Best Lakes Near Phoenix Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 26, 2026.

Lakes near Phoenix provide boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming, camping and scenic desert recreation within easy day-trip distance of the Valley. Major destinations include Lake Pleasant northwest of Phoenix and Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake along the Salt River system, plus Bartlett Lake on the Verde River northeast of Scottsdale.

Each lake has a different character. Lake Pleasant offers expansive open water and major boating facilities, Saguaro and Canyon lakes combine water recreation with dramatic canyon scenery, Bartlett Lake is convenient to Scottsdale and the northeast Valley, while Apache and Roosevelt lakes reward travelers willing to drive farther for more remote desert landscapes.

• Best Phoenix Lakes At A Glance
• Boating, Fishing & Kayaking
• Lake Pleasant
• Saguaro Lake
• Canyon Lake
• Apache Lake
• Roosevelt Lake
• Bartlett Lake
• Best Time To Visit
• Lake Safety & Planning
• FAQ

Best Lakes Near Phoenix At A Glance

• Best for major boating facilities: Lake Pleasant
• Best for scenic canyon cruising: Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake
• Best for kayaking: Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake and Bartlett Lake
• Best for a more remote lake trip: Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake
• Best lake near Scottsdale: Bartlett Lake
• Best combination of boating and camping: Lake Pleasant and Roosevelt Lake
• Best for sightseeing cruises: Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake
• Best for wide-open water: Lake Pleasant and Roosevelt Lake

Boating, Fishing & Outdoor Recreation Near Phoenix

Phoenix-area lakes combine Sonoran Desert scenery with opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, camping and wildlife viewing. Many are surrounded by public recreation lands, including Tonto National Forest and Lake Pleasant Regional Park, creating easy access to shoreline recreation, hiking, picnic areas, campgrounds and scenic drives.

Things To Do & See At Lakes Near Phoenix

• Boating: Launch a boat or rent watercraft at popular lakes including Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Bartlett Lake, Apache Lake, and Roosevelt Lake.
• Fishing: Target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and other warm-water species.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore calm coves, desert shorelines, canyon walls, and scenic inlets by paddle craft.
• Water Skiing and Tubing: Larger lakes near Phoenix offer open-water areas for water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and personal watercraft.
• Camping and RV Parks: Several Phoenix-area lakes offer campgrounds, RV sites, picnic areas, and nearby lodging.
• Wildlife Viewing: Look for wild burros, desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, javelina, coyotes, and waterfowl around desert lakes.
• Scenic Drives: Enjoy routes through the Apache Trail, Tonto National Forest, Lake Pleasant area, and desert mountain corridors.
• Photography: Capture desert sunsets, saguaro cactus, canyon cliffs, blue water, wildflowers, and mountain reflections.

Fishing, Boating & Kayaking Lakes Near Phoenix

• Lake Pleasant: One of the largest and most popular boating lakes near Phoenix with marinas, ramps, camping, fishing, sailing, and open-water recreation.
• Saguaro Lake: Scenic Salt River lake with canyon walls, marina services, fishing, boat rentals, kayaking, and dinner cruises.
• Canyon Lake: Dramatic desert canyon lake near Apache Junction and the Apache Trail, popular for boating, fishing, kayaking, and sightseeing cruises.
• Apache Lake: Remote lake along the Apache Trail known for rugged scenery, camping, boating, kayaking, and fishing.
• Roosevelt Lake: Large reservoir east of Phoenix with excellent boating, fishing, camping, and wide-open water.
• Bartlett Lake: Popular Verde River lake near Scottsdale and Carefree with boating, fishing, kayaking, and desert mountain views.

The lakes around Phoenix range from large open-water reservoirs to narrow canyon lakes surrounded by steep desert mountains. Recreation varies by lake, but common activities include boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, camping and shoreline picnicking. Facilities also vary considerably, so visitors should check current marina, campground, launch-ramp and access conditions before traveling.

Saguaro, Canyon and Apache lakes are especially scenic because steep desert mountains and canyon walls rise directly above portions of the shoreline. Wildlife around Phoenix-area lakes can include desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, javelina, coyotes, mule deer, waterfowl and other Sonoran Desert species. Lake Pleasant is also known for wild burros in portions of the surrounding desert.

Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant is one of the largest and most popular water-recreation destinations in the Phoenix area. Located northwest of the city within Lake Pleasant Regional Park, the reservoir offers boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Its water surface fluctuates seasonally from roughly 3,000 acres to nearly 10,000 acres at its fullest, and water levels are managed as part of the Central Arizona Project system. Multiple designated boat ramps serve both motorized and nonmotorized watercraft.

Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is a scenic Salt River reservoir east of Phoenix and Mesa, surrounded by rugged desert mountains and stands of saguaro cactus. Boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming and sightseeing are popular, while Saguaro Lake Marina provides slips, fuel, supplies, a launch ramp and boat rentals. The lake's canyon scenery and relatively convenient East Valley location make it one of the most popular lake day trips from Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake lies east of Apache Junction along historic State Route 88 and is surrounded by dramatic canyon walls and rugged Superstition Mountain scenery. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming and sightseeing cruises. Its location along the Apache Trail also makes it an appealing destination for visitors combining lake recreation with a scenic desert drive.

Apache Lake

Apache Lake is a remote Salt River reservoir between Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake, surrounded by rugged mountains and steep desert terrain. Boating, fishing, kayaking and camping are popular, but road access requires more planning than at most Phoenix-area lakes. Portions of State Route 88 between Fish Creek and the Apache Lake area are unpaved and can be affected by storms, rockfall and changing road conditions. Check current ADOT road information before traveling, especially when towing a boat or trailer.

Roosevelt Lake

Roosevelt Lake is the largest reservoir in the Salt River lake chain east of Phoenix and offers expansive open water for boating, fishing and paddling. Campgrounds, shoreline recreation areas and marina services make it well suited to longer day trips and overnight stays. Most Phoenix-area travelers reach Roosevelt Lake using major highways rather than driving the entire Apache Trail, and current road conditions should always be checked before choosing a route.

Bartlett Lake

Bartlett Lake is a Verde River reservoir northeast of Scottsdale and Carefree surrounded by desert mountains, saguaro-covered hillsides and rugged shoreline. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and shoreline recreation, and its northeast Valley location makes it a convenient choice for visitors staying in Scottsdale, Cave Creek or Carefree.

Best Time To Visit Lakes Near Phoenix

• Spring: One of the best seasons for boating, fishing, kayaking, camping, wildflowers, and comfortable desert weather.
• Summer: Peak lake season for swimming, boating, tubing, water skiing, and early morning fishing, though midday heat can be intense.
• Fall: Warm water, lighter crowds, cooler evenings, and good fishing make fall a favorite season for lake trips.
• Winter: Mild daytime weather is good for fishing, kayaking, photography, hiking, and quiet shoreline visits.

Phoenix Lake Safety & Trip Planning

• Check current weather, road, lake-level and launch-ramp conditions before leaving Phoenix.
• Wear a properly fitted life jacket when boating or paddling and follow Arizona boating regulations.
• Watch for rapidly changing winds and thunderstorms, particularly during Arizona's summer monsoon season.
• Carry plenty of drinking water and sun protection even when spending the day around the lake.
• Expect summer temperatures above 100°F at many desert lakes and plan strenuous activities for early morning.
• Check current fire restrictions before camping or using grills.
• Clean, drain and dry boats and equipment to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
• Check road conditions before traveling the Apache Trail or other unpaved lake-access roads.
• Remember that lake levels and boat-ramp availability can change seasonally.

Lakes Near Phoenix FAQ

What Are The Best Lakes Near Phoenix?

Popular lakes near Phoenix include Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake and Bartlett Lake. The best choice depends on whether boating, fishing, kayaking, camping or scenic sightseeing is your priority.

What Is The Closest Major Lake To Phoenix?

Lake Pleasant is one of the most convenient large recreation lakes for visitors on the north and west sides of Phoenix. Saguaro Lake is a popular choice for Mesa and the East Valley, while Bartlett Lake is especially convenient from Scottsdale and Carefree.

Which Phoenix Lake Is Best For Boating?

Lake Pleasant is especially popular for boating because of its expansive open water and multiple launch facilities. Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Bartlett Lake, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake also support motorized boating.

Can You Rent A Boat At Lakes Near Phoenix?

Yes. Boat rentals are available at selected Phoenix-area lakes and marinas, including Saguaro Lake and Lake Pleasant. Rental availability, vessel types and seasonal schedules can change, so reserve directly with the marina.

Are Phoenix-Area Lakes Good For Fishing?

Yes. Depending on the lake, anglers can target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and other species. Check current Arizona fishing regulations before your trip.

Can You Kayak At Lakes Near Phoenix?

Yes. Kayaking is popular at Lake Pleasant, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Bartlett Lake, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake. Morning conditions are often preferable because desert winds can increase later in the day.

Can You Swim In Lakes Near Phoenix?

Swimming is available in designated or appropriate recreation areas at several lakes, but conditions and restrictions vary by location. Check current rules, water conditions and posted notices before entering the water.

What Is The Most Scenic Lake Near Phoenix?

Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake are especially well known for steep canyon walls, desert mountains and saguaro cactus scenery. Apache Lake offers similarly rugged scenery in a more remote setting.

What Is The Best Lake Near Scottsdale?

Bartlett Lake is one of the most convenient major lakes for Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek. Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake and Lake Pleasant are also within driving distance.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Phoenix-Area Lakes?

Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for boating, fishing, kayaking and camping. Summer is popular for swimming and water sports but brings extreme heat, while winter can be excellent for fishing, paddling and quiet shoreline visits.

Is Apache Lake Easy To Reach?

Apache Lake requires more travel planning than most Phoenix-area lakes. Portions of State Route 88 are unpaved and can be affected by storms or rockfall, so check current ADOT road conditions before traveling.

Do Phoenix Lakes Have Campgrounds?

Yes. Camping opportunities are available at or near several major lakes, including Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake and other recreation areas. Reservations and seasonal restrictions vary.

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