Saguaro Lake Arizona

By Tony Subia

Last updated on May 5, 2026.

Saguaro Lake is one of central Arizona’s most scenic desert lakes, located about 40 miles northeast of Phoenix within the Tonto National Forest. Formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam on the Salt River in 1930, this 1,200+ acre reservoir features over 20 miles of shoreline surrounded by towering canyon walls and iconic saguaro cactus landscapes. It is the fourth of four lakes in the Salt River Chain of Lakes, just below Canyon Lake, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake. Known for its calm waters, dramatic desert scenery, and year-round accessibility, Saguaro Lake offers a refreshing escape from the Phoenix heat while providing excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation in a uniquely Arizona setting.

The lake is named for its surrounding stands of Saguaro cactus. It is 118 feet deep at its deepest point when full, and is about 10 miles long. The lake is perfect for power boating, sailing, water-skiing, jet skiing, kayaking and fishing.

Why People Visit Saguaro Lake

Visitors are drawn to Saguaro Lake for its combination of easy access, stunning scenery, and wide variety of recreational activities.

Boating and Water Recreation at Saguaro Lake

As the closest Salt River lake to the Phoenix metro area, it is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Fishing at Saguaro Lake Arizona

Anglers come for its well-known largemouth bass fishing. There are numerous bass fishing tournaments held here, with very successful outcomes. Crappie, catfish sunfish and smallmouth bass also reside here, and are regularly caught by anglers targeting them.

Best Beaches and Swimming Areas at Saguaro Lake

Families and casual visitors enjoy relaxing at Butcher Jones Beach, one of the best swimming areas in the region, while others explore the lake by scenic boat tours or hike nearby desert trails. With rugged canyon backdrops, abundant wildlife, and warm winter weather, Saguaro Lake remains a favorite year-round destination for both locals and visitors.

Things To Do At Saguaro Lake

• Boating: Launch a powerboat, pontoon boat, or fishing boat from the Saguaro Lake Marina area.
• Fishing: Fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye, and rainbow trout.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Explore calm coves, canyon walls, and scenic shoreline areas.
• Swimming: Relax at Butcher Jones Beach, one of the best-known swimming areas near Phoenix.
• Desert Belle Cruise: Take a narrated scenic boat cruise through desert canyon scenery.
• Camping: Camp at Bagley Flat Campground, which is accessible only by boat.
• Picnicking: Use day-use areas near Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area and Butcher Jones.
• Photography: Capture desert cliffs, saguaro cactus, lake views, and wildlife around the Salt River.

The lake is divided into two sections connected by narrows between canyon walls. The lower main portion has the greater water surface, while the more narrow east end has boat access camping. There is no trash service. If you pack it in, you must pack it out. Glass containers are expressly prohibited. For the enjoyment of all, there is an 82-decibel engine noise restriction.

Boating and Water Recreation at Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is one of the most popular boating lakes near Phoenix because it offers deep water, marina services, dramatic canyon scenery, and easy access from Mesa, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and the East Valley. The lake is used for power boating, pontoon boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic boat cruises.

• Saguaro Lake Marina: Offers launch ramps, boat slips, rentals, fuel, bait, tackle, and marina services.
• Power Boating: The main lake area is popular for larger boats, pontoons, and personal watercraft.
• Kayaking: Quiet coves and canyon sections provide scenic paddling opportunities.
• Desert Belle: A scenic cruise option for visitors who want lake views without operating a boat.
• Busy Weekends: Arrive early during summer weekends and holidays because the lake can reach boating capacity.

Fishing at Saguaro Lake Arizona

Fishing at Saguaro Lake is popular year-round, especially for anglers targeting bass. Shore fishing is available in several areas, but fishing from a boat gives better access to rocky points, coves, deeper water, and canyon structure.

• Largemouth Bass: The most popular sport fish at Saguaro Lake and a major target for bass anglers.
• Smallmouth Bass: Found around rocky structure, points, and deeper lake sections.
• Yellow Bass and Crappie: Often caught by anglers targeting schooling fish and panfish.
• Catfish: Channel catfish are available and can be caught from shore or boat.
• Rainbow Trout: Stocked during cooler months, adding seasonal fishing variety.
• Fishing License: A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers age 10 and older.

Swimming, Picnicking & Recreation

Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area. This area is located at the entrance to the lake is a day use recreation area and with picnic tables featuring great views across the lake. It includes the Saguaro Lake Marina with launch ramps, boat storage, boat slips, boat rental, fuel services, sewage tank dump, and bait and tackle with numerous places to fish along the shoreline.

The Lakeshore Restaurant is located near the marina and offers indoor and outdoor dining. Precision Marine offers marine repair, a ships store, fishing supplies and boat rentals. Take a narrated cruise on Desert Belle, a double deck sight-seeing boat with a snack bar with beer, wine and soft drinks. This is a relaxing way to catch a great evening sunset.

Butcher Jones Beach is set aside for swimming and picnicking only with restroom facilities. It can be reached a few miles north of the main body of the lake. The area is open every day from 6 AM to 8 PM from April through September.

Saguaro Lake Ranch Resort. It is located about 5 miles south of the lake on Bush Highway and is right place to spend the night after a long day on the lake. The Ranch, built in the 1930's, offers activities such as horseback riding during winter, fall, and spring, and kayaking and tubing during the summer months.

Camping at Saguaro Lake

The east-end of the lake permits camping with boat access only. The lake hides coves and caves all along its shoreline providing opportunities for exploration and privacy even on busy weekends. Explore the numerous trails and occasionally catch a glimpse of a soaring eagle, grazing mule deer or Big Horn sheep.

The Bagley Flat Campground is about 4 miles from the dam and is only accessible by boat. It has 30 camping spaces with picnic tables, grills and toilet facility. There is no trash facility, so if you pack it in, pack it out. Glass containers are strictly prohibited. Drinking water is not available. To get to the campground, take your boat up a narrow cliff-bordered area of the lake. Camping is fee-based.

Best Time To Visit Saguaro Lake

• Spring: Excellent for boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, wildflowers, and comfortable desert weather.
• Summer: Best for swimming and water recreation, but arrive early because heat and crowds increase quickly.
• Fall: Warm water, fewer crowds, and comfortable mornings make this a great season for lake trips.
• Winter: Good for fishing, photography, hiking, scenic cruises, and quiet desert lake views.

Saguaro Lake is open all year, every day beginning at 6:00 AM. All facilities carry nominal fees. On popular holiday weekends and peak times during the summer the lake can quickly reach boating capacity. Be sure to arrive early to avoid rejection of boat entry.

Map and Directions To Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is located 40 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix and even closer from Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Mesa and the East Valley communities of Greater Phoenix. Depending upon departure point, there are two ways to reach Saguaro Lake.

From Scottsdale. Either take Shea Boulevard or McDowell Road east to Beeline Highway (SR 87). Turn north on Beeline. About 8 miles after crossing the Verde River, turn right at the Saguaro Lake Recreational Area.

Via Bush Highway. Take the Superstition Freeway (US 60) and exit north on Bush Highway. Continue on Bush Highway to the Saguaro Lake Recreation Area turnoff.

Nearby Attractions Around Saguaro Lake

• Salt River: Popular for tubing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and seeing wild horses in the river corridor.
• Apache Trail: A scenic desert drive connecting nearby lakes, canyons, and Superstition Mountain scenery.
• Canyon Lake: Another scenic Salt River lake east of the Phoenix area.
• Apache Junction: A gateway to the Superstition Mountains, Goldfield Ghost Town, and Lost Dutchman State Park.
• Mesa: A convenient East Valley base for reaching Saguaro Lake and nearby desert recreation.

Saguaro Lake FAQ

How far is Saguaro Lake from Phoenix?
Saguaro Lake is located approximately 40 miles northeast of Phoenix, making it one of the closest and most convenient lakes for day trips from the Phoenix metro area.

What fish are in Saguaro Lake?
Saguaro Lake is known for excellent fishing and is stocked with a variety of species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and rainbow trout during cooler months.

Is Saguaro Lake good for boating?
Yes, Saguaro Lake is one of the most popular boating lakes in central Arizona, offering calm waters ideal for powerboats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Are there beaches at Saguaro Lake?
Yes, Butcher Jones Beach is the most popular swimming and picnic area at Saguaro Lake, featuring sandy shoreline access and scenic desert surroundings.

Can you swim in Saguaro Lake?
Swimming is allowed in designated areas like Butcher Jones Beach, though there are no lifeguards on duty, so visitors should use caution.

Is there camping at Saguaro Lake?
Camping is available at Bagley Flat Campground, which is only accessible by boat, offering a more secluded lakeside camping experience.

What is the best time to visit Saguaro Lake?
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather, while winter is popular for fishing and hiking. Summer is busiest due to boating and water activities, but early mornings and evenings are best to avoid extreme heat.

Are there boat rentals at Saguaro Lake?
Yes, boat rentals, kayaks, and paddleboards are available at the Saguaro Lake Marina, making it easy for visitors to enjoy time on the water without bringing their own equipment.

What else is there to do near Saguaro Lake?
Nearby attractions include the Salt River for tubing and wildlife viewing, scenic desert hiking trails, and the Apache Trail for one of Arizona’s most iconic drives.

Helpful Information

• Lakeshore Restaurant
• Desert Belle Cruises
• Saguaro Lake Marina
• Saguaro Lake Ranch

Saguaro Lake Marina
14011 North Bush Highway
Mesa, Arizona 85215
(480) 986-5546
Visit Website

Tonto National Forest
(602) 225-5200
Visit Website

Arizona Lakes