Local Lakes
1.. Lake Pleasant
50 Minutes/46.6 Miles From Pickup/Dropoff Location
Surrounded by the Sonoran desert, it is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination for action and adventure. With more than 23,000 acres of water and beautiful, unblemished desert landscape, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is one of the most scenic recreation areas in the Valley.
One of the most popular lakes to escape the summer heat, close to Phoenix.
2. Saguaro Lake
50 Minutes/49 miles From Pickup/Dropoff Location
Saguaro Lake is set in the Sonoran Desert and is rimmed with canyon walls. As the name implies, the shores of the lake are studded with majestic Saguaro cactus. Try the upper reaches of the lake (east-end) for more seclusion. Boat access camping at the east end of the lake. According to Bass Master Magazine, the best time for trophy bass is October to December and February to mid April. There are large bass in the lake; fish census show that 12+ lb. bass and 30-lb. Carp exist in the depths. Bluegill comes in a variety of sizes. Occasional species caught: Walleye, Black Crappie, Small-mouth Bass, Bigmouth Buffalo and Yellow Bass.
Another one of the most popular lakes to escape the summer heat, close to Phoenix.
3. Canyon Lake
1 Hour/53.3 Miles From Pickup/Dropoff Location
Take in a wealth of recreation at the 900-acre Canyon Lake, where visitors enjoy boating, water skiing, fishing, jet skiing and taking scenic hikes around the shore. During the course of a beautiful day outdoors, visitors may see javelina, deer and bighorn sheep on the surrounding red-rock canyon walls. At Canyon Lake Marina & Campground, you can spend the night in your RV or dock your boat at a short-term slip (both options have water and electric hookups), or snag a waterfront tent site with showers, restrooms, a swimming area and a boat ramp. Canyon Lake has a full bar and plenty of grub to fill you up during your time on shore.
A beautiful lake with typically less water traffic, close to Phoenix.
4. Bartlett Lake
1 Hour 15 Minutes/63 Miles From Pickup/Dropoff Location
Beautiful Bartlett Lake is located in the heart of the Tonto National Forest, Bartlett Lake Marina's family atmosphere and beautiful surroundings makes it a wonderful location for your friends and family to enjoy an unforgettable Arizona day on the water. beautiful Bartlett Lake in the heart of the Tonto National Forest, Bartlett Lake Marina's family atmosphere and beautiful surroundings makes it a wonderful location for your friends and family to enjoy an unforgettable Arizona day on the water. Outdoor enthusiasts frequent Bartlett Lake for a variety of recreational opportunities, including shoreline camping in Arizona’s natural desert terrain. While in this part of the Tonto National Forest, visitors may see mule deer, bald eagles, javelina, coyotes, and many indigenous desert plants, including the majestic saguaro, mesquite trees and blooming ocotillo.
One of Arizona's best kept Secrets.
5. Theodore Roosevelt Lake
1 Hour 45 Minutes/113 Miles From Pickup/Dropoff Location
Roosevelt Lake is a beautiful body of water set in the desert. There is a migratory waterfowl (including Canada geese) and raptors (including bald eagles and osprey) that use the lake during the fall and winter. Small isolated islands and coves offer outstanding opportunities for camping and relaxing in the unique Sonoran Desert. The reservoir is a major center for fishing, boating, camping and general vacationing, and despite being quite close to Phoenix
Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway with multiple paid/dispersed camping locations.
6. Apache Lake
1 Hour 55 Minutes/72 Miles From Pickup/Dropoff Location
Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a peaceful moment on the water, Apache lake is a great getaway in Arizona. This lake is set among sun-painted canyon walls, which form scenic backdrops to the lake itself. During the summer months Apache Lake is very popular for the cool water and beautiful scenery. Surrounded by the Superstition Wilderness and the Three Bar Wildlife Area, Apache Lake is created by Horse Mesa Dam and located between Canyon Lake and Roosevelt Lake, its sister-lakes on the Salt River.
Perfect for a weekend getaway, the entry road is not paved.
7. Lake Havasu
3 hours 10 Minutes/194 Miles From Pickup/Dropoff Location
Lake Havasu is perhaps most famous for the London Bridge that looms above it. Yes, the actual London Bridge, bought by the area's founding father, Robert McCullough, for $2,460,000, after the city of London put it up for auction in 1968. Today, Lake Havasu City is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Arizona and offers a range of recreational activities for families, couples and single travelers. Soak up the sun on the shores of Lake Havasu's beaches or explore nearby parks by foot and bicycle. Houseboats dot the lake and are available for rent. Like most resort towns Lake Havasu is chock-full of hotels, restaurants, shops and non-stop action.
Definitely not a day trip, perfect weekend getaway with a lot of activities!
8. Lake Mead
4 Hours 15 Minutes/272 Miles From Pickup/Dropoff Location
Swim, boat, hike, cycle, camp and fish at America’s first and largest national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes. See the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or find solitude in one of the park's nine wilderness areas. There is one national park just minutes from Las Vegas that has Joshua trees, slot canyons and night skies illuminated by the Milky Way. One national park where the rocks are as red as fire and the mountains are purple majesties.
Definitely not a day trip, perfect weekend getaway with a lot of activities!
9. Lake Powell
4 Hours 25 Minutes/283 Miles From Pickup/Dropoff Location
Lake Powell is easily one of the most beautiful places on Earth. There are a ton of things to do at Lake Powell, from hiking slot canyons to endless amounts of water sports fun. This man-made reservoir, located in northern Arizona and southern Utah, is a great spot for travelers seeking nature and outdoor adventure. It is also a haven for fishing and water sports, including boating, jet skiing, and kayaking. You can even camp in the area and explore other natural landmarks, like the iconic Horseshoe Bend. Plan your visit from summer through early fall to enjoy longer days and breathtaking sunsets.
Excellent choice for a weekend getaway!