Go Lake Havasu

Tourism officials cite pent-up demand for lakeview house and boat rentals, campsites and wedding venues.

The long dark year under COVID-19 restrictions is starting to brighten. Travelers once forced to entertain themselves at home are now feeling emboldened by vaccinations and are ready to venture out to their next destination.

According to HuffPost (April 6), so-called "revenge travel" is in vogue – millions of Americans tired of being cooped up at home are retaliating against COVID-19 by celebrating how the pandemic is losing its grip over their travel plans.

Based upon advance reservations, tourism officials in Lake Havasu City, located along the shores of the Colorado River about a 2-1/2 hour drive south of Las Vegas, are bracing for a welcome flood of pent-up demand for lakeview house and boat rentals, campsites and wedding venues.

"The increased reservations for this summer are a breath of fresh air for hotels, rental companies and restaurants that have been through difficult times, but are eager to again welcome visitors back to take a much-needed break by the lake," said Terence Concannon, president/CEO of Go Lake Havasu, the local tourism bureau.

"We've all been through a lot together and look forward to welcoming visitors back in much greater numbers."

Hundreds Of Lake Havasu City Vacation Rentals Are Going Fast

A typical one-bedroom lakeshore condo with pool – a vacation rental close to downtown shopping and beaches – is available for $150 but going fast, according to Destination Havasu (www.booklakehavasu.com), a full-service real estate and property management company based in the city with 40 rental properties.

"We're now booking heavily for the 2021 summer season and expect to sell out again this year," says co-owner Rachael Atkinson, "especially during holidays and busy event weekends."

She believes that with increased vaccinations, and the lifting of Arizona's stay-at-home order, there's even less travel hesitancy this season, leading to even greater demand.

"Everyone is feeling safer and travel is going back into effect," she says.

Atkinson points to one dream rental popular with families: a seven-bedroom, five bath lakeview home that accommodates 16 people. Three families can rent it for $1,200 per night or just $75 per person per night.

She recommends renting from a local licensed professional available on call to handle any issues. Generally, using a local rental firm can eliminate booking fees common with vacation rental websites. For a complete list of Lake Havasu City property management companies, view: https://www.golakehavasu.com/vacation-rentals-condos

Over on Airbnb.com, a quaint, one-bedroom lake house situated on Lake Havasu accommodates four guests for $450 per night. (www.airbnb.com/rooms/182265340). Other one-bedroom rentals start as low as $27 per night in the city. Airbnb lists over 300 Lake Havasu City rental properties to choose from, many with private pools.

We're Going To Need A Bigger Boat

Boats big enough to float a family are most popular in Lake Havasu City; boat dealerships are grappling with the highest demand they've seen in years, according to Lake Havasu City's Today's News-Herald.

Customers are looking for "anything that gets them outdoors," John Meyers, general manager of USA RV & Marine, said. "They want to get out. They want to do things. They want to get out on the water."

Family-style deck and pontoon boats are in greatest demand. For example, a four-hour rental of a 24-ft.,12-passenger pontoon from Havasu Adventure Company in mid-June rents for $385. Price includes gas and taxes (www.havasuadventurecompany.com/rentals/). For a complete list of Lake Havasu City boat rental companies, view:

https://www.golakehavasu.com/Water-Based

Cattail Cove State Park

S'more Than Enough Campsites Still Available Midweek

Coronavirus shutdowns and stay-at-home advice over the past year have triggered a flood of visitors wanting to get out and enjoy the great outdoors at campsites. Reservations at popular area campgrounds are available but filling up quickly. Lake Havasu, Buckskin Mountain, and Cattail Cove State Park have campsites available midweek through spring, with nightly rates starting at $30. Weekend availability begins opening up in late summer through fall. Check campsite availability and make reservations at the Arizona State Parks website (https://azstateparks.com/reserve/).

What's more, Arizona State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management host numerous primitive boat-in campsites along Lake Havasu.

See https://www.golakehavasu.com/boat-in-beaches-campsites for more information about locations, fees, rules, and amenities.

HipCamp.com is booking the private Wits End Ranch near Cattail Cove State Park. It's surrounded by hundreds of miles of federal land with lots of open space for hiking, biking, ATV and Jeep off-roading.

Far from the tourist crowds, the ranch is completely off-grid and secluded under a spectacular night sky. Propane and solar electricity provide power for cooking and lighting. There are plenty of reservations available between mid-April and mid-July 2021 (https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/arizona/wits-end-ranch/cattle-king-s-overview).