Arizona lakes for boating, fishing, and water recreation

Prescott Arizona Lakes

Last updated on May 7, 2026.

Prescott Arizona lakes offer some of the most scenic mountain lake recreation in central Arizona, featuring cool summer temperatures, pine forests, boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, camping, and family outdoor activities. Located within Prescott National Forest, the lakes around Prescott provide a refreshing escape from the desert heat while offering easy access to downtown Prescott, Granite Dells scenery, wildlife viewing, and year-round outdoor adventure.

Set at an elevation of 5,200 feet and surrounded by Prescott National Forest, Prescott AZ is known for outdoor adventure. Situated in pine forests with four beautiful seasons, cool crisp mountain air, and breathtaking landscape, Prescott features four popular blue-water lakes, each with its own unique beauty.

Located about a 1.5 hour drive north of the Phoenix area, Prescott area lakes offer a cool respite from the summer heat in the desert region. The lakes feature boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and hiking with some offering campgrounds. Whether you visit Prescott for the day and enjoy the picnic areas or stay for a week, you will not be disappointed with the beauty and solitude of Prescott Lakes.

Why Visit Prescott Arizona Lakes

Visitors come to Prescott lakes for their cooler mountain climate, peaceful forest surroundings, and variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, photography, birdwatching, camping, or relaxing picnic areas, Prescott area lakes provide some of the most accessible and scenic lake recreation in Arizona.

Things to Do & See Around Prescott Arizona

Explore Downtown Prescott: Historic Whiskey Row, local restaurants, shops, art galleries, and Prescott Courthouse Plaza attract visitors year-round.
Visit Watson Lake Granite Dells: Massive granite rock formations surrounding Watson Lake create one of Arizona’s most photographed landscapes.
Hike Prescott National Forest Trails: Numerous hiking and biking trails wind through pine forests, lakes, and scenic mountain terrain.
Kayak and Canoe the Lakes: Calm water conditions at several Prescott lakes are ideal for paddling and wildlife viewing.
Picnicking and Family Recreation: Ramadas, picnic tables, playgrounds, and shaded day-use areas are available at several lakes.
Camping Near the Lakes: Lynx Lake and nearby forest campgrounds provide popular summer camping opportunities.
Wildlife and Bird Watching: Prescott lakes attract deer, bald eagles, waterfowl, and numerous bird species.
Scenic Photography: The combination of lakes, forests, granite boulders, and mountain scenery creates outstanding photography opportunities.

Fishing At Prescott Arizona Lakes

Rainbow Trout: Several Prescott lakes are stocked with trout during cooler months.
Largemouth Bass: Bass fishing is popular at Watson Lake, Willow Lake, and Lynx Lake.
Catfish and Crappie: Additional warm-water fish species provide year-round fishing opportunities.
Shoreline Fishing Access: Fishing docks, shoreline areas, and easy lake access make Prescott lakes popular with families.
Kayak Fishing: Calm water conditions are excellent for anglers using kayaks, canoes, and small boats.
Fishing Licenses Required: Arizona fishing regulations and license requirements apply at all Prescott area lakes.

Boating On Prescott Arizona Lakes

Kayaking and Canoeing: Prescott lakes are especially popular for paddle sports because of calm water and scenic surroundings.
Electric Motor Boating: Goldwater Lake and Willow Lake primarily allow electric motors for quieter recreation.
Small Boat Recreation: Lynx Lake and Watson Lake allow limited horsepower boating for fishing and sightseeing.
Boat Launch Facilities: Several lakes feature ramps, marina access, or launch areas for small boats and kayaks.
Wildlife Viewing From the Water: Quiet boating conditions make Prescott lakes ideal for photography and birdwatching.

Best Times To Visit Prescott Arizona Lakes

Spring: Mild temperatures, blooming vegetation, fishing, hiking, and kayaking make spring one of the best seasons to visit.
Summer: Cooler mountain temperatures provide relief from Phoenix-area heat and attract campers, boaters, and families.
Fall: Crisp weather and changing colors create excellent conditions for hiking, photography, fishing, and scenic drives.
Winter: Quieter lake conditions and occasional snowfall create peaceful scenery and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

During autumn, Prescott lakes become especially scenic as cooler temperatures and seasonal colors create beautiful conditions for hiking, photography, fishing, and lakeside picnics.

Goldwater Lake

Goldwater Lake Surrounded by Pine Forest Near Prescott Arizona

Goldwater Lake is a relatively small lake of about 15 acres of water surface and is surrounded by a lush pine forest. It is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It is limited to boats with electric motors. The lake is for day-use only (no camping) but is perfect for a family outing with covered picnic areas, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, fishing docks, restrooms and is handicapped accessible. Note that swimming in the lake is prohibited. Read more about Goldwater Lake.

Goldwater Lake Coordinates:
Latitude: 34.5237
Longitude: -112.4687

Lynx Lake

Lynx Lake Surrounded by Prescott National Forest Near Prescott Arizona

This 55 acre lake is the centerpiece of Prescott National Forest. Surrounded by lush forest, Lynx Lake is a picture of solitude and tranquility. Limited to boats with 10 horsepower motors. The lake has campground facilities that are open for camping from April through October. Take advantage of the day-use picnic areas with tables and grills. Anglers can fish for trout, bass, crappie as well as catfish. Swimming is prohibited. Read more about Lynx Lake.

Lynx Lake Coordinates:
Latitude: 34.5147
Longitude: -112.3913

Watson Lake

Watson Lake Granite Dells and Blue Water Near Prescott Arizona

Watson Lake is the second largest lake in Prescott AZ with a water surface of 380 acres. Located only 4 miles from downtown Prescott, it is distinguished by it stacks of granite boulders which are popular with rock climbers. Boats are limited to 10 horsepower gas motors with a maximum no-wake speed of 5 MPH. Fishing varieties include trout, bass, crappie and catfish. Camping sites are available during the summer months. More about Watson Lake.

Watson Lake Coordinates:
Latitude: 34.5717
Longitude: -112.4295

Willow Lake

Willow Lake Kayaking and Scenic Views Near Prescott Arizona

Willow Lake is the largest lake in Prescott with a water surface of 400 acres. It is located very near Watson Lake. Boating is limited to electric motors and the lake is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. A hiking trail skirts along the western part of the lake and actually connects with Watson Lake. Camping is prohibited, but the day-use area includes ramadas, picnic tables, boat ramp, children's playground and softball fields. More about Willow Lake.

Willow Lake Coordinates:
Latitude: 34.5843
Longitude: -112.4510

Nearby Attractions Around Prescott Lakes

Whiskey Row: Historic downtown Prescott entertainment district with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Granite Dells: Unique granite rock formations surrounding Watson Lake and Willow Lake.
Prescott National Forest: Large forest area with hiking, camping, mountain biking, and scenic drives.
Thumb Butte: Popular Prescott hiking destination with panoramic views.
Jerome Arizona: Historic mountain mining town located within driving distance of Prescott.
Lynx Lake Recreation Area: Popular campground and outdoor recreation area near Prescott.

Driving Distance From Prescott

Goldwater Lake: Approximately 4 miles south of downtown Prescott.
Lynx Lake: Approximately 8 miles southeast of Prescott.
Watson Lake: Approximately 4 miles northeast of downtown Prescott.
Willow Lake: Approximately 5 miles northeast of Prescott near Watson Lake.

FAQ

What are the main lakes around Prescott Arizona?
The main Prescott area lakes are Goldwater Lake, Lynx Lake, Watson Lake, and Willow Lake.

Can you boat on Prescott lakes?
Yes. Several Prescott lakes allow boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, although some have motor restrictions.

Which Prescott lake is best for kayaking?
Watson Lake and Willow Lake are especially popular for kayaking because of calm water and scenic granite rock formations.

Are Prescott lakes good for fishing?
Yes. Prescott lakes offer fishing for trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and other warm-water fish species.

Is camping available near Prescott lakes?
Yes. Lynx Lake and nearby Prescott National Forest campgrounds provide popular camping opportunities.

When is the best time to visit Prescott lakes?
Spring, summer, and fall are especially popular because of mild temperatures, boating, hiking, fishing, and camping conditions.