Patagonia Lake State Park

Discover a refreshing oasis tucked away in the rolling hills of Southeastern Arizona.

Get on the Water

From the beach, the lake is narrow enough to swim across to reach small cliff jumps. Other visitors rent canoes, paddle boats and pontoon boats from the Lakeside Market to skim across the water. The west section of the lake near the marina and boat launch allows motorboats while the east section near the campsites provides a no-wake zone. The area is so popular that waterskiing is prohibited during weekends in peak summer season. Anglers find ideal conditions to catch crappie, bass, bluegill and catfish from the banks or from boats. During trout season October to March, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout.

Opportunities for a day at the beach are more common in Arizona than visitors might think. Just west of the captured-in-time town of Patagonia, discover a splashy high-desert playground. One sandy beach and one grassy beach with shade from mature trees create comfortable spots to set up chairs and blankets and enjoy a day by the water. Sit by the lake early in the morning or at sunset to see whitetail deer roaming the hills and great herons feeding along the shoreline.

Set Up Camp

Camping here is far from roughing it, with a full-service marina and lake store within walking distance of all campsites. The campground winds along the south shore of the lake, providing more than 100 developed RV and tent sites. Campsites have been notched in anywhere there is at least a peekaboo view of the water. Plus, seven camping cabins overlook the lake and a dozen boat-in campsites offer a more secluded night under the stars.

Explore Southeast Arizona

Nearby Sonoita Creek State Natural Area offers hiking trails that wind through the rolling grasslands and climb into the sky island mountains this part of the state is known for. Plus, two segments of the Arizona National Scenic Trail can be accessed from Patagonia. After exploring the natural beauty of the area, take time to visit small towns that serve up the bounty of nature. This is the heart of Southern Arizona wine country, and nearby Sonoita and Elgin grow the grapes that end up in the libations served at local wineries and wine bars throughout the state.