Jack Smith Park & Launching Facility - Needles, California

Mike B.

This is a nice stopover in Needles. We were exploring the town as we were traveling through in our RV. We were looking for a place to check out the river and walk our dog. We went around 5pm and the place was mostly empty. There was a small beach we could hang out at and just enjoy the water. We also walked around the park and just had a good time. The one drawback we noticed was lots of trash on the ground. We were a bit surprised and the wind was blowing it all over. Overall it was a nice stop and we enjoyed it!

Rv_life_Road_Travel_ Minimalist (Aika)

Nice area, we wanna go back! At least some descent of swimming space for a typical weekend but of cors earlker birds gets good spot, water is soo clear and there rest room and picnic area provided, for a day used we never pay (as for our experience) theres fee tho maybe for a boat dock or what..

Christina Delrae Yazzie

Good Safe Spot for Family and Friends to Chill Together. This Park is Near The Colorado River. They Have A Boat Launching Area. Clean Picnic Areas and Bathrooms.

Bob Thompson

Jack Smith Park & Launching facility was just what the Dr. ordered, for a family fun day in a calm protected area of the Colorado River, off River Rd. in Needles, CA.

The first day my family came here, the weather was darn near perfect- in the low 80's, with abundant sunshine. My grandkids were frothing at the bit to get in the water, & this park was ideal, for what they needed.

This area consists of a fairly wide, secluded semicircle of calm water, off the main flow of the Colorado River, plus it has a nice wide concrete boat launch ramp, as well as, a buoyed off swimming area, with a soft sand bottom, which tapers very gradually. I was curious, so I began slowly walking backwards, to see how deep the swim area water got. I made it 2ft. from the back buoy line, standing up, without my head going beneath the surface, & I'm 6 ft. tall.

My 2nd youngest grandson, who is average height, for an 8 year-old boy, felt comfortable walking around, within a portion of the buoyed off swim area. He still hasn't mastered swimming, but there's such a gradual taper to the bottom within the swim area, that he had no trouble playing in this cold, 50 degree water, within a distance of approx. 10ft., from the bank, with the water hitting him at mid belly heighth.

There are quite a few large shade trees near the cusp of a hill that overlooks the swimming area, so the kids played their little hearts out, & the adults sat in chairs, shaded by these trees. We kept a good eye on them, as there is no Lifeguard on duty here, which is posted on signs, along the bank.

One thing to be aware of...there are these three-pronged spikes, which are both attached, & have dropped from weeds, growing on this hillside. I took my sandals off at the top of the hill, & walked barefoot down to the water. While doing this, I stepped on one of these abominable little spikes, & it penetrated my heel, drawing blood. Therefore, I advise you to leave your sandals on, until you reach the swim area water's edge, before kicking them off.

I saw several nice boats launch from here. The sign on the entrance shack notes its $17 for a Day Boat Launch Pass, & $7 per car, for a Day Use Pass.

There's also a nice playground area, at the top of the hill here, plus plenty of semi-shaded picnic tables, as well as restroom buildings on-site.

Thérèse Moses-Realtor

Jack Smith Park is a great spot for a picnic with family or friends to enjoy the Sandy beach
The waters are calm and the boats are going by creating waves nice atmosphere great park.
There’s a place for the kids to play with outdoor toy equipment plenty of parking
Great for launching your boat
Now one of my favorite parks in the area

Laura Remington

What a great place for kids!! All kinds of playground equipment to play on. They even have swings!! Nice park to enjoy family time with your children or grandkids!!

Anita Rodriguez

Great launching place. A lil busy but boat scenic views were beautiful with plenty of nice beachy areas to stop and relax and take a dip

Linda

Absolutely loved it!
Very active. Lots of people putting in and taking out boats very fast and efficiently.
Small play area for kids and restrooms available. Small beach area for swimming in the Colorado river.