Arizona
What are the best lakes in Arizona?
The most popular lakes in Arizona are: Lake Mead, Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Canyon Lake, Lynx Lake, Lake Powell.
Arizona's lakes are some of the most unique places to visit across the entire state. Arizona has it all whether you want to go boating, Paddle Boarding, swimming, fishing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and kayaking. Some of the best lakes in Arizona are located very central, so getting to them is easy and quick, which makes it people easier to travel to since it can be very hot during summer.
Arizona lakes have great facilities, you will find campgrounds; and even in the most remote locations you will find great facilities.
Because of the the damming of the rivers, there are plenty of amazing lakes born in Arizona including the mighty Colorado, which created Lake Mead, and Lake Havasu and Lake Mohave. Lake Theodore Roosevelt, Apache Lake, and Canyon Lake was created by The damming of the Salt River.
Beneath you find some nice places to enjoy your watersport, we created an list with the best lakes in Arizona where you can spend a day or more on the water.
Note: Some lakes may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Lake Mead.
Lake Mead, this could be the most well known and most famous lake of Arizona. Not only for locals but lots of tourists will be visiting this lake. As you can see it looks like its in the middle of the dessert which makes it very unique. The water is very clear and it has lots of life in and around it. Its a pleasant lake in Arizona to explore and has loads of experiences to explore. This must be on your bucketlist when driving or living in Arizona or Las Vegas.
Lake Mead is 247 square miles in size and holds roughly three trillion gallons of water. Go for a swim but certainly try to explore it with a powerboat, sailboat, houseboat, stand up paddleboard, or even a funtube. Even scuba diving is possible and very popular, Lake Mead is known for interesting geological structures, spectacular scuba dives, and even the wreck of a B-52 Bomber plane.
Approximately 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas it is easily accessible from nearby Las Vegas, the northern shore of Lake Mead is in Nevada, and the southern shore is in Arizona, but all of it falls within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
It is also possbile to co camping near Lake Mead, go to Temple Bar Marina or Wander with a boat. Put up your tent and sleep like a baby, hearing the water almost touching your tent. Wake up with a beautiful sunset, and you will have the best experience in Lake Mead.
2. Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Source: Flickr
3. Canyon Lake
It is the smallest lake along the Superstition Mountains.
Even tho it is the smallest lake, this does not mean that it is'nt beautiful, it has incredible scenery. Recreation amenities include hiking trails, camping, and boating, all managed by the United States Forest Service.
Lake Powell is located in northern Arizona and stretches up into southern Utah. It almost hass 2,000 miles of shoreline. Is known for his great water combined with a sunny weather, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the west. Lake Powell is an immense reservoir created by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam. The dam and teal lake are in the northwest of the Navajo Reservation.
Explore Lake Powell especially from the water. Lake tours are offered from Wahweap Marina and Antelope Point Marina. You can book them online in advance. Those from the Antelope Point Marina are often slightly more favorably priced. Some boat tours take you to nearby attractions, such as the Rainbow Bridge. For the real landlubbers there are walking routes along the coast. The Glen Canyon Dam itself is also worth a visit. The 457 meter high dam is located near Page. For information, exhibitions and tours, visit the Carl Hayden Visitor Center.
Lake Powell has a lot of waterport recreation, you can go for a fun scenic lake cruise or go for an activity such as skiing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, canoein or just rent a boat and go for your own trip. Another unique experience in lake Powell is the massive bridge for over 70 meters long, it is one of the largest natural bridges in the world! There are some campgrounds at Lake Powell so don't hesitate to book your trip, for instance at Under Canvas. Lake powell has everything you need for a nice day trip or weekend trip.
At 71 meters long, the Rainbow Bridge is one of the largest natural bridges in the world. The bridge can be reached via a two-hour boat trip across Lake Powell.
5. Lynx Lake
If we think about Lynx Lake, we think about boating, fishing, camping, hiking and tranquil solitude. Lynx Lake is a relatively small lake, yet it draws over 125,000 visitors annually who are trying to escape the dessert heat in Arizona. Swimming in the lake is prohibited, but oufcourse if your smart you will find a way, just jump in the water nobody cares. Access to the lake has been provided for the physically
There are several campgrounds around Lynx Lake.
Lynx Campground: Located West of the Lake with 39 sites
Hiltop Campground: Located a quarter mile South of the lake with 38 sites. All campgrounds have drinking water and toilets.