Discover Arizona's Iconic Lakes Near Tempe: Stunning Backyard Water Adventures
Arizona is renowned for its deserts, yet it offers diverse landscapes, including more than 128 lakes. Only two are natural: Mormon Lake near Flagstaff and Stoneman Lake near Sedona. Some of the state's most scenic lakes are right in Tempe's backyard, providing perfect spots for unforgettable Arizona sunsets reflecting on the water. Explore these nearby gems.
Fun fact: Of Arizona's 128 lakes, just two are natural—Mormon Lake in Flagstaff and Stoneman Lake near Sedona.
Start with Tempe's own lakes: Tempe Town Lake and Kiwanis Lake. Though compact, they play a vital role in the community.
Tempe Town Lake
Situated next to Downtown Tempe, Tempe Town Lake is a premier destination for kayaking, sailing, rowing, and fishing. Surrounding Tempe Beach Park hosts events like 5K walks, triathlons, concerts, and festivals year-round. Check out our blog for more activities at Tempe Town Lake.
Attractions and Activities
- Run or walk the 5-mile path around the lake.
- Rent boats or use permitted watercraft. Motorized boats and electric boats exceeding wakeless speed (about 5 mph) are prohibited. Visit the City of Tempe website for permits and rules. Rent pedal boats, paddleboards, electric pontoons, or donut boats from Boat Rentals of America.
Kiwanis Lake
This 12-acre lake in Kiwanis Park, on Mill Avenue south of Baseline Road, is ideal for pedal boating, fishing, or feeding ducks. Enjoy the park's amenities. Learn more on our website.
Attractions and Activities
- Boat Rentals of America offers kayaks, pedal boats, and bikes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- On land: batting cages, indoor rec center, sports fields, wave pool, splash playground, and tennis center.
Saguaro Lake
Nestled in Tonto National Forest, 45 minutes from Tempe, Saguaro Lake is framed by saguaro-studded canyons. Watch for wild horses and bighorn sheep.
Attractions and Activities
- Desert Belle Cruises: 90-minute narrated tours with snacks, beer, and wine. Book at the Desert Belle website.
- Boating: Powerboats welcome at two marina ramps. Requires Tonto National Forest pass and watercraft sticker. Enjoy 22 miles of shoreline, watersports; max depth 116 feet. Arrive early in peak season.
- Dine at ShipRock Restaurant with Goldfield Mountain views.
- Camp at Bagley Flat (10 sites). Visit their website.
Canyon, Apache, and Roosevelt Lakes
Drive the 40-mile Apache Trail (Route 88) to visit all three, passing Goldfield Ghost Town, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Tortilla Flat. View our Apache Trail day trip video. Tonto pass and sticker required.
Canyon Lake
The first stop on the trail, this 950-acre lake features 28 miles of shoreline, red rock cliffs, and coves.
Attractions and Activities
- Dolly Steamboat tours.
- Boating at Laguna and Palo Verde ramps; daily limits apply; watersports allowed.
- Fishing: Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Carp, Yellow Bass, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Rainbow Trout.
Apache Lake
16 miles past Tortilla Flat, this 2,568-acre lake offers motel rooms, RV hookups, and calm waters for thrill-seekers. Note: Windy, unpaved road—drive cautiously.
Attractions and Activities
- Boating: One paved ramp; motorized and non-motorized allowed.
- Dine at Apache Lake Restaurant (seasonal).
- Fishing: Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass, Flathead Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Yellow Bass, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Carp.
- Burnt Corral Campground: 75 sites near the ramp.
Roosevelt Lake
Arizona's largest entirely within state borders (third overall after Powell and Mead), 4 miles upstream from Apache Lake.
Attractions and Activities
- Boating: Skiing, jet skiing, swimming.
- Fishing: Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Channel/Flathead Catfish.
- Picnicking at Grapevine, Schoolhouse, Cholla, etc.
- Cholla Recreation Campground: RV and tent sites.
Bartlett Lake
Formed by the Verde River, 55 minutes from Tempe; 2,815 acres with paved roads, shoreline camping, and recreation.
Attractions and Activities
- Boating: Four launches (Jojoba, Bartlett Flat, Marina, Yellow Cliffs).
- Fishing: Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Channel/Flathead Catfish.
- Shoreline camping allowed.
Lake Pleasant
Ideal for speed: powerboating, scuba, skiing, windsurfing. Largest in Phoenix/Scottsdale area at 10,000+ acres.
Attractions and Activities
- Two boat launches.
- 148 RV/tent sites.
- Fishing: 12 species including Striped/White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Sunfish, Tilapia.
