a woman in a boat
Photo by Maddle on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

RiverMild Current

Amenities

Boat RampParkingRestrooms

Best Time to Visit

Oxbow Campground

Palo Verde, CA · Boat Ramp · Public

Oxbow Campground is a public boat ramp on Colorado River near Palo Verde, California. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, kayak fishing. Amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms. Best visited in spring and summer and fall and winter.

At a Glance

Water Body

River

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

About This Location

Public launch on Colorado River in California. Beginner-friendly river paddling near Palo Verde.

Situated along Colorado River in California, Oxbow Campground provides convenient river access for kayakers, canoeists, and other paddlers.

Kayaking is the most popular activity here, with the water conditions supporting a range of skill levels. Canoeists can enjoy the calmer sections for a relaxed paddle. Western paddling spans coastal waters, mountain lakes, and everything in between.

Conditions here tend to be mild current, making it suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Plan your visit for Year-round. Facilities include boat ramp and parking and restrooms.

At about 5 min from Palo Verde, Oxbow Campground is a practical choice for paddlers based in the Palo Verde area.

Paddling Tips

  • Always face upstream when entering or exiting your boat at the ramp.
  • River levels change with rainfall — check the USGS gauge before you go.
  • Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
  • Know where your take-out is and how long the run takes before launching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Oxbow Campground?
Oxbow Campground is a public boat ramp in California. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Oxbow Campground?
Oxbow Campground supports kayaking, canoeing, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Oxbow Campground?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking, restrooms. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Oxbow Campground?
The best time to paddle at Oxbow Campground is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round
What are the water conditions at Oxbow Campground?
Water conditions at Oxbow Campground include mild current.
Is Oxbow Campground good for beginners?
Yes, Oxbow Campground is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Gentle moving water with mild current. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable with basic paddle strokes and steering.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 33.3881, -114.7116

Quick Facts

Region
West
Getting There
~5 min from Palo Verde
Get Directions

33.3881, -114.7116

Best Paddling in California

Read our complete guide →

Paddler Reviews

Write a Review

0/5,000 characters

Sign in to add photos to your review.

Trip Reports

Share a trip report

Sign in to write a detailed trip report for Oxbow Campground

Sign In

Paddle Routes from Here

No paddle routes from this location yet.

Be the first to create one!