Tucson Lakes

Lakes Around Tucson

Sometimes you should spend some time on the water. A stay at a lake is perfect for people that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some water skiing, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Tucson provide you with numerous beautiful locations for aquatic fun. Has there ever been a better time? Load up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a picnic basket then set out your next day off and discover a brand new number one location on the water!

Lakes Near Tucson

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Tucson there are many things to do for families, couples, or with a group of friends. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel or AirBnB to enjoy yourself more fully.

Any stay on or in the water offers you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Fishing. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Grab a board. If you like to paddle around, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and chart your course to a lake that has a boat launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Tucson will provide all kinds of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach!

How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, when you go, or if there are any activities planned. For your benefit, we’ve created a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next summer trip to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for most of the day, the list below is an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Radio or speaker
  • Swimsuits
  • Something to eat
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • A cooler with water
  • UV protection

More lake stuff

Depending on what you’ll be doing for the day and what your party looks like, the items below will likely be helpful and worth packing before you make the trip.

  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Toys for the beach
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Something to read
  • Goggles or masks
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Corkscrew
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Bait

Staying Safe on a Lake

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. The following safety measures should ensure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.

  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Tucson Lake Tips

Few people get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Tucson and likely have a lot of questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, each lake near Tucson will possess their own character and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to review when planning that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer getaway, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to stay right on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches may be swarmed with tourists. To find some space to yourself, research a variety of lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a wild day of wakeboarding. Doing a quick Google search can typically allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.