Facility Information
Facilities Available at Lyman Lake State Park
Lyman Lake State Park offers a tranquil escape with modern facilities in a remote, scenic setting perfect for adventurers seeking peace and outdoor recreation. Nestled in northeastern Arizona, the park provides unparalleled opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. Experience the solitude of the wide-open spaces while enjoying clean, well-maintained amenities. Along with its natural beauty, Lyman Lake boasts fascinating cultural experiences, including ancient petroglyphs that offer a glimpse into Arizona’s rich history, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Visitor Center/Park Store
The park Visitor Center is located within the Lyman Lake Market. Hours vary during the seasons, please contact the park for current hours of operation. The Market sells day use and camping permits, hunting and fishing licenses, plus ice, drinks and grocery items. The store also carries supplies for camping, boating and fishing to include bait and tackle. Books, toys, gift items, collectables and clothing are also featured. Firewood and propane are also available.
Campers: If you have a reservation, proceed to your campsite. We will contact you during the day with your tags. If you do not have a reservation, choose a site that is not reserved. You may either return to the office when it is open or utilize the self-pay option for one night. The self-pay station is located at the Visitor Center/Store. Maps and self-pay envelopes are provided at the station.
Day Use: Use the self-pay station. Envelopes and maps are located at the station. Price is $10.00 per vehicle.
Campground/RV Sites
Wake up with lake views and more fresh air than you can handle! Campgrounds at Lyman Lake give visitors a front seat to the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. Lyman Lake State Park has 56 available campsites with 38 hookup sites (13 include sewer) and 18 non-hookup sites. There is no limit on maximum RV length.
Cabins
Eight camping cabins are available for your pleasure with lake views, a covered patio, and comfortable features. Have a cup of coffee on the porch and watch the world come alive while you contemplate your day of adventure. These cozy cabins come complete with air-conditioning so you will stay comfortable regardless of when you visit.
Picnic Areas/Shelters
There are 16 picnic areas with shaded ramadas located at the day use area and the trailhead area for day use visitors. Great for a family get together, birthday parties, or even just a little shade for you to enjoy while in the park.
Restrooms/Showers
This park has modern, handicap accessible restrooms with hot water and flush toilets. Restrooms in the cabin and camping areas have clean showers, although toiletries are not included. Use of showers and restrooms is included for campers, or those of you renting a cabin.
Dump Station
A dump station is available with payment of the $5 fee.
Activities and Experiences
Hiking
There's plenty of hiking opportunities available within this expansive northern Arizona state park. Explore nature, the lake, and even local area history! Petroglyphs can be found on many of the rocks here and trails lead visitors into areas that offer up fantastic viewing opportunities. A little history accentuates the beauty these trails show you very nicely!
Boating
Because there's no motor restrictions on this large lake, boating at Lyman is popular because people are able to open up the throttle and have some adrenaline inducing fun! Water skiing and wakeboarding are becoming increasingly popular at Arizona's eastern Arizona water recreation destination! Beat the crowds that flock to other Arizona lakes...Pick up a camp spot and enjoy life out on the water for days on end, just remember to pack plenty of water and sunscreen!
Fishing
Lyman lake is home to arguably the best walleye fishing in Arizona. There's lots of fish here, and the average size is respectable. Bass anglers can rejoice too...Plenty of largemouth bass live within the shoreline weed areas and rocky points, so unless you're targeting a specific species, you could end up with a mixed bag of fish out of Lyman! Catfish anglers do well here and have been known to land some big ones! Bait and limited tackle is available in the Park Store for your convenience.
Lyman Lake Park Rules
- Camp only in designated areas.
- Stay on established roads.
- Obey speed limits.
- No picnicking in campgrounds.
- All pets must be on a leash. Pick up after all pets.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. – 7 a.m.
- No wood gathering.
- Fire in rings or grills only.
- Check out time for campers is 12 noon.
- Check out time for cabins is 10 a.m.
- Campers arriving before 12 noon on the day of arrival will be charged the park entrance fee.
- It is unlawful to remove any plants, or animals, archaeological, geological, or historical objects from the park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Lyman Lake
Q: Do you take reservations for the campground?
A: Yes, we accept campground reservations. You may reserve campsites or make cabin reservations 24-hours a day online or by calling the Reservation Center at 1-877-MY PARKS (697-2757). You can call seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. There is a $5 non-refundable reservation fee for cabins and $3.20 non-refundable reservation fee for campsites.
Q: Is it safe to swim in the lake?
A: Yes it is safe to swim in the lake. The water tends to look cloudy or brown because the river continually brings silt down the mountain.
Q: Can you fish in the lake?
A: Yes. Catfish, largemouth bass, and walleye are all available in the lake.
Q: Are there any hiking trails or things to do while staying in the park?
A: Yes. There are three trails of varying length. The most popular hike is the Petroglyph Trail. It wanders through a wide variety of Petroglyphs where it is easy to get a good, up close look at them. Petroglyphs are pictures carved into stone by members of ancient Native American cultures. Interpretive signs and downloadable guides explain the historic and cultural importance of the images.
Q: Can I use my personal watercraft on the lake?
A: Yes, the lake has no size restrictions on boats, motors, or personal watercraft.
Q: Where is Lyman Lake?
A: Lyman Lake is located in far eastern Arizona, 11 miles south of St. Johns, and 18 miles north of Springerville-Eagar, on US Highways 180 & 191.
Q: How far from from Phoenix and Tucson is Lyman Lake?
A: Lyman Lake is approximately 240 miles from both cities.
Q: Does the park have hook-ups?
A: Yes. Presently we have 38 hook-up sites, with both 30 & 50 amps available.
Q: Do you allow pets?
A: Yes. Leash laws are enforced and owners must pick up after their pet.
Q: Do you have a store at the park?
A: Yes, hours may vary seasonally. The store sells ice, milk, bread, sodas, ice cream, snacks, sundries, gifts, fishing licenses, bait, and firewood. Camping, day use and annual passes are also available at the store.
