You’re hauling a twenty-four-foot tritoon through the Arizona desert, the heat is pushing 105 degrees, and you just want to get the damn boat in the water. Most people follow the signs to Lake Havasu State Park. They pay the fee. They wait in a line that snakes back to London Bridge Road. But if you’ve been coming to the Colorado River for more than a minute, you know about the "island." Specifically, you know about Site Six Lake Havasu. It is gritty. It is windy. It is absolutely free. And honestly? It’s probably the most interesting spot on the entire lake for people-watching, even if the ramp itself is legendary for being a total pain in the neck.
Site Six isn't just a boat ramp; it’s a piece of Havasu history located on the southwest side of the Island. Back in the day, this was a massive fishing pier. It was actually the first public recreational development on the lake after Robert McCulloch started turning this patch of dirt into a city in the 1960s. Nowadays, it’s managed by the Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation department. You’ve got a public launch, a small fishing dock, and some of the best sunset views in Mohave County.
The Launch Ramp Legend (and Why It’s Terrifying)
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. The Site Six launch ramp is steep. Like, "don't trust your parking brake" steep.
Because the ramp faces the main channel and sits on a point, the wind picks up speed across the water and smacks right into the concrete. If you are a novice boater, Site Six will humble you. I’ve seen guys in $150,000 wake boats get sideways in thirty seconds because they didn't account for the crosswind. It’s a tight space. You don't have the luxury of the wide-open basin you find at Windsor or State Park. Here, you're backing down into a small, protected-ish cove that isn't nearly as protected as the map makes it look.
The concrete is ribbed for traction, but when the lake level fluctuates—which it does constantly thanks to the Bureau of Reclamation’s control of Parker Dam—the end of the ramp can get slick with silt. If you have a two-wheel-drive truck and a heavy boat, you might want to rethink your life choices before backing down.
What to actually expect when you pull up
First, it’s free. In a town where everything from a burger to a gallon of gas feels like it’s priced for tourists, $0 is a beautiful number. But free comes with a cost. There is no dock hand to help you. There is no one directing traffic. It is purely "Lord of the Flies" rules. On a holiday weekend like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, Site Six is absolute chaos. People are jockeying for position, kids are running around the pier, and there is always one person trying to load a jet ski who has no idea how to reverse a trailer.
The parking lot isn't huge. If you don't get there by 8:00 AM on a Saturday, you’re going to be parking your truck and trailer way up the hill on the street. It’s a long, hot walk back down to the water.
👉 See also: Churchill’s Polar Bear Holding Facility: What Really Happens Inside the World's Only Bear Jail
Fishing at Site Six: More Than Just Carp
If you aren't there to boat, you're probably there to fish. The Site Six fishing pier is one of the few places on the lake where you can get into deep water without owning a Boston Whaler. The underwater structure around the point is actually pretty sophisticated. The city and local fishing clubs have dropped "fish habitats"—basically brush piles and PVC structures—off the end of the pier to attract game.
What’s biting?
- Striped Bass: They run through the channel. If you're there at dawn with some topwater lures, you'll see them boiling.
- Smallmouth and Largemouth: They hang out in the shadows of the old pier pilings.
- Channel Catfish: Mostly at night. Use stink bait. You know the drill.
The "Havasu Crack" is a term locals use for the deep crevices in the rock under the water here. It’s a goldmine for sunfish and bluegill, which makes it a great spot to take kids. Just keep a tight grip on them; the railing on the pier is sturdy, but the wind can be brutal.
The Sunset Secret
Look, Lake Havasu City is built on a hill facing west. Almost everywhere has a decent view of the California side of the lake. But Site Six is different because it’s out on the tip of the Island. When you stand at the edge of the rocks near the launch, there is nothing between you and the Chemehuevi Mountains.
The sky turns this weird shade of bruised purple and neon orange that you only get in the Mojave. It’s quiet out there—or at least quieter than the Channel. While the Spring Breakers are busy doing shots under the London Bridge, the locals at Site Six are sitting on their tailgates with a cold drink, watching the sun dip behind the peaks. It’s the "real" Havasu.
Crucial Logistics: Don't Be That Guy
If you're going to use Site Six Lake Havasu, there are some unwritten rules you need to follow so you don't end up as a viral video on a "Boats of Havasu" Instagram page.
📖 Related: TRS Resort Punta Cana: What Most People Get Wrong About This Adults-Only Spot
Prep your boat in the staging area. Do not, under any circumstances, pull onto the ramp and then start loading your coolers, untying your straps, and checking your oil. People will yell. They might use colorful language. Do all of that in the parking lot. Your goal should be to be on and off the concrete in under three minutes.
Check the wind. If the whitecaps are breaking out in the main lake, Site Six is going to be a nightmare for loading. The waves bounce off the sea wall and create a washing machine effect. If you’re solo-boating, it’s nearly impossible to hold the boat steady while you go grab the truck. If it’s windy, head to the Riviera or Windsor where you have more protection.
The restroom situation.
There are vault toilets. They are exactly what you expect vault toilets at a desert boat ramp to be. Bring hand sanitizer. Better yet, use the restroom at the gas station on your way onto the Island.
Diving and Technical Details
Interestingly, Site Six is a popular spot for SCUBA divers. I know, "diving in a desert lake" sounds like a joke, but the water is surprisingly clear near the dam end of the lake. Divers use the area to practice because of the easy shore access and the varying depths. There are even some underwater "attractions" placed there specifically for divers to find, including an old sunken boat or two and some mannequins that are genuinely terrifying if you aren't expecting them in the murky depths.
The depth drops off quickly. You can go from knee-deep to thirty feet down in a matter of steps. This is why the fishing is so good, but also why you need to keep an eye on weak swimmers. There is no lifeguard. You are responsible for your own safety out there.
The Robert McCulloch Connection
Site Six sits on land that was originally part of the intensive testing grounds for McCulloch’s outboard motors. Before Havasu was a retirement mecca, it was a giant laboratory for high-performance engines. When you walk around the rocky perimeter, you're walking on the same ground where engineers were trying to figure out how to make boats go faster in the 1960s. The history is palpable, even if it’s covered in a bit of spray paint and desert dust.
Common Misconceptions About Site Six
People often think Site Six is "closed" because the old pier looks a bit weathered. It’s not. It’s fully operational 24/7. Another myth is that you can’t launch large boats there. You can, but it’s a question of whether you should. I’ve seen 30-foot cats launch there, but it requires a driver who knows exactly how their trailer tracks.
Is it "dangerous"? No more than any other ramp. The danger is usually human error—forgetting the plug, not securing the winch, or underestimating the current. The Colorado River has a subtle but constant pull, and at Site Six, that current can push your stern around faster than you can react.
Real Talk: Is It Worth It?
If you want the "premium" experience, go elsewhere. Pay the $20 or $30 at the State Park and enjoy the wide ramps and the grass.
But if you want to save your money for gas (which you'll need, because Havasu is a massive lake), Site Six is the go-to. It represents the old-school spirit of the lake. It’s rugged, it’s functional, and it doesn't care about your feelings.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Lake Levels: Use the Bureau of Reclamation’s Lower Colorado River website to see the daily water release schedule. High water makes Site Six much easier to navigate.
- Verify the Wind: Download a weather app like Windfinder. If gusts are over 15 mph from the North or West, reconsider launching at Site Six unless you have an experienced crew.
- Tackle Prep: If you’re fishing, stop at Bass Tackle Master on Industrial Blvd before heading to the Island. They know exactly what the "Site Six special" is for the current season.
- Arrive Early: "Early" in Havasu means 6:30 AM. By 10:00 AM, the parking lot is a jigsaw puzzle of Ford F-250s and empty trailers.
- Clean Your Gear: Arizona has strict rules about invasive species like Quagga mussels. Make sure you pull your plug and dry your boat after leaving Site Six to avoid a massive fine and helping ruin the lake for everyone else.
Site Six isn't for everyone. It’s a bit rough around the edges. But for those who know how to handle their equipment and appreciate a free spot to hit the water, it’s the best "secret" on the Island that everyone already knows about.