Arizona Lakes For Boating, Fishing & Recreation

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 28, 2026

Arizona is home to an impressive variety of lakes and reservoirs, from large desert waters near Phoenix and along the Colorado River to cool mountain lakes surrounded by pine forests. Popular destinations such as Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, Lake Pleasant and Roosevelt Lake offer boating, fishing, camping and water sports, while smaller mountain lakes provide scenic escapes for anglers, paddlers and families. Use this guide to discover popular Arizona lakes, compare recreation opportunities and find destinations for your next day trip, weekend getaway or outdoor vacation.

• Most Popular Arizona Lakes
• Lakes Near Phoenix
• Best Lakes By Activity
• Types Of Arizona Lakes
• Camping At Arizona Lakes
• Best Time To Visit
• Arizona Lakes FAQ

Most Popular Arizona Lakes

Arizona's best-known recreation lakes combine spectacular scenery with opportunities for boating, fishing, camping and water sports. These popular destinations range from large Colorado River and desert reservoirs to scenic canyon lakes and offer some of the state's most diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• Lake Powell
• Lake Havasu
• Lake Pleasant
• Roosevelt Lake
• Saguaro Lake
• Canyon Lake

Best Lakes Near Phoenix

Greater Phoenix is within convenient driving distance of several outstanding desert lakes. Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake and the Salt River reservoirs provide popular options for boating, fishing, kayaking, camping and day-use recreation, making the region an excellent base for exploring Arizona's desert lakes.

• Lake Pleasant
• Saguaro Lake
• Canyon Lake
• Apache Lake
• Bartlett Lake
• Roosevelt Lake

Camping At Arizona Lakes

Camping options at Arizona lakes range from developed RV and tent campgrounds to primitive sites in remote desert and mountain settings. Depending on the lake, visitors may find boat ramps, picnic areas, restrooms, hiking trails, marinas and shoreline recreation nearby. Facilities, reservations and seasonal availability vary considerably, so check current campground and lake information before traveling.

Best Time To Visit Arizona Lakes

Spring (March – May)

• Ideal weather for boating, fishing, and camping
• Warming water temperatures increase fish activity
• Less crowded than peak summer months

Summer (June – August)

• Peak season for boating, jet skiing, and water recreation
• Hot desert temperatures make lakes very popular
• Best for early morning or evening activities

Fall (September – November)

• Cooling temperatures improve outdoor comfort
• Great time for fishing and scenic lake visits
• Fewer crowds than summer

Winter (December – February)

• Best for fishing and quiet lake experiences
• Mountain lakes may freeze or have limited access
• Desert lakes remain accessible year-round

Types Of Lakes In Arizona

Desert Reservoir Lakes

• Large lakes like Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, and Lake Havasu
• Best for boating, jet skiing, and water sports
• Located near Phoenix and western Arizona

Mountain Lakes

• Cooler lakes in higher elevations near Flagstaff and the White Mountains
• Great for trout fishing, camping, and scenic getaways
• Popular lakes include Big Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, and Becker Lake

River & Canyon Lakes

• Located along rivers and canyon systems
• Offer dramatic scenery and unique recreation opportunities
• Examples include Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Lake Powell

How To Choose An Arizona Lake

The best Arizona lake for your trip depends on the season, location and activities you have planned. Large desert lakes such as Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake and Lake Havasu are popular for boating and water sports, while higher-elevation lakes such as Big Lake and Woods Canyon Lake offer cooler summer temperatures, trout fishing and forest scenery. Lakes near Phoenix are convenient for day trips, while Lake Powell, Lake Havasu and White Mountains lakes are better suited to weekend getaways and longer vacations.

Before traveling, check current lake levels, road conditions, campground availability, boating restrictions and seasonal closures. Conditions can change because of weather, drought, maintenance projects and water-management operations.

Best Arizona Lakes By Activity

Best Lakes for Fishing

• Roosevelt Lake – Bass, crappie, and catfish
• Lake Pleasant – Striped bass and largemouth bass
• Big Lake – Excellent trout fishing

Best Lakes for Boating & Water Sports

• Lake Havasu – One of the top boating lakes in the Southwest
• Lake Pleasant – Popular for jet skiing and wakeboarding
• Saguaro Lake – Scenic boating near Phoenix

Best Lakes for Scenic Views

• Canyon Lake – Surrounded by steep canyon walls
• Lake Powell – Famous for red rock formations
• Apache Lake – Remote and rugged desert scenery

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Arizona Lake Guide

Explore individual Arizona lakes below for information about fishing, boating, scenery, recreation opportunities and nearby destinations. Lake conditions, access, facilities and regulations can change, so confirm current information before traveling.

Visit AA-Fishing for details about each of the best fishing lakes in Arizona.

Considered one of Arizona's best bass fishing lakes, Alamo Lake is a quick 120 miles northwest of Phoenix. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and water skiing.

Located about 65 miles east of Phoenix, the Horse Mesa dam creates Apache Lake. Known for its quick weekend getaways, visitors enjoy swimming, boating and water skiing. Bass fishing at Apache Lake can be excellent year round.

Bartlett Lake is a Verde River Reservoir Lake located approximately 30 miles northeast of Phoenix. As a national holiday hot spot, you can enjoy picnicking, boating, swimming, skiing and plenty of campground space. During less visited dates, fishermen can catch bass, catfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill.

Becker Lake is known primarily for large rainbow trout. You can find Becker Lake approximately two miles northwest of Springerville off US 60.

Stocked in the spring and fall with more than 30,000 trout, Big Lake is a great family getaway. Facilities include a grocery store, boat rental and plenty of nearby campsites.

2026 Canyon Lake Closure: Canyon Lake is undergoing a major drawdown for inspection and maintenance at Mormon Flat Dam. Lake access, boat ramps and associated Tonto National Forest access points are temporarily closed. Check current conditions before planning a visit.

Located approximately 16 miles outside of Apache Junction on state route 88, Canyon Lake is Salt River reservoir lake. Canyon Lake offers beautiful mountainous scenery and various fish such as the walleye, largemouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie. It has a designated swimming site and a pair of boating ramps. The three recreation sites at the lake -- Acacia Picnic Site, the Palo Verde Recreation Site and the Boulder Creek Recreation Site -- are open year round and available at no charge.

Chevelon Lake is an excellent source for brown trout fishing. Chevelon is located about 60 miles east of Payson off State Route 260. A slightly difficult one-mile hike is required to reach the lake.

This is a great lake for rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish and walleye fishing. Fool Hollow Lake can be found approximately 5 miles west of Show Low off State Route 260.

Located on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, Hawley Lake requires fisherman to attain a permit. Popular for its ice-fishing, Hawley Lake amenities include a grocery story, boat rentals, cabins, plenty of campsites and the Hawley Lake Resort.

Known more for recreation than fishing, Horseshoe Lake is a reservoir lake that is usually near dry during the hot summer months. From October to May you can enjoy camping, picnicking, and hiking.

Arguably the most popular water-lovers location in Arizona, Lake Havasu offers every possible amenity to both fishermen and visiting tourists. Home of the London Bridge, Lake Havasu is located on Arizona's western border off Arizona 95.

Located north of Yuma along the lower Colorado River, Martinez Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking and relaxing on the water. Created as part of the Imperial Dam system, the lake and surrounding waterways also provide productive bass fishing and access to scenic desert and wetland areas.

Known for largemouth and yellow bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish, walleye, tilapia and yellow perch, Upper Lake Mary is one of the closest major lakes to the Flagstaff Arizona area. Aside from fishing visitors can go jet skiing, rafting, canoeing and water skiing.

Known for rainbow trout, sunfish and channel catfish, Lower Lake Mary is one of the closest lake recreation areas to Flagstaff. Dependent on local precipitation and runoff, the lake's size and water level can vary significantly from year to year.

Created by the Hoover Dam, this visually spectacular lake is located on the Arizona/Nevada border. Visitors can camp, water ski, boat, rent houseboats, and hike. Fishing includes largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill.

Located about 60 miles south of the Hoover Dam, Davis Dam creates peaceful Lake Mohave. While offering boating, water skiing, visiting fisherman can find well stocked largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and crappie.

Lake Pleasant is one of the most popular boating lakes near Phoenix. As the closest major lake to the North Phoenix area, Lake Pleasant is known for its quick weekend getaways. Primarily a water sports lake, visitors enjoy water skiing, boating, jet skiing, camping, fishing, shoreline hiking and just plain water recreation fun.

Lake Powell stretches through dramatic red-rock canyon country along the Arizona-Utah border and offers exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, paddling, camping and sightseeing. The Arizona portion near Page provides access to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where visitors can explore sandstone cliffs, side canyons, secluded coves and expansive open water.

With great rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout, and close proximity to Alpine Arizona, Luna Lake is an excellent destination for weekend and vacationing fisherman. Luna is also known for ice fishing during winter freezes. Facilities include campgrounds, picnic tables, restrooms and a boat launch.

Located 17 miles north of Springerville, Lyman Lake fisherman can catch catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and bluegill among others. There are no boating restrictions, so you can expect to see skiing, swimming and all manner of water sports at Lyman Lake. There is even electrical hook-up in some locations around the lake.

Located near Prescott, Lynx Lake is a popular forest recreation destination for fishing, boating, hiking and wildlife viewing. Anglers fish for species including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and channel catfish.

Mormon Lake is located about 30 miles southeast of Flagstaff Arizona. While the lake can become dry during times of low rainfall, it remains an excellent place to boat, hike, bike, and view wildlife. Fishing includes sunfish and channel catfish.

Patagonia Lake is located in Southern Arizona just 12 miles north of Nogales Mexico. Although known for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, channel catfish and flathead catfish, the lake can be nearly empty during low water/drought periods.

With a managed season from April to November, Reservation Lake is an excellent brown trout fishing lake high in Arizona's majestic White mountains. Reservation Lake is located 19 miles south of Arizona 260 using Arizona 273.

This is the largest of the six, Salt River Project lakes. Roosevelt Lake fishing options include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie. Roosevelt Lake is located 80 miles east of Phoenix and heavily visited during hot summer holidays. Facilities include fish cleaning station, picnic areas, restrooms, boating ramp, camping, and stocked fish.

Saguaro Lake is a scenic Salt River reservoir on the Tonto National Forest east of Phoenix. Surrounded by rugged desert mountains and canyon scenery, the lake is popular for boating, fishing and sightseeing and provides productive habitat for bass and other sport fish.

You can find San Carlos Lake just 25 miles east of Globe Arizona. Created by the Coolidge Dam, fishermen can catch catfish, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill all year round. Facilities include picnic area and boat ramp.

Situated only one mile off State Route 260 on Show Low Road is Show Low Lake. Show Low Lake fisherman can find large walleye, rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish. Boating is limited to 8 horsepower or less, and amenities include, parking area, tables, drinking water, fireplaces, and camping.

Considered one of the best Trout Lakes in Northeastern Arizona, Sunrise Lake is a trout fisherman's dream. Sunrise Lake is located approximately 30 miles east of Pinetop Arizona. Amenities include campgrounds, stores, gas stations and boat rentals.

Tonto Lake is roughly 30 plus miles southeast of Fort Apache Arizona. Fisherman and can find a good supply of rainbow and Apache trout. Facilities include picnic tables and tent camping.

Woods Canyon Lake is located 27 miles Southwest of Heber on State Route 260. Primarily a rainbow trout and bluegill fishing lake, Woods Canyon Lake's season lasts between May and October of each year. Electric Boat Motors are required.

Arizona Lakes FAQ

What are the best lakes in Arizona for boating?

Popular Arizona boating destinations include Lake Havasu, Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake and Lake Powell. The best choice depends on your location, boat type, preferred activities and current lake conditions.

What are the best fishing lakes in Arizona?

Popular fishing destinations include Roosevelt Lake, Lake Pleasant, Lake Havasu, Saguaro Lake and Bartlett Lake for warm-water species, while Big Lake, Woods Canyon Lake and other high-elevation waters are popular for trout fishing.

Are there lakes near Phoenix?

Yes. Popular lakes within driving distance of Greater Phoenix include Lake Pleasant, Bartlett Lake, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake. Tempe Town Lake and numerous community fishing lakes provide additional options within the metropolitan area.

Can you swim in Arizona lakes?

Swimming is permitted at many Arizona recreation lakes, but rules and designated swimming areas vary by location. Always check current lake regulations, water conditions and posted restrictions before entering the water.

What is the best time to visit Arizona lakes?

Spring and fall generally offer comfortable conditions for boating, fishing, camping and sightseeing at desert lakes. Summer is popular for water sports, while high-elevation mountain lakes provide cooler warm-weather escapes. Winter recreation depends heavily on elevation, weather and road conditions.

Are Arizona lakes open year-round?

Many lower-elevation desert lakes are accessible throughout the year, although temporary closures and restrictions can occur. High-elevation mountain lakes may have limited winter access because of snow, ice and seasonal road closures.

Which Arizona lakes have marinas?

Several of Arizona's larger recreation lakes have marina facilities, including Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake. Services and operating schedules vary, so verify current marina information before your trip.

Can you rent boats at Arizona lakes?

Boat and watercraft rentals are available at a number of popular Arizona lakes. Depending on the destination and season, rentals may include pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft.

What is the difference between Arizona's desert lakes and mountain lakes?

Desert lakes are generally lower in elevation and are popular for boating, bass fishing and water sports, especially during cooler months. Mountain lakes offer cooler temperatures, forest scenery and trout fishing, making them especially popular during spring, summer and fall.

Related Arizona Lake Information

House Boating in Arizona
Arizona Fishing
Arizona Water Skiing

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Arizona Lakes