident birds as well as local wildlife which includes bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, javelina, ring-tail cats, foxes, and more. Aquatic life includes macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and fish. Turtles, beavers, muskrats, and raccoons frolic beneath the cottonwood and willow trees along the riverbanks. Three segments of the Bill Williams River totaling 21.1 miles have been determined suitable for inclusion in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. These segments possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, fish, and wildlife values.
How to Get There
There are only two public access vehicle crossings of the river, on Lake Havasu at the Highway 95 bridge and the El Paso Natural Gas Pipeline Crossing. The lower portion of the river, in the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge is accessible from the road south of the Bill Williams bridge on Highway 95.From Interstate 40, take State Highway 95 south approximately 37 miles to where the Bill Williams River flows into the Colorado River at Lake Havasu. The marshy delta created at the confluence can be viewed from several Highway 95 turnouts.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Bill Williams River
Heading to Bill Williams River? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Bill Williams River?
No central reservation system listed for Bill Williams River. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/603) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bill Williams River?
There are only two public access vehicle crossings of the river, on Lake Havasu at the Highway 95 bridge and the El Paso Natural Gas Pipeline Crossing. The lower portion of the river, in the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge is accessible from the road south of the Bill Williams bridge on Highway 95.From Interstate 40, take State Highway 95 south approximately 37 miles to where the Bill Willi…
How do I contact Bill Williams River?
You can reach the park at phone: (928) 505-1200 or email: BLM_AZ_LHFOWeb@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
