Lyman Lake State Park Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 20, 2026

Lyman Lake State Park is a high-desert recreation destination in eastern Arizona between Springerville and St. Johns. The park surrounds a roughly 1,500-acre reservoir at about 6,000 feet elevation and offers fishing, power boating, kayaking, swimming, camping, cabins, hiking and access to archaeological sites and petroglyphs.

Unlike many smaller White Mountains lakes, Lyman Lake has no boat or motor-size restriction, making it especially popular for water-skiing, wakeboarding and personal watercraft. Anglers pursue walleye, channel catfish and largemouth bass, while hikers can explore lakeside trails and cultural sites associated with people who lived in the area long before the reservoir was created.

• Lyman Lake Quick Facts
• Fishing
• Boating & Water Sports
• Camping & Cabins
• Hiking & Petroglyphs
• Things To Do
• Best Time To Visit
• Directions
• Nearby Attractions
• FAQ

Lyman Lake State Park Quick Facts

• Location: Eastern Arizona between Springerville and St. Johns
• Park: Lyman Lake State Park
• Reservoir size: Approximately 1,500 acres
• Elevation: Approximately 6,000 feet
• Water source: Little Colorado River watershed
• Primary fish: Walleye, channel catfish and largemouth bass
• Boat restrictions: No boat or motor-size restriction
• No-wake area: West end of the lake, 5 mph
• Popular activities: Fishing, boating, swimming, water-skiing, camping, hiking and wildlife viewing
• Overnight options: Campsites and cabins

About Lyman Lake State Park

Lyman Lake State Park encompasses the shoreline of the 1,500-acre Lyman Lake reservoir in the northern foothills of Arizona's White Mountains. The lake was created by damming the Little Colorado River and receives runoff from a watershed extending into western New Mexico.

The park's elevation of about 6,000 feet creates a high-desert climate with warm summers and cold winters. Spring through fall offers the broadest range of recreation, while winter conditions can bring freezing temperatures and reduced visitor services.

Fishing At Lyman Lake

Lyman Lake is primarily a warm-water fishery. Arizona State Parks identifies walleye, channel catfish and largemouth bass as the principal sport fish, while anglers may also encounter carp and sunfish.

The west-end no-wake zone is useful for anglers who prefer slower boat traffic and shore access. Catfish are often targeted in shallower or upper-lake areas, while bass and walleye may relate to rocky shoreline, submerged structure and changing seasonal depths.

A valid Arizona fishing license is generally required for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older fishing publicly accessible waters unless an exemption applies. Fishing regulations and bag limits can change, so check current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before fishing.

Best Fishing Spots at Lyman Lake

• Upper End of the Lake: One of the better areas for channel catfish, especially when fishing with nightcrawlers or chicken livers.
• Rocky Shoreline Areas: Productive for bass and walleye, particularly when using jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastics near structure.
• Weedy Edges and Shallow Flats: Good places to look for bass, sunfish, and other warm-water species during warmer months.
• No-Wake West End: A 5 mph zone that provides quieter water for anglers, swimmers and paddlers away from most high-speed boating activity.

Boating & Water Sports At Lyman Lake

Lyman Lake is one of the few northeastern Arizona lakes with no restrictions on boat or motor size. Powerboats, personal watercraft, sailboats, kayaks and canoes are all used on the lake, and the open-water areas are popular for water-skiing and wakeboarding.

The park has two paved boat ramps. The west end of the lake is designated as a 5 mph no-wake area, while higher-speed boating and tow sports are permitted on the larger open-water portion of the reservoir.

Seasonal watercraft rentals may also be available at the park, including kayaks, paddleboards and personal watercraft. Rental availability and operating schedules should be confirmed before visiting.

Camping & Cabins At Lyman Lake State Park

Lyman Lake State Park offers multiple overnight options, including tent camping, RV camping and cabins. Developed campground facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic areas and access to the lake, while selected RV sites provide utility hookups.

The park also offers boat ramps, fish-cleaning facilities, group-use areas and other recreation amenities. Camping availability, cabin availability, utility service, fees and seasonal visitor-center or store hours can change, so check current Arizona State Parks reservation information before planning a stay.

Fees. Day-use, camping, cabin, and park entrance fees apply. Rates are subject to change, so visitors should check Arizona State Parks for current Lyman Lake State Park pricing before planning a trip.

Hiking, Petroglyphs & Archaeology

Lyman Lake State Park includes hiking routes that pass prehistoric archaeological sites, petroglyphs and high-desert viewpoints. The Petroglyph Trail leads from the campground toward rock-art areas along the lake, while other routes provide longer and steeper hiking opportunities.

Petroglyphs and archaeological remains provide evidence of people who lived in this region long before modern settlement. Visitors should remain on designated routes, avoid touching rock art and never remove artifacts or disturb archaeological features.

Seasonal ranger-led hikes may also be offered. Check the park's current event schedule before visiting if you are interested in guided interpretation.

Things To Do At Lyman Lake State Park

• Fish: Target walleye, channel catfish and largemouth bass.
• Boat: Launch powerboats, personal watercraft, sailboats, kayaks or canoes.
• Water-Ski & Wakeboard: Use the lake's unrestricted open-water areas for tow sports.
• Swim: Enjoy designated swimming areas away from high-speed boat traffic.
• Camp: Stay in tent or RV campsites within the state park.
• Stay In A Cabin: Reserve one of the park's camping cabins for a more comfortable overnight visit.
• Hike: Explore lakeside and high-desert trails.
• See Petroglyphs: Visit archaeological and rock-art areas along designated trails.
• Watch Wildlife: Look for waterfowl, deer, elk and other high-desert wildlife.
• Explore Nearby Attractions: Visit Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert.

Best Time To Visit Lyman Lake

• Spring: Mild daytime temperatures make spring excellent for fishing, camping, hiking and boating.
• Summer: Warm days in the 80s to low 90s make this the busiest season for swimming, water-skiing, boating and camping.
• Fall: Cooler weather and lighter crowds make fall especially good for fishing, hiking and camping.
• Winter: Cold nights, freezing temperatures and occasional winter weather can limit water recreation and camping comfort.

Directions To Lyman Lake State Park

Lyman Lake is located in eastern Arizona between Springerville and St. Johns, adjacent to U.S. Highway 180/191. From Springerville, drive north about 17 miles on Highway 180/191 to reach Lyman Lake State Park.

From St. Johns, travel south about 11 miles on Highway 180/191 toward Springerville. The state park entrance is clearly marked from the highway, with access to camping areas, boat ramps, hiking trails, and day-use facilities.

Attractions Near Lyman Lake

• Petrified Forest National Park — Explore petrified wood, badlands, archaeology and scenic desert overlooks.
• Painted Desert — See colorful high-desert landscapes north of Lyman Lake.
• Arizona White Mountains — Explore mountain towns, forests, lakes and outdoor recreation farther south.
• Show Low Arizona — Lodging, restaurants and regional travel services.
• Springerville & Eagar — Nearby communities with lodging, dining and local attractions.

Lyman Lake State Park FAQ

Where Is Lyman Lake Arizona?

Lyman Lake is located in eastern Arizona between Springerville and St. Johns along U.S. Highway 180/191. The reservoir is surrounded by Lyman Lake State Park.

How Big Is Lyman Lake?

Lyman Lake covers approximately 1,500 acres when full and sits at an elevation of about 6,000 feet.

Is Lyman Lake Good For Fishing?

Yes. The lake supports warm-water fishing for walleye, channel catfish, largemouth bass and other species.

Do You Need A Fishing License At Lyman Lake?

Yes. A valid Arizona fishing license is generally required for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older fishing publicly accessible waters unless an exemption applies.

Can You Boat On Lyman Lake?

Yes. Lyman Lake has no boat or motor-size restriction, making it suitable for powerboats, personal watercraft, sailboats, kayaks and canoes.

Can You Water-Ski At Lyman Lake?

Yes. Water-skiing and wakeboarding are allowed on the lake's open-water areas outside the designated no-wake zone.

Can You Swim At Lyman Lake?

Yes. Swimming is permitted in appropriate areas, including the quieter west-end no-wake portion of the lake.

Does Lyman Lake Have Camping?

Yes. Lyman Lake State Park offers tent camping, RV camping and cabins, with reservations available through Arizona State Parks.

Are There Hiking Trails At Lyman Lake?

Yes. The park has hiking trails that provide access to lake scenery, archaeological sites and petroglyphs.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Lyman Lake?

Spring through fall provides the widest range of fishing, boating, swimming, hiking and camping opportunities. Summer is the busiest season for water recreation.

More Information & Facility Reservations

Lyman Lake State Park Website
(928) 337-4441

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Arizona Lakes