Whether it's scuba diving, fishing, stargazing, or kayaking, its convenient location makes the perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the summer and spring seasons. Throughout the state, these top lakes offer outdoor adventurers opportunities to boat through red rock canyons, scuba dive to the depths, fish for tournament-sized bass, and more. Check out more of our camping guides for great spots here in the Grand Canyon State: The 12 Best Camping Spots Near Flagstaff, Arizona, The 6 Best Camping Spots in the Prescott National Forest, The 5 Best Camping Spots Near Tucson, Arizona, Ultimate Guide to Camping & Hiking the Mogollon Rim, 15 Unforgettable Romantic Getaways in Arizona. You can rent the space and build your own retreat. Dive in our Arizona Travel Guides and discover the best places to visit, interesting things to do, budgeting tips, comfortable accommodation, and everything you need to plan your perfect trip in the state. Even if you dont want to boat or fish, the scenic, paved drive to Bartlett Lake makes it a worthwhile destination. Because Lake Mead is a short drive from Las Vegas, it can get crowded. What are the most unique towns in Arizona? Address. Picacho truly calls to all hardy adventurers. There are a series of reservoirs along the edge of the Rim and my personal favorite is Bear Canyon Lake for its beauty and accessibility. There is so much history and culture meaning to the (Din)Navajo land that the Din people hold and cherish.Learn more about this land:We provide a private Navajo Hogan experience with a beautiful view 360 degree view. A geographer by education, hes worked as a park ranger with the National Park Service, a tour guide at the Grand Canyon South Rim, and a docent at Frank Lloyd Wrights Taliesin West. Shash Din is an ideal basecamp for Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, the Colorado River, Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, and both rims Gran Canyon, Meadview Arizona was founded in 1826 by Jedediah Smith on his Southwest Expedition in search for Beaver! Theres a bar and restaurant, a gift shop, a general store, and a gift shop. Related read: 11 Best Camping Apps for Wildin in the Woods, You Belong among the Wildflowers : @jeepingwithjamie // #namethatsong #greeraz #whitemountains #apachesitgreavesnationalforest #easternaz #arizona #optoutside #greerlakes #beautifulworld #naturelovers #playoutside #wildflowers #rainydays #azmonsoon #yellowflowers #happyplaces #wildandfree #nature_perfection, A post shared by Greer Lodge Resort & Cabins (@greerlodge) on Aug 19, 2019 at 8:34am PDT. FYI, These campgrounds are especially great if youre looking to hike, with campground located adjacent to its own trail climbing to the crest of the canyon rim, plus hundreds of miles of sweet Sedona trails within driving distance. This picturesque little lake on the Mogollon Rim is kind of a hidden gem; with towering Ponderosa pine trees surrounding the shorelines, it feels like youre secluded from the world. 1) Bartlett Lake, Rio Verde, 50 miles NE of Phoenix Bartlett Lake is one of the best lakes in Arizona for catching catfish! That's pretty awesome if you ask us. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Why you should camp here: Relax amid the cool pines and a bubbling mountain creek. The Canyons is located between two Mesa's with direct access to hiking, biking, and UTV trails and only minutes from Horseshoe bend, Lake Powell, and Antelope Canyon. Benny Creek Campground is located on the north end of Bunch Reservoir on a natural bench overlooking Benny Creek. Some of the Best Desert Off-Roading through trails within the Joshua Tree National Forest, Please note you must bring your own OHV, horse, etc, there is currently no rentals available. With dozen of so lakes (depending on which ones you count) to choose from, you can opt for easy access but be ready for crowds or go the distance and really get away. We are a Native American owned large acreage working sheep ranch and off grid Glamping hotel offering guests a unique stay at our ranch on the Navajo Nation. It also attracts anglers hoping to catch record-setting largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass. There is no camping allowed directly next to the lake to protect the water source, but I do enjoy setting up my hammock amongst the trees that line the lake for a relaxing afternoon! Located in Southeastern Arizona, this desert treasure is tucked away within the Patagonia Lake State Park woodlands area. In this article youll discover the best spots for lake camping in Arizona and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the state. Keep an eye out for beavertail cactus, wild burros, the famous bighorn sheep and thousands of migratory birds. Anyone else feeling the same way!? OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Today, its still the largest lake in Central Arizona and popular with boaters, watersports enthusiasts, and anglers hoping to hook crappie, catfish, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. This pine tree-lined lake in the Bradshaw Mountains 15 minutes from Prescottand less than two hours from Phoenixlures Phoenicians with its cooler summer days and lush greenery. This sandy beach-like area is a favorite in the summer and can fill up quickly in the mornings, but is a great place to relax, play in the water, or enjoy some kayaking. Using the Arizona city of Page as a base, you can tour Glen Canyon Dam, venture to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, and marvel at Antelope Canyon. The Complete Guide to Arizona's Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Lake Mead National Recreation Area: The Complete Guide, Lyman Lake State Park: The Complete Guide, Lake Havasu State Park: The Complete Guide, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Watson Lake has trails for hiking and mountain biking, features an 18-hole disc golf course, and provides access to the rock climbing boulders of Granite Dells. Be sure to snag an advance reservation, especially on weekends. 1. 12 Best Lakes in Arizona | PlanetWare To explore it, rent a kayak, pedal boat, standup paddleboard, or electric boat. The campground includes 28 RV sites, 9 tent sites and creature comforts for days: WiFi, showers, laundry facilities, a restaurant and convenience store means you wont have to leave if you dont want to. Located just minutes outside of Cottonwood, Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers up plenty of space for campers of all types. All have the same amenities and 22 are . Family friendly. Lake Havasu Some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in Arizona is in Lake Havasu, located inside Lake Havasu State Park near Havasu City. For instance, Roper Lake, is one of our favorites for sure. The camping season at both campgrounds is typically May through October, and if you can deal with the rainy season, June to August is a great time to escape the heat of lower elevations. 12 Top-Rated Campgrounds in Arizona | PlanetWare Williams, Arizona. Its also popular with tourists who break here while driving the Apache Trail or book a narrated tour on the Dolly Steamboat. For more information on AZ lake camping here, visit the, Kaibab Lake Campground, Forest Service Rd 47, Williams, AZ 86046, USA, This campground sits at the edge of Kaibab Lake, which is about 12 minutes north of Williams, but it still feels fairly secluded. Alamo Lake Why you should camp here: Quiet yet accessible lakefront camping far from civilization amid the desert scrub with supreme bass fishing. Related Read:9 of the Best Places to Camp Near Sedona, Arizona. There are only two natural-occurring lakes in Arizona: Mormon Lake near Flagstaff, and Stoneman Lake in Sedona. Best Arizona Lakes - Southwest Lakes - USA Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Uncover Arizona's Best Kept Secrets. For a little more privacy, Lake Mohave can be accessed on the Arizona side of the Arizona-California border at Katherine Landing, or with a permit, you can launch at the Hoover Dam and discover the hot springs along the Black Canyon Water Trail. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer to join 10,000+ readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. A hidden gem perched high up in the White Mountains, this placid oasis is surrounded by a lush forest of evergreen pines. Dispersed camping is easy to come by in this area, but be warned this is true camping- no bathrooms or other facilities are available. A naturally delightful camping experience from 2 days up to 14 days.Learn more about this land:We have several spaces for you to pitch your tent. While the campground isnt directly by the water, its just a short stroll to the banks of the Verde River, as well as a couple of small oxbow lakes a rarity in Arizona. 4. And what amenities you'd like at the site, or campground. You can boat, kayak, jet ski, sailboat, and waterski through the waters straddling the Arizona-Utah border. We are near easy highway access and amenities. Some of these campsites even have a shaded ramada (perfect for those hotter summer days). In contrast, the high country is too cold for the average camper during winter (and the campgrounds close down, so dispersed camping is the only option). Alicia is a trail runner, hiker, ultra-marathoner, and adventurer. Boondocking Table of Contents show With its wide range of terrain, Arizona is a sought-after location for snowbirds, vacationers, and Arizonans. Our Little Campland has been enjoyed by many over the years. Keep your eyes peeled when you spend a night (or three) here; you just might witness bald eagles and other majestic wildlife visiting the area! Why you should camp here: Contemplate the towering Vermillion Cliffs, fish in the Colorado River, and watch rafts start their voyage into the Grand Canyon. Offering full hook-ups, WiFi, laundry, ample parking and views of the Mountains for days. Get more details on. We can even accommodate six man plus tents. We are really excited to be hosting campers who are looking to enjoy our desert escape. Bear Canyon Lake may have the best balance between seclusion and accessibility, but will still attract a weekend crowd. Big Lake Tackle and Supply on the southwest side of the lake stocks all types of food, supplies and equipment, and theres plenty of hiking to be had in the area, including Thompson Trail #629 to the west. We arranged to buy Lavender from them, and in the Summer of 2017 planted over 4000 plants in the shape of two mandalas. And a whopping five campgrounds along the southern shore also make it one of the premier waterfront camping areas in the state. Perched at 9,100 feet above sea level and surrounded by rolling meadows and evergreen forest, Big Lake is a big, beautiful lake known for its trout fishing. Some venture out on the water in small engine boats, kayaks, and canoes, though. Youll love the towering pines that surround the lake, as well as the fishing opportunities, nature trails, and impossibly dark night skies well suited for stargazing. Go stargazing from the deck of a lakefront treehouse, await the sunrise in a clear geodesic dome, or gather around a cozy fire in a log cabin. However, due to its location along the Apache Trail, and the fact that its the last surviving stagecoach along it, make it a great stop to make. Just five minutes from the marina, Tonto National Monuments main trail leads to a 20-room cliff dwelling with incredible views of the lake. Lake Mead is technically the Colorado River (the same as Lake Powell) but it has been enlarged by the use of several dams. Reservations accepted: Yes Best season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Campsite type: RVs, Tents, Cabins RV hookups: Yes Let's dive into a few of the best lakes for fishing in Arizona. Your choice!!! The lake can get pretty narrow towards the eastern end, but here youll find plenty of seclusions and may even spot some local Bighorn Sheep that make the red rock canyon walls their home. Many lakes also offer beautiful hiking trails along their shores. This area of the White Mountains is one of the best for hiking, hunting, four-wheeling, and just getting out to enjoy Arizona at its best. Greer Lakes comprises three lakes off the Little Colorado River just north of downtown Greer: Bunch Reservoir, Tunnel Reservoir and River Reservoir. With the wide open spaces it is tranquilnot having power lines on the property.We wanted to grow a cash crop that was consistent with our theme. No Pop-up campers, Campervans, or Cars There are walking trails and plenty of Off-road trails to enjoy. Lakeside camping near Phoenix, Arizona. You will truly be able to escape and get back to basics. Theres a ton of places to camp out here, with Woods Canyon Lake boasting three campgrounds by itself. Route 66 Petrified Forest National Park Meteor Crater Four Corners Painted Dessert Lake Havasu Hoover Dam Find Your Arizona Campground Benson KOA Journey Benson, AZ Reserve / Check Rates Flagstaff KOA Holiday Flagstaff, AZ Reserve / Check Rates We are 45 minutes off the 93 Freeway Spend time exploring our permaculture farm and discover hidden treasures like an outdoor clawfoot tub, a community fire-pit and family oriented games. Lees Ferry is like a mountain pass, but instead between two massive canyons: Grand Canyon and Glen Canyon. She is happiest in the mountains with her family, running long miles on trails, and bagging peaks with her baby in tow. Discover the Best Camping Spots in Arizona: The Ultimate Guide for Situated in a long narrow canyon, the lake is about 50 feet deep and is frequently stocked with trout year-round, making it a popular destination for fishermen. It was a gold mining town with 100 citizens more than a century ago. Christopher Creek is actually the name of both the creek and a small village across the highway from the campground. The Lone Rock area is known for its long stretch of soft sandy shores, with miles of shoreline and room for substantial camping groups. Lake Powell, which is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is also a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and camping. Covering over two million acres, these forests offer a variety of camping options. Show Low Lake Campground is at 6,500 feet elevation on the banks of a 100-acre lake, and its sites among the trees offer a tranquil camping experience.. It has 30 campsites with amenities like picnic tables, cooking grills, and vault toilets. Lake Havasu. Bear Canyon Lake itself is gorgeous! Kids can catch sunfish off piers and over rocky shoreline areas using No. Learn more about this land:Spacious Mountain View Getaway. Top 7 Fishing Spots in Arizona | Fishing Camping in Arizona - RVshare In fact, taking a cool dip is a perfect treat on a hot day. The lake is also home to the London Bridge, moved brick from the U.K. to Lake Havasu City in 1971, and its coast features scaled-down replicas of famous American lighthouses, which serve as navigational aids. Best Camping in Arizona - Top 50 Spots (Free & Paid) Looking for other fun outdoor activities you can enjoy this spring and summer in Arizona? Cave Springs and Pine Flat are within 2 miles of each other in the far upper reaches of Oak Creek Canyon. . However, one of my favorite campsites, and the one I have spent the most time at on the shores of Lake Powell is Lone Rock Campground, located right on the border of Arizona and Utah. In November 2015 I visited my good friends Brad and Joya who had recentlypurchased 40 acres outside of Show Low, Arizonaand moved to the property. We obtained our campground from a couple that owned it for 20 years but just weren't able to do to it what they had originally planned.. At nearly 21,500 acres, Theodore Roosevelt Lake was the largest man-made lake in the world when it was created by the Theodore Roosevelt Dam in 1911. There's A Lake Hiding In An Arizona Forest Where You Can Camp Year-Round. Hit the desert trails for incredible views and epic adventures. Check out some of our suggestions in our recent article: 8 Low-Key Hikes In Arizona With Amazing Payoffs. There is a hidden water fall in the Grapevine Wash that you can get to with a 4 wheel vehicle and you hike in about 15 minutes in. The Canyons is THE basecamp for your weekend getaway or month long retreat. Near walking trails, grocery and gas! We have several spaces for you to pitch your tent. Why you should camp here: Get away from it all at Southern Arizonas favorite desert lake. Camping at Knoll Lake is what summer getaways in Arizona are made of, as the weather is always much milder here than it is in the Phoenix Valley. Sure, Airbnb allows you to rent cute cottages and swanky suites, but did you know you can also book campsites on Airbnb? Alamo Lake State Park sits in a remote corner of Western Arizona, but offers plenty of accommodations with five campground areas and four basic cabins that overlook the lake. Spaces are limited but can be reserved online. If you need to connect or can't ignore that email, we have you covered with free Wifi hotspots. Fool Hollow Lake Is The Best For Year-Round Camping In Arizona Ask about our WIFI+ sites, the only RV sites in Lake Powell and Page equipped with dedicated routers. Roosevelt Lake Cholla Campground Bachelor Cove & Cholla Bay Frazier Horse CG Grapevine Group CG Windy Hill Lyman Lake State Park Best Lake Camping in Arizona's Far North Katherine Landing - Camping at Lake Mojave Lake Powell Arizona Camping Wahweap RV & Campground Beehives Campground Resources Lakeside in Arizona, there's something for every taste. 17 Best Arizona Lakes Lake Powell. Popular desert lake destinations in Arizona include Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Patagonia Lake, Apache Lake, and Lee's Ferry, where Red Rock ridges line the horizon. No matter which adventure you choose, theres an almost unlimited amount of forest to explore at the Rim Lakes. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. For ideas on where to spend a day on the water, see our list of the best lakes in Arizona. Site#2 and Site#3 are side by side. This remote lake, surrounded by the mountains of western Arizona, is considered one of the best places for bass fishing in the state. Arizona may be known as a primarily desert state, but that doesnt mean we have a shortage of beautiful lakes to explore and enjoy. Situated in the rustic town of Dolan Springs AZ, just off iconic Route 66!!! Wake up to the sunrise reflecting on the water at Lake Powell Google Maps | Lake Powell Website | Parking: $30 per vehicle, good for one week | Where to Stay Nearby: Baymont by Wyndham Page Lake Powell Plug-In and Relax 1. Today's visitors can make use of two boat launches, a marina with a restaurant, and a beach. Purchase a White Mountain Apache Tribal fishing permit at the lakes store (your Arizona state license doesnt cover fishing on tribal lands), and cast a line for rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and brook trout. The mountains surrounding Utah Valley offer ample opportunities to escape the city and reconnect with nature. Marked for identification with easy access . We are the center of the oldest examples of Arizona cattlemen starting herds right here. If you live in Phoenix, Tucson, or another desert city, be sure to pack warm clothes, sleeping bags, blankets, etc. Related read: 9 Unique Places to Stay in Arizona for an Unforgettable Vacation. It is framed by steep canyon walls, forming a desert oasis. There is alsoa Gas n Grub that has ice, propane etc 5 miles away is a Family Dollar store which we lovingly call the "Mall of Meadview". Although you can sail, kayak, and canoe on its waters, Hawley Lake is known for its fishing. Bring your RV and easily back in to a beautifully level spot, ready for you with full hook ups, including Water/Sewer, 50AMP Electric, complimentary WiFi, and laundry. Prior 14 days notice required ahead of coming out to camp with us. For a day camp type experience (if you dont want to boat camp or dont have the time for an overnight trip) try setting up your chairs and awnings at the Butcher Jones Recreational Site, located on the shores of Saguaro Lake and accessible by car. The nations first and largest national recreation area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area includes two impressive lakes: Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. If you want to get an early start, consider boat-in camping at Lake Pleasant; essentially, you dont set up a tent or anything on the shore but instead camp out on your boat in the water. The campgrounds are open from May to October and close during the winter, when access to the lake is limited by snow. What are the most beautiful lakes in Arizona? 11 Best Spots to go Lake Camping in Arizona (2023) The campsite is a short walk from the lake, and there is a boat ramp nearby as well. Why you should camp here: Stunning scenery and tons of dispersed camping options at a picturesque desert lake. Staying a small remote and quiet town it can feel like it would have in the Wild West. If youre looking for a little more roughing it type of lake camping, head up past Payson to the Mogollon Rim. This is an unincorporated community, with a population of just six. Lets take a look! This park offers rugged desert mountains, colorful canyons, and the Colorado River. Most desert camping is along the shores of reservoirs, and can be done year round. Related read: 10 Best Hotels in Flagstaff for Every Traveler. Rimmed with pines, these sapphire jewels are sometimes teeming with trout. Many choose to camp by the lake for its beautiful setting and utilize the many trails and dirt roads in the area for 4-wheeling, hiking, and mountain biking. Are there any other AZ lake camping sites that we should check out? Our Lodge, Pool, Dog Park, and Cabins aren't quite ready (we're ok with late arrivals) but the park office is open so stop by for a cup of coffee with Erica, your camp host, local expert, and self proclaimed foodie - she'll point you in the right direction or set you up with grocery delivery. Manzanita is tent-only, so its the best for those looking for a primitive experience, while RV campers will need to head elsewhere. Beautiful views! Want to go for a hike while youre staying at Woods Canyon Lake? Each campground offers different features and amenities, from full electric and water sites to less expensive dry camping sites. This amazing, Dogtown Lake Campground And Group, 1250 Pine Top Dr, Williams, AZ 86046, USA, This campground is located about 6.5 miles southeast of Williams and, as you can probably tell by the photos above, youll find scenery here that looks like paradise. #jjphotographyaz #camping #instagramaz #az_living_ #rei1440project #optoutside #campmode #greatoutdoors #arizona #see_arizona #explorearizona #welcometoarizona #visitarizona #azfamily3 #fox10phoenix #getoutside #mountainsarecalling #northernarizona #forest #freshair #mountains #tontonationalforest #arizona_hiking #hikeaz #hikearizona #phoenixphotographer #arizonaphotographer #christophercreekaz, A post shared by JJphotography (@juliajphotography1) on Sep 11, 2019 at 3:12pm PDT. That's where we go in-state, probably 70% of the time. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and room for two cars or one RV. 8 Glorious Campgrounds In Arizona Where No Reservation Is Required, 7 Spectacular Spots In Arizona Where You Can Camp Right On The Beach, Go Glamping At These 6 Campgrounds In Arizona With Yurts For An Unforgettable Adventure, This Little-Known Campground In Arizona Is In One Of Americas Most Incredible Dark Sky Parks, 7 Rustic Spots For Off-The-Grid Camping In Arizona, Camp Year-Round At This Epic Lakeside Campground In Arizona, Theres A Lake Hiding In An Arizona Forest Where You Can Camp Year-Round, Theres A Tiny Town Hidden In An Arizona National Forest, And Its A Nature Lovers Dream. But Blue Lake is also considered one of the best places to kayak in Arizona. You can even scuba dive at the lake, considered one of the best inland scuba locations in the West. Host your next corporate retreat, company party, banquet, fundraising event or meeting at Tiny Town. Jake also writes for his personal blog at mountaintripper.com. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument | Photo Copyright: Lana Law In the far south of Arizona, near the Mexico border, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is an often overlooked gem. Top Spots to Canoe and Kayak in Arizona | Visit Arizona For anyone looking to get away and camp out under a star-filled sky in the desert, this is the place to come. White Horse Lake is about 19 miles southeast of Williams and just west of Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. Its especially popular with kayakers, canoers, and standup paddleboarders, but you can also boat and fish here.
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