12 Arizona lakes you need to visit this summer 2025

The best Arizona lakes

Despite its desert reputation, Arizona is home to some seriously impressive lakes where you can cool off, cast a line, or simply enjoy stunning scenery. From high mountain waters surrounded by pines to desert oases framed by saguaros, these 12 lakes offer refreshing retreats across the state.

We’ve gathered the latest info for 2025, including new amenities, current water levels, and insider tips, to help you plan your perfect lake day.

1. Lake Powell

You’ll find this stunning lake 4 hours north of Phoenix near Page. The water has risen 57 feet since last year, so you can now boat into gorgeous spots like Forgotten Canyon again.

The new electric pontoon boats at Antelope Point Marina cost $375 per day, pricey but worth it for zero engine noise. For swimming, head to the southern Padre Bay area where the water hits a perfect 75°F and you’ll avoid the crowds at Wahweap.

If you’re up for an adventure, take your boat to the Rainbow Bridge trailhead and hike the newly reopened 1.5-mile trail to see this natural wonder.

2. Lake Havasu

Just 3 hours west of Phoenix, Lake Havasu is so much more than a spring break hotspot. You can now walk the entire waterfront on the new 8.5-mile Shoreline Trail completed last year.

The water is incredibly clear, you can see 30 feet down. Kids will love the huge floating water park at Windsor Beach with its slides and obstacles.

Money-saving tip: fill your boat at the north marina gas stations where you’ll save $1-2 per gallon compared to the busy channel areas near London Bridge.

3. Woods Canyon Lake

When Phoenix hits 110°F, this pine-forest lake stays a comfortable 80°F thanks to its 7,500-foot elevation near Payson. You can now see amazing Mogollon Rim views from the east shore after last year’s forest clearing.

For you anglers out there, they just added 15,000 tiger trout (a special brook/brown trout mix) this spring that you can’t catch anywhere else in Arizona. There’s also a brand-new fishing pier that’s wheelchair friendly.

4. Blue Ridge Reservoir

This hidden gem sits between towering canyon walls 2.5 hours from Phoenix near Forest Lakes. The 3-mile lake only allows kayaks and canoes – no motor boats – making it perfectly peaceful.

Great news: they fixed the bumpy access road this spring, so your regular car can make it now. Paddle to the northeast section to spot osprey nesting on the new platforms installed last year.

The water stays cool (around 65°F) even in summer due to its 6,700-foot elevation and natural springs.

5. Big Lake

Head 4 hours east of Phoenix to the White Mountains and you’ll find this beautiful lake at 9,000 feet elevation. The recently completed North Shore Trail gives you stunning views across the water to snow-capped peaks.

They’ve stocked it with over 20,000 rainbow and Apache trout, so fishing is excellent right now. The new East Campground opened in May with 30 sites that have electricity, but you need to book on Recreation.gov at least a month ahead for summer weekends.

6. Lynx Lake

Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Prescott, this emerald-green lake is surrounded by tall pines. The easy 2-mile trail around the lake was just resurfaced, making it perfect for families and accessibility.

Rent a kayak at the marina for $20/hour and paddle the quiet coves on the north end where you might spot the bald eagles that nest here year-round. The Lynx Lake Café reopened under new ownership this spring with amazing patio views and great German food.

7. Patagonia Lake

This hidden oasis sits 1.5 hours south of Tucson near the Mexico border. The lake is 2.5 miles long and reaches depths of 80 feet, which is surprisingly large for southern Arizona.

You’ll find the best swimming beaches on the eastern shore where new shade ramadas were installed this year. The lakeside camping spots (sites 1-15) offer the most spectacular sunset views but book up 3 months in advance.

Keep your eyes open for the resident coatimundi families that often visit campsites at dusk.

8. Bartlett Lake

Just an hour from Phoenix, this desert lake in the Tonto National Forest gives you that perfect “saguaro meets water” scenery. The newly completed South Shore Day Use Area has covered picnic tables and a designated swimming beach with floating platforms.

Water levels are at a 5-year high after this year’s wet winter, so all boat ramps are open. For wakeboarding, head to the Yellow Cliffs area where the lake widens and the water is usually glassy before 10am.

9. Canyon Lake

The most dramatic of the Salt River lakes, Canyon Lake sits 45 minutes east of Phoenix beneath towering rock walls. The Dolly Steamboat offers new sunset dinner cruises that take you into the spectacular narrows where bighorn sheep often perch on the cliffs.

The Boulder Creek Cove on the north shore has the clearest water and best cliff jumping (if you’re brave enough for the 20-foot leap).

10. Upper Lake Mary

Located 20 minutes southeast of Flagstaff, this 5-mile-long lake sits at a cool 7,000 feet elevation. The lake is full for the first time in 3 years after recent snowmelt, making it ideal for water skiing in the wide northern section.

The new wildlife viewing platform on the eastern shore lets you spot elk and pronghorn that come to drink at dawn and dusk. Remarkably, this is one of the few Arizona lakes with no entrance fee, though parking can be challenging on holiday weekends.

11. Alamo Lake

This remote gem is 3 hours northwest of Phoenix in one of Arizona’s darkest sky regions. The lake was created by damming the Bill Williams River and is renowned for bass fishing. The state record 16.7-pound largemouth was caught here last October.

The Cholla Campground now offers 4 camping cabins with air conditioning. Stargazers should visit during the new monthly astronomy programs at the visitor center, featuring the recently installed 16-inch telescope.

12. Fool Hollow Lake

This beautiful 150-acre lake sits right at the edge of Show Low, about 3.5 hours northeast of Phoenix. The surrounding ponderosa pines keep it shady and cool even in summer.

The east side trail system expanded this spring, adding 3 miles of new paths with stunning lake views. The newly renovated Redhead Campground has the best RV sites with full hookups and fast WiFi, a rarity at Arizona lakes.

Don’t miss the Lakeview Restaurant’s famous Sunday brunch with patio seating overlooking the water.

Read More on WhenInYourState.com:

• The Yankees Co-Owner Who Built America’s First Retirement City in the Arizona Desert
• This Arizona volcano hides tunnels that frame celestial events with surgical precision
• Arizona’s artificial Earth where eight scientists slowly suffocated for two years