Boating in Arizona: The Best Destinations

Is the boating in Arizona any good? Yes!

Although made famous for its desert landscapes, cactus plants, and those red (dry) rocks of the Wild West, Arizona has actually become a serious destination for boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Have you ever checked the weather forecast for a week in Arizona? Sunshine for days, and days, and days — perfect boating conditions.

So whether you’re checking out the Grand Canyon, beautiful Lake Powell, a big city like Phoenix or Tucson, or one of Arizona’s popular tourist destinations like Sedona or Flagstaff, there’s a place and a water venue for everybody in Arizona! So get out there, hit the water, and soak in some of that Arizona sunshine.

Where are the best lakes for boating in Arizona? It depends on which area of Arizona you’ll be visiting, but Arizona has over 30 lakes and several awesome rivers that are all popular choices for both boaters and paddlers.

Some of the most popular lakes for boating in Arizona include Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, and Apache Lake. Can’t decide where to launch your boat? Check out our helpful list of popular boating destinations below!

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is located in northern Arizona and stretches up into southern Utah. It’s part of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The lake has nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, endless sunshine, warm water, perfect weather, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the West.

This lake is the ultimate playground. Rent a houseboat, stay at our campground, or enjoy our lodging and hop aboard a guided expedition.

Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu City is centrally located along 60 continuous miles (30.16 sq. miles) of lake and river waterways and uniquely stays as a fairly consistent water elevation all year round. The City sees around 300 days of sunshine each year, which means you can take your boating vacation at any time of year with warm air and water temperatures.

Lake Havasu offers many boat rental companies, or you can use one of the many launch ramps cascaded around the lake. There are also a plethora of marinas and fuelling stations. Many hotels, RV parks, and campgrounds have their own docks and ramps for guests.

Black Canyon extends from the Hoover Dam to Willow Beach and is a narrow river-like waterway. Before you go, get to know the rules and restrictions on certain watercraft at various times of the year.

Restrictions are put in place to ensure that the most authentic wilderness experience possible is provided for those who visit.  In particular, the Black Canyon section is managed as a primitive zone. On Sundays and Mondays, year-round, motorless watercraft can be used, while personal watercraft and vessels with motors are prohibited.

Houseboating, water-skiing, and wakeboarding are also prohibited for safety reasons due to the narrow waterway.

The water from Willow Beach to Hoover Dam (Black Canyon) is managed as a primitive zone. People can experience a variety of motorless recreational opportunities in a natural setting. Personal watercraft (PWCs) and vessels with motors are prohibited on Sunday and Monday year-round.

Surrounded by the beautiful flora and fauna of Tonto National Forest and Three Bar Wilderness, Apache Lake is 17 miles long and provides days of great experiences. It offers an array of different coves, caves, and cliffs where visitors can explore, fish, and hike.

The lake is somewhat more secluded than other lakes that are closer to the cities. Visitors to Apache Lake are keen to get away from the usual swimming and boating crowds. This means that the lake is generally quieter for those who wish to get away and enjoy some quiet exploration time.

The glassy lake is perfect for watersports, including wakeboarding, wake surfing, waterskiing, and more.

Wildlife at Apache Lake

There is plenty of wildlife to take in, including big horned sheep who love to watch boaters from the cliffs, bald eagles flying up and down the lake, javelinas, Gila monsters, and more. The lake itself is home to channel and flathead catfish, largemouth, smallmouth, striped and yellow bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye, trout, and carp. Several fishing tournaments are held every year thanks to the wealth of fish.

The lake and surrounding area are so much more than a water lover’s paradise. In the cooler months, embark on hikes to explore the nearby caves and waterfalls or to search for the elusive Lost Dutchman’s Goldmine.

Though known for its cowboy past, its Whiskey Row, and loads of colleges, Prescott is not always mentioned as a lake destination.

Don’t be fooled, though. Prescott has many lakes within 15 minutes of its downtown area for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and relaxation. The main three are Watson Lake, Goldwater Lake, and Lynx Lake.

All of these lakes prohibit swimming but make up for it in recreational activities. Some include amenities such as campgrounds, kayak rental stores, horseshoe pits, extensive hiking trails, and grills for those family get-togethers.

Arizona’s State Parks offer outdoor enthusiasts shimmering lakes, steep canyons, and spectacular views of a landscape painted red by the sun and dotted with cacti. It’s all pretty spectacular, no matter which park you visit.

Be sure to check out the 28 State Parks in Arizona while you’re visiting. Go boating, hiking, paddling, ATVing . . . whatever! The activity options in Arizona’s parks are limitless!

Just remember: If you’ll be visiting one of the 5 U.S. Forests in Arizona, check out a Travel Management Map to show you which trails are open and which are closed. Know before you go! Some of our favorite parks include Grand Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Park, where you’ll find Lake Powell!

Arizona has some awesome fishing opportunities!

Choose your fishing destination by using the interactive map offered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department! They make it easy for you to find your fish by providing region-specific information about Arizona’s waterways and about the fish species in those areas.

Before casting a line, get up to speed on Arizona’s state fishing regulations, fishing license requirements, boating license requirements, and boating restrictions. Be sure to check out the local fishing reports that are available for your waterway. Visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website for more information.

Be Safe and Have Fun When Boating in Arizona

We hope you’re excited to check out some of these lakes and parks to go boating in Arizona! As you plan your trip, make sure you know how to stay safe when hitting the water. 

If you have done it yet, consider taking the online Arizona boater education course through BOATsmart! Our courses are a fun and engaging way to learn valuable boating safety information to keep yourself (and others) safe on the waterways in Arizona. 

Originally published in November 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 10, 2024.