Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Head north of Phoenix for boating and fishing at one of Arizona’s most popular outdoor playgrounds.

This massive reservoir on the Agua Fria River features more than 100 miles of shoreline. From the Phoenix area, visitors seeking respite from the heat head north on I-17 then west on Highway 74 to reach this surprising oasis. Find plenty of space to skim across the water, cast a line from a boat or the shore, hike trails that meander along the shoreline or find a private cove and go for a swim. In this dramatic desert landscape, shade is sparse. Come prepared for a full day under the sun on Lake Pleasant.

Water Sports

Start at the full-service marina at Scorpion Bay, which includes boat and equipment rentals, a restaurant and bar plus boat slips that accommodate 1,000 watercrafts. Load a large crew on a rental pontoon boat or rent a kayak and set off on your own. Visitors who bring their own boats put in at the 10-lane boat ramp at the main entrance or the 4-lane boat ramp at the north entrance. People-powered kayaks and canoes can launch from the shoreline. Anglers join organized fishing tournaments or enjoy a tranquil day trying to hook bass, bluegill, catfish, sunfish and crappie.

Hiking Trails

Nearly 20 miles of trails weave along the shoreline and into the rugged terrain surrounding Lake Pleasant. Pipeline Canyon Trail is the most used path on the shore, a relatively flat walk through the desert with lake views along the way. Roadrunner Trail spans 1.5 miles and connects to the Discovery Center and picnic areas. Yavapai Point Trail is an easy 3-mile out-and-back open to hiking and horseback riding, but not mountain bikes. While on the trails, be on the lookout for native critters that drink and feed at the lake. Wild burro sightings are common, and an area of the lake serves as a protected nesting habitat for bald eagles.

Campgrounds

Stay the night surrounded by the natural wonders of this special place in Central Arizona. More than 150 campsites range from primitive tent sites to pull-in sites with full hook-ups, many with covered ramadas and picnic tables to keep your crew out of the elements. Desert Tortoise and Roadrunner campgrounds have developed sites, and boat-in campsites are available near the boat ramps. During your camping trip, give in to the call for creature comforts at Scorpion Bay Grill, a floating restaurant and bar set in the middle of this pristine natural area.