Hawley Lake

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 15, 2026.

Hawley Lake is a scenic high-elevation lake on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona's White Mountains, surrounded by spruce, pine and aspen forests. The lake is best known for trout fishing, quiet boating, camping, cabins and cool mountain scenery. Because Hawley Lake is on White Mountain Apache tribal lands, visitors should check current access conditions and obtain the appropriate tribal permits for fishing, boating, camping and other recreation before arriving.

• Hawley Lake Overview
• Fishing At Hawley Lake
• Fishing & Recreation Permits
• Boating & Watercraft
• Camping & Cabins
• Best Time To Visit
• Visitor Tips
• Directions
• Hawley Lake FAQ

Hawley Lake In Arizona's White Mountains

Hawley Lake sits high in the White Mountains on White Mountain Apache tribal lands near Pinetop-Lakeside. Forested slopes, cool mountain water and its remote setting give the lake a distinctly different character from Arizona's desert reservoirs. Fishing is the major attraction, but visitors also come for camping, cabin stays, boating, wildlife viewing and quiet time in the high country.

Conditions at Hawley Lake can change considerably with the seasons. Summer is the primary recreation period, while winter can bring substantial snow, freezing temperatures and ice. Always check current tribal access information and weather before making the drive to the lake.

Fishing At Hawley Lake

Hawley Lake is one of the best-known trout-fishing destinations on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Anglers fish from shore and from approved watercraft, with fishing conditions varying by season, stocking, weather and water conditions. The White Mountain Apache Tribe manages fishing throughout reservation waters, so tribal fishing regulations rather than Arizona state fishing regulations govern Hawley Lake.

The Tribe's fishing regulations recognize Apache trout, brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout among its game-fish species. Current lake reports, stocking activity and fishing recommendations should be checked before each trip.

• Primary attraction: High-country trout fishing
• Fishing access: Shoreline and approved watercraft
• Permit requirement: White Mountain Apache Tribal fishing permit
• Current conditions: Check the latest WMAT Game & Fish report before traveling
• Winter fishing: Ice fishing may be possible when ice and access conditions are considered safe

Hawley Lake Fishing, Camping & Recreation Permits

Hawley Lake is located on White Mountain Apache tribal lands, and visitors must obtain the appropriate tribal permits for the activities they plan to enjoy. Fishing, camping, boating and general outdoor recreation have separate permit requirements.

• Fishing permits are required for anglers age 10 and older
• Camping requires a tribal camping permit
• Boats and watercraft require a tribal boat/watercraft permit
• General sightseeing and other recreation may require an outdoor recreation permit
• Reservation permits are generally non-refundable and non-transferable
• Permit prices and regulations can change, so verify current requirements before visiting

The Hawley Lake store should not be assumed to sell permits. Obtain permits through the White Mountain Apache Tribe's current permit system or an authorized permit vendor before arriving whenever possible.

Boating & Watercraft At Hawley Lake

Hawley Lake's motor restrictions help preserve a quieter setting for fishing and paddling. White Mountain Apache Tribe regulations restrict boats and watercraft on reservation waters to a single electric motor, except where specific exceptions apply. Gasoline motors are not permitted at Hawley Lake.

• Motor rule: One electric motor only
• Watercraft permit: Required for boats and watercraft used on reservation waters
• Safety: Each passenger must have a personal flotation device
• Launching: Use designated boat and watercraft launching areas
• Prohibited activities: Towed and certain board-water sports are not allowed on reservation waters

Canoes, kayaks and electric-powered fishing boats are well suited to Hawley Lake. If you plan to rent watercraft at the lake, confirm current rental availability before your trip.

Camping & Cabins At Hawley Lake

Camping and cabin stays allow visitors to spend more time enjoying Hawley Lake and the surrounding White Mountains. White Mountain Apache Tribe camping permits are required, and designated campsites generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise specified.

Hawley Lake cabins provide another option for overnight stays. The White Mountain Apache Tribe currently lists cabins ranging from one to five bedrooms and accommodating approximately two to fourteen guests, depending on the unit. Cabin availability, rates and check-in requirements should be confirmed directly before traveling.

• Obtain the appropriate camping permit before camping
• Stay within designated campsites where required
• Keep pets controlled and follow current leash requirements
• Store food securely because wildlife is present in the area
• Use campfires only where permitted and follow current WMAT fire restrictions
• Do not transport firewood, plants or other natural material off the Reservation
• Firearms, fireworks and certain other weapons are prohibited under campground regulations

For current Hawley Lake cabin information and reservations, contact Hawley Lake Cabins at (928) 369-1753.

Best Time To Visit Hawley Lake

Spring

Late spring brings improving access and increasingly favorable conditions for trout fishing and outdoor recreation. Snow and cold weather can linger at high elevation, so check road and lake conditions before visiting.

Summer

Summer is the primary season for fishing, boating, camping and cabin vacations. Hawley Lake's high-country location provides much cooler conditions than Arizona's lower desert communities, although summer thunderstorms can develop quickly.

Fall

Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing forest colors around the lake. It can be an excellent season for fishing and scenic recreation, but freezing nights and early snow become increasingly possible later in the season.

Winter

Winter can bring deep snow, frozen lake conditions and a dramatically different Hawley Lake landscape. Ice fishing may be possible when conditions are considered safe, but travelers should verify lake, road and weather conditions before making a winter trip.

Hawley Lake Visitor Tips

• Purchase the appropriate tribal permits before beginning fishing, boating or camping activities
• Check the latest WMAT fishing report and access information before leaving home
• Bring layers because high-elevation temperatures can change quickly
• Check current fire restrictions before using a campfire or grill
• Carry drinking water and necessary supplies rather than relying on every lakeside service being available
• Store food securely and never approach or feed wildlife
• Use approved flotation devices whenever boating
• Check winter road and ice conditions carefully before cold-weather visits

Directions To Hawley Lake

From the Phoenix area, travel northeast through Payson, Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside on Arizona State Route 260. Near Hon-Dah, continue toward the White Mountains and follow the signed route toward State Route 473 and Hawley Lake. Mountain weather, seasonal conditions and road work can affect access, so check current directions and tribal access information before traveling.

Hawley Lake Arizona FAQ

Where is Hawley Lake Arizona?

Hawley Lake is located on White Mountain Apache tribal lands in Arizona's White Mountains, within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.

What is Hawley Lake known for?

Hawley Lake is best known for high-country trout fishing, forest scenery, camping, cabins and quiet boating in Arizona's White Mountains.

Do you need a permit to fish Hawley Lake?

Yes. White Mountain Apache Tribal fishing permits are required for anglers age 10 and older. Current fishing regulations and permit requirements should be checked before every visit.

Do you need a permit to camp at Hawley Lake?

Yes. Camping on White Mountain Apache tribal lands requires the appropriate tribal camping permit.

Can you boat on Hawley Lake?

Yes. Boats and watercraft require a tribal watercraft permit, and current reservation regulations restrict watercraft at Hawley Lake to a single electric motor. Personal flotation devices are required for passengers.

Are gas-powered boats allowed on Hawley Lake?

No. Current White Mountain Apache Tribe regulations do not permit gasoline-powered motors on Hawley Lake. Watercraft are restricted to a single electric motor.

Are there cabins at Hawley Lake?

Yes. Hawley Lake cabins range from smaller units to larger accommodations, with current tribal information listing cabins from one to five bedrooms for approximately two to fourteen guests.

Can you camp at Hawley Lake?

Yes. Camping is available with the appropriate tribal permit. Campers must follow current campsite, fire, wildlife and other White Mountain Apache Tribe regulations.

Can you ice fish at Hawley Lake?

Ice fishing may be possible when winter ice and access conditions are safe. Visitors should verify current conditions before traveling because lake ice and road conditions can change rapidly.

Does the Hawley Lake store sell fishing permits?

Do not assume permits are available at the lake. The White Mountain Apache Tribe's May 21, 2026 fishing report stated that the Hawley Lake store was open but was not selling fishing or camping permits. Purchase required permits through the Tribe or an authorized vendor before arriving whenever possible.

For More Information

Lodge & Cabins (928) 369-1753
Grocery Store (928) 335-7511

Arizona Lakes