There are many lakes in Arizona that offer plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, from swimming to fishing and waterskiing. In fact, many of the lakes on this list are easy to access and have excellent facilities, making them perfect for a day out with friends or family.
Arizona’s most popular lakes include Lake Powell, Lake Mead, and Lake Havasu. Whether you’re looking for something relaxing or action-packed, there’s sure to be a lake on this list that will fit your needs.
Canyon Lake, AZ
Canyon Lake is one of Arizona’s best lakes, located just north of the city of Phoenix. Canyon lake is a great place for fishing, swimming, and boating, and there are plenty of hiking and camping opportunities in the surrounding area.
The lake has stunning surroundings and great fishing. There are many activities to do at the lake: Beachcombing, cruising, fishing, tubing, scuba diving, etc. The lake’s size isn’t a problem because it offers so much else to do: Fishing is excellent, and there are plenty of other outdoor activities nearby if you’re not interested in swimming or boating.
Canyon Lake is an excellent place for a variety of activities: The lake has boat rentals, camping, and hiking. It’s popular, so be sure to make reservations: The day-use area fills up fast. There are many things to do in the area: Scuba diving, fishing, and more.
Lake Havasu, AZ
Lake Havasu is a great place to go for a day of sun and fun. The water is heated to a comfortable temperature, making it perfect for swimming, boating, and sunbathing. The lake is a popular spot for pleasure boating, tubing, and wakeboarding.
Lake Havasu is located in the Topock Gorge region of Arizona and is among the best locations for a beach day.
The water in the lake gets hot and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The lake has plenty of beaches and is great for leisure activities such as boat rides and dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
There are many options for accommodation in Lake Havasu, AZ. Some of the best places to stay include the Lake Havasu Resort, the Lake Havasu RV Resort, and the Lake Havasu Inn. All of these places offer great amenities and opportunities for relaxation.
Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ
Watson Lake is one of the best lakes in Arizona for fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake is stocked with trout, catfish, bass, sunfish, and crappie. The lake is located in Prescott, AZ, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists.
Fishing is allowed from the shore or from a boat, and there are several boat ramps and docks around the lake. Swimming is allowed in designated areas, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Watson Lake is a beautiful and scenic lake in Prescott, Arizona. The lake is home to many different aquatic forms of recreation, such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also several picnic areas around the lake, a playground, and a sand volleyball court. The lake is also great for taking a scenic hike or bike ride.
Lake Powell, AZ
Lake Powell is located between the border of Arizona and Utah. It is one of the most popular lakes in Arizona and is known for its boating, fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities.
Lake Powell is one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona and one of the best lakes in the United States. The lake is enormous and has many small side canyons, making it hard to explore it all.
Lake Powell is a great place to go for a vacation and enjoy a wide range of activities, from fishing to swimming to boating. There are several marinas throughout the lake, and it is a popular spot for fishing tournaments.
Lake Mead, AZ
Lake Mead is a large, clear lake with amazing views. It is close to Las Vegas, making it busy, but tourists can swim, kayak, sail, and scuba dive on the lake. Lake Mead is 247 square miles and holds roughly three trillion gallons of water.
Shoreline is a great place to kayak, sailboat, paddleboard, or powerboat. It is famous for its clear water and wide-open spaces. There are many places to camp in Lake Mead, most of which are in Nevada.
Apache Lake, AZ
If you’re looking for the best lakes in Arizona, look no further than Apache Lake. This beautiful lake is located just north of Phoenix and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is also home to a variety of fish, making it a popular spot for fishing. The average depth of the lake is about 20 feet, so it’s perfect for swimming and boating.
Lake Mohave, AZ
Lake Mohave is a great place to get away from the crowds. The water is cold up high and warms down low, perfect for swimming and boating. There are plenty of services available at marinas, including restaurants and bars.
Lake Mohave is also a great place to sail, fish, and swim. The water is warm and accessible from both Nevada and Arizona sides. The lake has good fishing for small, striped, and largemouth bass, crappie, and rainbow trout. There are also catfish, sunfish, and bluegill.
Theodore Roosevelt Lake, AZ
Theodore Roosevelt Lake is the largest lake in Arizona and a popular destination for anglers and pleasure boaters. Along the southern shore of Theodore, Roosevelt Lake are several marinas, campgrounds, and RV parks that make it a great place to stay while visiting the lake.
Drop anchor at Theodore Roosevelt Lake’s north coast for a more remote experience, where road access is limited and nature prevails. The water at Theodore Roosevelt Lake warms up significantly in the summertime, making it an ideal spot to spend time lounging on air mattresses or other blow-up toys.
Woods Canyon Lake, AZ
Woods Canyon Lake is a great place to spend a day with friends. Fish and hiking are popular activities here, and camping is also possible. The lake is accessible throughout the year, making it the perfect place to visit any time of year.
Woods Canyon Lake is open throughout the year, but access can be restricted in winter. Camping is a popular activity at Woods Canyon Lake, as is hiking and biking. The summer months are the most favorable time to visit Woods Canyon Lake.
Lake Mary, AZ
Lake Mary is one of the best lakes in Arizona, located just north of Flagstaff. It’s an excellent spot for fishing, swimming, and boating, and there are plenty of hiking and camping opportunities in the area. The lake is also a popular spot for bird watching, as it’s home to various species.
The best time to visit Lake Mary is in the summer when there’s more wildlife. The area is popular with birdwatchers in the summer. The lakes are home to sunfish, rainbow trout, channel catfish, and northern pike.
Lynx Lake, AZ
Lynx Lake is a beautiful lake located in Prescott National Forest. It is surrounded by trees and greenery, making it an excellent place for hiking, fishing, and camping. Lynx Lake is easily accessible by road and is a popular spot for locals looking to escape the hot desert.
Lynx Lake is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a beautiful and secluded lake in Arizona. Animal lovers will love Lynx Lake because it is home to mule deer, bald eagles, and other animals. The lake is also a great place to catch rainbow trout.
Martinez Lake, AZ
Martinez Lake is one of the best lakes in Arizona for several reasons. First, it’s located in the northern part of the state, making it an excellent option for those who want to escape the heat of the southern Arizona desert.
Second, Martinez Lake is an artificial lake, meaning it’s constantly being stocked with fish, making it an excellent spot for fishing. Third, the lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains, making it a great place to enjoy the scenery. Finally, Martinez Lake is home to a number of different wildlife species, making it a great place to go for a nature hike or bird watching.
Willow Springs Lake, AZ
Willow Springs Lake is one of the best lakes in Arizona for a number of reasons. First, it is located in a beautiful setting at the base of the Mogollon Rim. The lake is also very clean and clear, making it perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Additionally, many camping sites are located around the lake, making it easy to enjoy a weekend getaway. Finally, the lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and catfish, which makes it a great place to go fishing.
Goldwater Lake, AZ
Goldwater Lake is a popular place for fishing and enjoys a great location in North Central Arizona. The City of Prescott manages the lake and provides a variety of amenities such as picnic tables, grills, a playground, and a hiking trail.
The lake is well-known for its fishing, but swimming is not allowed. Goldwater Lake is a great place for a picnic. There are plenty of places to play, including playgrounds and volleyball courts. The hiking trail is also a great way to get some exercise.
Lake Pleasant, AZ
Lake Pleasant is one of the best lakes in Arizona for swimming, boating, fishing, and more. It has easy access and a range of amenities for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors. The lake is busiest on weekends when people come to enjoy powerboats and Jet Skis racing around.
Swimming is only allowed in designated areas, but there are plenty of beaches to choose from. The best time to boat is early morning or evening when the water is calmest. Fishing is best in the early morning or late evening as well.
There are plenty of places to camp around the lake, but reservations are recommended during peak season.
Fool Hollow Lake, AZ
Fool Hollow Lake is one of the best lakes in Arizona for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is a man-made reservoir that was created in the early 1970s for irrigation and recreation. The lake is located in the White Mountains region of northeastern Arizona and is approximately 1 hour from Show Low.
The average daytime temperatures stay around the mid-80s, making it a great place to escape the Arizona heat. No wake boats are allowed at Fool Hollow Lake, making it an ideal spot for novice anglers and experienced fishermen. In addition to fish, you can also enjoy hiking and kayaking in the area.
Big lake, AZ
The big lake is one of the best lakes in Arizona. It’s located in the northern part of the state, and it’s a great place to enjoy some time outdoors.
The lake is large and offers plenty of space for swimming, fishing, and boating. Several hiking trails offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Big Lake is located in the southwest part of Arizona, near the New Mexico border. It’s a great fishing lake with many opportunities to catch native Arizona fish. It’s a great place to kayak and paddleboard and offers excellent camping opportunities.
Saguaro Lake, AZ
Saguaro Lake, located in the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix, is one of the best lakes in Arizona. The lake is surrounded by towering saguaro cacti and offers stunning views of the nearby mountains.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Saguaro Lake, including swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. The nearby Tonto Fish Hatchery is also a great place to learn about Arizona’s native fish species.
Chevelon Canyon Lake, AZ
Chevelon Canyon Lake is one of the best lakes in Arizona for several reasons. First, it’s located in the beautiful Chevelon Canyon, which is well-known for its scenic views. Second, the lake is excellent for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Third, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding canyon. If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy the outdoors, Chevelon Canyon Lake is definitely worth a visit.
Lyman Lake, AZ
Located in the White Mountains of Arizona, Lyman Reservoir is one of the best lakes in Arizona for fishing and camping. The reservoir is stocked with trout, bass, and catfish, and there are also several campsites located around the lake.
In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and ATV riding in the area. There are also several restaurants and cafes located nearby.
Hawley Lake, AZ
Hawley Lake is a great choice if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors. The lake is located in the White Mountains of Arizona and is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and hiking.
The lake is stocked with trout and is also home to bald eagles. The views from the lake are stunning, and there are plenty of hiking trails in the area. The lake is also a great place to stargaze.
Upper Lake Mary, AZ
Upper Lake Mary is one of the best lakes in Arizona for fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake is located just north of Flagstaff and is an excellent spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
The lake is stocked with trout and catfish, and there is also plenty of bass, sunfish, and crappie to be caught. There are several boat ramps, docks, and a few camping sites around the lake.
How to find the best lakes in Arizona?
Step 1: Determine what type of lake you want
There are many different types of lakes in Arizona, each with its own unique features. To find the best lake for you, it is crucial to determine what type of lake you are looking for.
Are you looking for a lake to swim in? Fish in? Boat on? or enjoy the scenery? Once you know what type of lake you are looking for, it will be much easier to find the best one.
Step 2: Consider the location
If you’re looking for the best lakes in Arizona, location is an essential factor. For example, if you want to be close to urban amenities like restaurants and shopping, then you’ll want to look for a lake in or near a city.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more rural setting, look for a lake located in a more remote area. Regardless of your preference, there are plenty of great lakes to choose from in Arizona.
Step 3: Choose a lake based on activities.
If you’re looking for the best lakes in Arizona, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, what kind of activities do you want to do? Are you looking for a lake to swim in, fish in, or both?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can start to narrow down your options. If you’re looking for a lake to swim in, the best lakes in Arizona will probably be in the northern part of the state.
This is because the climate is cooler, and there is more rainfall. The best lakes for fishing will be in the southern part of the state, where the climate is warmer and there is less rainfall.
If you’re a beginner, starting with a lake that is easy to access and has good facilities is a good idea. Lake Powell, for example, is a popular destination for beginners because it has many campsites and boat ramps.
Step 4: Consider the climate
The climate in Arizona is hot and dry, so when you’re looking for the best lakes in Arizona, you’ll want to consider the climate. The best time to visit Arizona is during the cooler months, from October to April. However, if you’re looking for a more temperate climate, the best time to visit Arizona is during summer.
FAQs
How many lakes are in Arizona?
Arizona is home to 128 lakes. These lakes vary in size, shape, and color. Many lakes are located in the mountains, while others are near the desert. Some of the most popular lakes in Arizona are Lake Powell, Lake Mead, and Lake Havasu.
Which is the biggest lake in Arizona?
Lake Powell is the biggest lake in Arizona. It is located in the Colorado River in the state of Arizona. The lake is 6,226 square kilometers in area. The Powell Dam formed the lake.
What is the most beautiful lake in Arizona?
There are many beautiful lakes in Arizona, but Lake Powell stands out. It is located in the northern part of the state and is known for its stunning red rock cliffs and turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating.
What is the fishing like at the lakes in Arizona?
The fishing at the lakes in Arizona is some of the best in the country. The state is home to a variety of fish, including bass, trout, and catfish. There are also many opportunities to catch fish in the wild. The lakes in Arizona offer a variety of fishing experiences, from quiet streams to large reservoirs.
What is the wildlife like at the lakes in Arizona?
The Arizona lakes offer various wildlife experiences, from birdwatching to fishing. Some of the most popular species include bass, catfish, and trout. There are also many opportunities to see other wildlife, such as deer, coyotes, and even bears.
What are the camping facilities at the lakes in Arizona?
You can do many activities at the Arizona Lakes, including camping and launching boats. Each lake has a campground where you can enjoy various activities such as hiking and fishing. The campgrounds at Arizona Lakes come complete with tents, cabins, and RV sites. You can also camp near the lakes and launch boats.