Rivers and Lakes
Arizona State Parks on the Water
You may think Arizona is all Sonoran desert and cacti, but there are plenty of Arizona rivers and lakes to enjoy in your state parks. Whether you want to experience some weekend water recreation or you just need a day at the beach, head out to these amazing water destinations to enjoy the diversity and beauty of Arizona. From pine-tree surrounded lakes to flowing creeks and rivers, you'll be able to choose just what kind of water adventure you want to have.
Lyman Lake State Park and Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Climb to a cool 6,000 feet in elevation to experience eastern Arizona’s hidden treasure. Lyman Lake State Park has it all – campsites for tents and RVs, cabins right on the lakeshore, swimming, fishing, and no motor size restrictions for watercraft. Rent a jet ski or a kayak for a water recreation adventure, or explore the trails and see ancient petroglyphs depicting life in 6000 CE.
Just an hour away from Lyman Lake, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area sits high in the cool pines of the White Mountains. This popular park offers shoreline fishing, RV and tent campsites, wildlife sightings (including bald eagles), and some of the best lake views around. Walk around the lake to pick your best view, then picnic on the grounds or just relax in your hammock. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent as well. Sites book up quickly, so regulars know to book a year in advance to secure their favorite spot. But even if campsites are full, this water recreation destination is still perfect for a day on the water.
Pine Creek, Verde River, and Oak Creek Parks
In Central Arizona, you can explore parks with access to some of the beautiful waterways that created the stunning scenery around them. In Payson, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park showcases what is believed to be the world’s largest natural travertine bridge, formed by Pine Creek. Hike down to the observation deck to be amazed by the scope of this natural wonder, or just check it out from one of the four accessible viewpoints above. Three additional trails offer creek access for wading or a beautiful waterfall. The park is also home to a historic lodge that offers weekly tours, beautiful grounds with shady ramadas, and plenty of wildlife viewing. If you’re lucky, some of the local javelina or deer will be enjoying the park’s green landscape.
Two state parks help you enjoy time on the Verde River – Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood and Rockin’ River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde. Both provide access to kayak or canoe in the water, or just observe the riparian habitat around it. The Verde River includes a stretch of critical natural resource in Arizona, and attracts wildlife watchers and water recreationists year-round. At Dead Horse Ranch, you can camp in a tent, RV or cabin, plus explore the park’s trail system and three lagoons, perfect for fishing the day away. The lagoons are stocked seasonally with rainbow trout, and largemouth bass are also common catches.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park is the newest park in the system, having opened in February 2024. This park does not offer overnight stays, so you can make the most of your visit by exploring the six trails that wind around the property. The White Cliffs Trail will offer peeks of the Verde River as well as the stunning cliffs for which it was named. Pack a picnic lunch and listen to the birds while you eat. The Verde is one of Arizona’s major rivers with a fantastic riparian zone that covers 170 miles along the water.
In Sedona, two parks rest alongside Oak Creek – one offers you the chance to splash and slide and the other teaches you about its importance for the environment. Both, however, showcase the striking red rocks that made Sedona famous. Whether you check out the trails at Red Rock or the water at Slide Rock, you’ll enjoy a vastly different experience and plenty of family fun. Slide Rock State Park is renowned for its natural water slide, making it nature’s water park. Visit this park in fall or winter if you want to avoid crowds. Red Rock State Park’s trails include views
Roper Lake and Dankworth Pond State Parks
If you haven’t stayed at Roper Lake State Park in Safford, now is the time. Nestled at the base of Mount Graham, you can enjoy the views, the birds, and the relaxation while you camp in your RV, tent or cabin. The eight cabins offer lakeside views, sunrises sparkling over the water and porch swings for coffee and waking up. During the day, head just three miles south to enjoy Dankworth Pond State Park. The trail system here gives you unfettered views of Mount Graham, and you can learn about the history of the area in a replicated Indian Village. No motorized watercraft are allowed on either of these lakes, so grab your paddles and enjoy a quiet day on the water.
Arizona’s West Coast
Head out to the west “coast” of Arizona and explore the four parks that offer different viewpoints of the Colorado River. Start at Buckskin Mountain State Park, where you can feel the stress melt away. This park has plenty of ways to dip your toes in the Colorado, whether from a boat, a tube or a paddleboard. For a real bird’s eye view of the park, lace up your hiking boots and try one of the six trails in the park. If you’re here in spring, expect a display of stunning wildflowers. Lamb Springs Trail connects to neighboring River Island State Park, another place to set down stakes for a long week or weekend with RV spots, a boat launch, and outdoor recreation choices for the whole family.
If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, head north to Cattail Cove and Lake Havasu state parks. These popular parks showcase the famous lake and boast white-sand beaches, beautiful campsites and plenty of exciting water recreation. At Lake Havasu State Park, you can rent a cabin right on the edge of this major lake and wake up to the waves gently splashing on the shore. Both parks have world-class fishing, but you’ll want to be there for the sunsets.
Patagonia Lake State Park and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Head south in Arizona and you’ll come to a paradise you were not expecting! Patagonia Lake is one of Arizona’s best swimming lakes, with a white sand beach and roped-off swimming area. Enjoy water recreation with kayaks, canoes or even rent a boat. The beauty of this park comes from the southern Arizona scenery around the lake, from ocotillos and creosote to scrub grasslands. Plus, Patagonia is the pollinator capital of the U.S., so expect hummingbirds, butterflies, and bats. In fact, Patagonia Lake and adjacent Sonoita Creek State Natural Area are some of the best birding sites around! Take a bird walk with your binoculars and hope to see everything from vermillion flycatchers to the rare elegant trogon.
