Phoenix Lakes

Lakes Near Phoenix

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A stay at a lake is perfect for those who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing water skiing, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Phoenix provide you with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. Browse through the local listings below and have a look your nearby locations from small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Near Phoenix

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Phoenix you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or make it a long weekend at a hotel or AirBnB to make the most of your time unwinding.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a lake near Phoenix:

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Phoenix will provide tons of laughs and games for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Phoenix!

Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Phoenix’s lakes offer many great picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view is hard to beat.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique based on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we’ve created a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Phoenix so everything goes smoothly!

Lake basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for the vast majority of the vacation, the following list of items should be a good starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • Beach blanket
  • Sneakers
  • USB charger
  • A picnic basket
  • Dry shirt
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Insect repellant
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • Plates, cups and utensils
  • A receptacle for trash

Additional lake gear

The following items could be helpful for trips to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Life jackets
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Toys for the beach
  • Fishing gear
  • Kindle
  • Corkscrew
  • Worms or other bait
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)

Lake Safety Checklist

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips can ensure that everyone remains safe on the water.

  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Make sure no one swims alone

More Phoenix Lake Tips

Not everyone has had the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Phoenix and likely have a lot of questions regarding planning. Obviously, any body of water will possess their own character and trappings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to look into when making plans that might help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Phoenix can get exceptionally crowded. To find a little more privacy, research multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  2. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Using a search engine will typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a longer trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the ability to stay directly on the water at an affordable price.