White Mountains Arizona Lakes For Fishing, Boating & Camping

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 6, 2026.

The White Mountains of Arizona are home to some of the state's best high-country lakes for fishing, boating, camping and family recreation. Surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, mountain meadows and elevations that provide relief from Arizona's desert heat, popular destinations include Big Lake, Rainbow Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Hawley Lake, Luna Lake, Becker Lake and Show Low Lake.

Lakes throughout the region range from easily accessible recreation areas near Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside to remote trout waters surrounded by national forest and tribal lands. Summer temperatures are generally much cooler than the Phoenix area, making the White Mountains a popular destination for anglers, campers, paddlers and families. See our White Mountains weather and climate guide when planning your trip.

• Best Time To Visit
• Most Popular Lakes
• Best Fishing Lakes
• Camping & Boating
• Lake Rules & Permits
• FAQ

Best Time To Visit White Mountains Lakes

• Spring: trout stocking season
• Summer: peak boating & camping
• Fall: cooler temps & scenery
• Winter: limited access but scenic

The White Mountains are especially well known for trout fishing, with rainbow, brook, cutthroat and other trout species available in different waters throughout the region. Many lakes also support bass, catfish, crappie, walleye and sunfish. Boating, swimming, camping and motor restrictions vary by lake, so visitors should check current regulations for the specific destination before traveling.

Most Popular Lakes In The White Mountains

• Becker Lake (Springerville)
• Big Lake (high elevation fishing)
• Crescent Lake (Fly fishing)
• Fool Hollow Lake (great for kids)
• Hawley Lake (Very scenic lake)
• Luna Lake (Alpine)
• Lyman Lake (Largest lake)
• Rainbow Lake (Pinetop-Lakeside)
• Show Low Lake (In Show Low)
• Woodland Lake (Pinetop-Lakeside)

Becker Lake. Located about 2 miles northwest of Springerville, Arizona, Becker Lake is a well-known trout fishing destination within the Becker Lake Wildlife Area. The lake covers about 107 acres at full capacity, and the surrounding wildlife area includes the Lakeview Trail and River Walk Trail for hiking and wildlife viewing. Camping is not permitted at the lake. Read more about Becker Lake.

Big Lake. One of the best-known fishing destinations in the White Mountains, Big Lake is surrounded by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at roughly 9,000 feet elevation. Anglers pursue several trout species, and the Big Lake Recreation Area includes multiple campgrounds, boat access and seasonal visitor services. The lake is about 26 miles southwest of Eagar. Read more about Big Lake.

Crescent Lake. Located only about two miles north of Big Lake, Crescent Lake sits at an elevation of about 9,000 feet. It is surrounded by lush forests and rolling meadows. Fly fishing is great with calm wind. Boat fishing is ideal and trout is the target. A concession store is on-site and offers boat rentals only during the season. Boats are limited to 10 HP. Camping is prohibited but is available at Big Lake. More detail about Crescent Lake.

Fool Hollow Lake. Located near Show Low, Arizona, Fool Hollow Lake is one of the region's most convenient family recreation destinations. Fishing opportunities include trout and warm-water species, while the surrounding Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area offers camping, picnicking, hiking, boating and wildlife viewing. The park is open year-round, although water levels and boat-ramp availability can vary. More information about Fool Hollow Lake.

Hawley Lake. Hawley Lake is a scenic high-elevation lake on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. It is popular for trout fishing, camping and cool-weather recreation. A valid White Mountain Apache Tribal permit is required for fishing, boating, camping and other recreational activities on reservation lands, so check current tribal regulations and access conditions before visiting. Read more about Hawley Lake.

Luna Lake. Luna Lake is located just 3 miles from Alpine, Arizona and is the eastern-most lake in the White Mountains. Primary fish species are Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. In fact the state record for cutthroat was caught at Luna Lake. Gas boat motors are limited to 10 HP. The Campground is beautiful and includes 40 camping sites. There is a small store near the dam that sells bait and snacks and offers boat rentals. Read more information about Luna Lake.

Lyman Lake. Lyman Lake is one of the largest lakes in northeastern Arizona, covering about 1,500 acres when full. Unlike many smaller high-country lakes, Lyman Lake has no boat or motor-size restriction, making it popular for power boating, water skiing, paddling and fishing. Lyman Lake State Park also offers camping, cabins, yurts, hiking and swimming. Read more about Lyman Lake.

Rainbow Lake. Interestingly most of the land surrounding Rainbow Lake is privately-owned, limiting public access to the lake to a small parcel of land near the dam. It is located in Pinetop-Lakeside and has a wide range of fish species including trout, bass, catfish, and some Northern pike. Gas-powered boats are limited to 10 HP. Boat rentals are available at Rainbow's End Resort near the lake. Lakeside Campground is close to the dam. Click here for more information about Rainbow Lake.

Show Low Lake. This is a small 100 acre lake but it is a deep with an average depth of 33 feet. Although fish species include Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass, the real enticement is it trophy-size Walleye. The last 5 state records were caught at Show Low Lake including the latest record at 16 pounds, 2 ounces. Its campground includes 75 sites with a fee-based dump station. A convenient store sells fishing supplies, snacks, and drinks and rents boats. Read more about Show Low Lake.

Woodland Lake. This is a very small lake with only 18 acres of water-surface, located in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona. It is part of Woodland Lake Park which closes daily at 8 PM. Woodland is a great place for a family picnic with lots of recreation facilities including a volleyball court, children's playground, ball fields and a floating fishing dock. Picnic facilities has covered ramadas, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and restrooms. Those that love hiking will love the scenery of easy hiking trails. Camping is not permitted. More details about Woodland Lake.

Best White Mountains Lakes For Fishing

The White Mountains are one of Arizona’s best regions for lake fishing, especially for trout anglers looking for cooler temperatures and scenic mountain settings. Many lakes are stocked seasonally, while others are known for trophy trout, bass, catfish, walleye or quiet fly-fishing conditions.

• Best for trout fishing: Big Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake and Hawley Lake.
• Best for family fishing: Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake, Rainbow Lake and Woodland Lake.
• Best for fly fishing: Becker Lake and Crescent Lake are especially popular with fly anglers.
• Best variety of fish: Rainbow Lake, Show Low Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and Lyman Lake offer multiple warm-water and cold-water species.

Best White Mountains Lakes For Camping & Boating

Several White Mountains lakes offer campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas and easy access for family recreation. Boat and motor rules vary by lake: some waters allow only electric motors or smaller gas motors, while others, including Lyman Lake, accommodate larger powerboats. Always check current lake-specific boating rules and water levels before launching.

• Best camping lakes: Big Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Hawley Lake, Luna Lake and Lyman Lake.
• Best boating lakes: Lyman Lake allows larger power boating, while Big Lake, Rainbow Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and Show Low Lake are good for smaller boats.
• Best kayaking lakes: Rainbow Lake, Woodland Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and Crescent Lake offer scenic paddling conditions.
• Best picnic lakes: Woodland Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake and Rainbow Lake are convenient for shorter visits.

White Mountains Lake Rules, Permits & Current Conditions

Fishing, boating, camping and access rules differ among White Mountains lakes. Arizona fishing regulations apply on many public waters, while lakes on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation require White Mountain Apache Tribal permits. Boat motor limits, campground availability, seasonal road access, fire restrictions and water levels can also change. Before traveling, check current information from the agency or tribe that manages the lake.

• Arizona public waters: Check current Arizona Game and Fish fishing and boating regulations.
• Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests: Check campground, road, fire and seasonal access conditions.
• Arizona State Parks: Check current conditions at Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area and Lyman Lake State Park.
• Fort Apache Indian Reservation: Obtain required White Mountain Apache Tribal recreation permits before visiting tribal lakes.
• Boat ramps: Low water levels can temporarily limit or close ramps even when a lake remains open.

White Mountains Arizona Lakes FAQ

What are the best lakes in the White Mountains Arizona?

Popular White Mountains lakes include Big Lake, Rainbow Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Show Low Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, Hawley Lake, Luna Lake, Lyman Lake and Woodland Lake.

Which White Mountains lakes are best for trout fishing?

Big Lake, Becker Lake, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake and Hawley Lake are among the most popular White Mountains lakes for trout fishing.

Can you camp at White Mountains lakes?

Yes. Camping is available at or near several lakes, including Big Lake, Fool Hollow Lake, Hawley Lake, Luna Lake and Lyman Lake. Campground availability and seasonal access vary.

Are boats allowed on White Mountains lakes?

Yes, boating is permitted on many White Mountains lakes, but motor restrictions vary by water. Some lakes limit motor size, while Lyman Lake allows larger powerboats without a motor-size restriction.

Can you swim in White Mountains lakes?

Swimming rules vary by lake. Swimming is permitted at some recreation areas, including Fool Hollow Lake and Lyman Lake, while other waters may restrict or discourage swimming.

Do I need a fishing license?

A valid Arizona fishing license is generally required for anglers age 10 and older on Arizona public waters. Lakes on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation require appropriate White Mountain Apache Tribal permits instead of relying solely on a state fishing license.

When is the best time to visit White Mountains lakes?

Spring through fall is generally best for fishing, boating and camping. Summer is especially popular because high elevations provide cooler temperatures than Arizona's desert regions. Winter access can be limited by snow and seasonal road conditions.

Which White Mountains lake is best for boating?

Lyman Lake is one of the best choices for larger powerboats because it has no boat or motor-size restriction. Big Lake, Rainbow Lake, Fool Hollow Lake and Show Low Lake are popular for fishing boats and smaller recreational watercraft.

Related Information of Interest

Arizona Lakes
Fishing In Arizona
Boating In Arizona
Houseboating In Arizona
Water Skiing In Arizona

White Mountains Arizona Home Page

Arizona Lakes