Luna Lake Near Alpine Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 20, 2026.

Luna Lake is a peaceful high-elevation fishing and recreation lake near Alpine, Arizona, close to the New Mexico border in the eastern White Mountains. Surrounded by ponderosa pine forest, open meadows and wetland habitat, the lake is especially popular for trout fishing, small-boat recreation, camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

At nearly 8,000 feet elevation, Luna Lake offers a cool summer escape from Arizona's lower deserts. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake, small motorboats and non-motorized watercraft are permitted, and nearby Luna Lake Campground provides convenient access for overnight visitors. The surrounding wildlife area is also important habitat for nesting waterfowl and other birds.

• Luna Lake Quick Facts
• Fishing
• Boating
• Camping & Facilities
• Wildlife Area
• Things To Do
• Best Time To Visit
• Directions
• Nearby Attractions
• FAQ

Luna Lake Quick Facts

• Location: Near Alpine in eastern Arizona, close to the New Mexico border
• Elevation: Approximately 7,900 to 8,000 feet
• Current recreation-area size: Approximately 75 acres
• Average depth: Approximately 8 feet
• Maximum depth: Approximately 21 feet
• Waterway: Upper San Francisco River
• Primary fishery: Trout
• Boat restriction: Small motors only
• Nearby camping: Luna Lake Campground
• Setting: Ponderosa pine forest, meadow and wetland habitat

Luna Lake Quick Facts

• Location: Near Alpine in eastern Arizona, close to the New Mexico border
• Elevation: Approximately 7,900 to 8,000 feet
• Current recreation-area size: Approximately 75 acres
• Average depth: Approximately 8 feet
• Maximum depth: Approximately 21 feet
• Waterway: Upper San Francisco River
• Primary fishery: Trout
• Boat restriction: Small motors only
• Nearby camping: Luna Lake Campground
• Setting: Ponderosa pine forest, meadow and wetland habitat

Fishing At Luna Lake

Luna Lake is best known as a trout fishery. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake, and Luna Lake has also produced notable cutthroat trout, including Arizona's long-standing state-record cutthroat trout.

Fishing is generally strongest during spring and early summer when water temperatures are cool and trout are active throughout more of the lake. As summer progresses and irrigation withdrawals lower the lake, anglers may need to concentrate on remaining deeper water. Shore fishing, trolling and fishing from kayaks or small boats are all popular.

A valid Arizona fishing license is generally required for anglers age 10 or older fishing public waters unless an exemption applies. Fishing limits, bait restrictions and other regulations can change, so check current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before fishing.

Best Fishing Spots At Luna Lake

• Shoreline Near The Dam: A convenient area for casting to trout from shore, particularly during cooler spring and early-summer conditions.
• Deeper Mid-Lake Water: Productive from a boat or kayak when warmer weather pushes trout toward cooler water.
• Boat Ramp & Open-Water Area: Provides convenient access for trolling flies, lures and other trout presentations.
• Accessible Shoreline Areas: Good choices for bank anglers when trout are cruising shallow water during cooler weather.

Boating At Luna Lake

Luna Lake is well suited to fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and other small watercraft. A developed boat ramp provides access to the lake, and small motorboats are permitted under current horsepower restrictions.

The lake's relatively small size and mountain setting favor fishing and quiet boating rather than high-speed water sports. Before launching a motorized boat, check current Arizona Game and Fish and Forest Service boating restrictions because horsepower limits and other requirements can change.

Luna Lake Camping & Recreation Facilities

Luna Lake Campground is located within walking distance of the lake in an open stand of ponderosa pines. Campground facilities include drinking water and vault toilets, while both individual and group camping opportunities are available during the operating season.

The lake recreation area also includes a boat ramp, fishing access, picnic facilities and seasonal visitor services. Recreation.gov currently lists a marina area, fishing pier, bait shop and boat rentals near the day-use area, although visitors should confirm current operations before relying on those services.

Campground opening and closing dates are weather dependent. Reservations and individual campsite availability should be checked through Recreation.gov before traveling, particularly during busy summer weekends.

Luna Lake Wildlife Area

Luna Lake and its surrounding wetlands provide important habitat for nesting waterfowl and other wildlife. Birdwatchers may see waterfowl, great blue herons, osprey, bald eagles and other species around the lake and surrounding forest.

Portions of the Luna Lake Wildlife Area receive seasonal protection for nesting wildlife. Under current Arizona rules, posted portions are closed to all public entry from February 15 through July 31 annually. Motorized vehicle travel within the wildlife area is limited to designated roads or areas.

The seasonal closure applies to posted wildlife-area portions rather than automatically closing the entire Luna Lake recreation area. Visitors should obey signs and current Arizona Game and Fish restrictions when exploring the shoreline.

Things To Do At Luna Lake

• Fish For Trout: Cast from shore or fish from a small boat for stocked rainbow trout.
• Boat & Paddle: Explore the lake by fishing boat, kayak or canoe under current motor restrictions.
• Camp: Stay at Luna Lake Campground in the ponderosa pine forest near the lake.
• Watch Wildlife: Look for waterfowl, great blue herons, osprey, bald eagles and other mountain wildlife.
• Picnic: Enjoy cool high-elevation weather and lake views from developed recreation areas.
• Hike & Bike: Explore non-motorized trails open to hiking, bicycling and, on selected routes, horseback riding.
• Visit Alpine: Explore nearby Alpine for lodging, dining, supplies and additional White Mountains recreation.
• Drive The Coronado Trail: Combine a Luna Lake visit with one of eastern Arizona's most scenic mountain drives.

Best Time To Visit Luna Lake

• Spring: One of the best periods for trout fishing as the lake warms after winter and fish remain active in cooler water.
• Summer: Popular for camping, boating and escaping lower-elevation Arizona heat, although afternoon monsoon storms are possible.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures, lighter crowds and changing vegetation make fall especially scenic.
• Winter: Snow, ice and freezing temperatures are common, and the lake may freeze enough to restrict normal open-water recreation.

Directions To Luna Lake From Alpine Arizona

Luna Lake is located a few miles east of Alpine along U.S. Highway 180 near the New Mexico border. From Alpine, travel east on Highway 180 and follow signs for Luna Lake and the Luna Lake recreation area.

For Luna Lake Campground, continue approximately five miles east of Alpine and turn north onto Forest Road 570 just east of the lake. Follow the gravel road approximately one mile to the campground.

Attractions Near Luna Lake

• Alpine Arizona — Nearby mountain community with lodging, dining and visitor services.
• Arizona White Mountains — Explore mountain lakes, forests, wildlife and outdoor recreation.
• Springerville & Eagar — Additional lodging, restaurants and regional attractions.
• Coronado Trail Scenic Drive — A winding mountain drive through remote eastern Arizona scenery.
• White Mountains Lakes — Explore additional fishing and recreation lakes throughout the region.

Luna Lake Arizona FAQ

Where Is Luna Lake Arizona?

Luna Lake is located a few miles east of Alpine, Arizona, in the eastern White Mountains near the New Mexico border.

How Big Is Luna Lake?

Current federal recreation information describes Luna Lake as approximately 75 acres. Its surface area can vary because water is withdrawn for irrigation.

What Is The Elevation Of Luna Lake?

Luna Lake sits at approximately 7,900 to 8,000 feet elevation, giving it much cooler summer temperatures than Arizona's lower deserts.

Is Luna Lake Good For Fishing?

Yes. Luna Lake is best known for trout fishing and is stocked with rainbow trout. Spring and early summer are generally among the most productive periods.

Do You Need A Fishing License At Luna Lake?

Yes. A valid Arizona fishing license is generally required for anglers age 10 or older fishing public waters unless an exemption applies.

Can You Boat On Luna Lake?

Yes. Luna Lake permits small motorboats as well as kayaks, canoes and other non-motorized watercraft. Check current horsepower and boating restrictions before launching.

Does Luna Lake Have Camping?

Yes. Luna Lake Campground is located near the lake and provides individual and group camping opportunities during its operating season.

Is Luna Lake Open Year-Round?

The lake area can be visited year-round, but snow, ice, frozen water and seasonal campground or service closures can significantly affect winter recreation.

When Is The Luna Lake Wildlife Area Closed?

Under current Arizona rules, posted portions of the Luna Lake Wildlife Area are closed to all public entry annually from February 15 through July 31 to protect wildlife.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Luna Lake?

Late spring through fall provides the broadest range of fishing, boating, camping and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Summer offers cool mountain weather, while fall brings lighter crowds and seasonal color.

Luna Lake Visitor Information

• Luna Lake Campground — Camping information and trip planning.
• Luna Lake Campground - Recreation.gov — Current campground availability, season and reservation information.
• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests — Current forest recreation and access information.
• Arizona Game & Fish - Fish & Boat AZ — Current fishing, licensing and boating regulations.
• Alpine Weather — Seasonal temperature and climate information.

Arizona Lakes