Beautiful Lake Pleasant in Peoria, AZ Posted on 23rd Jan, 2014 by Susan Talarico

Lake Pleasant is the largest lake in the Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ area and one of the largest in Arizona. Its pristine, clearwaters encompass over 10,000 acres of water surface and 118 miles of shoreline fed by the Aqua Fria River and the Colorado River via the Central Arizona Project Canal. Lake Pleasant AZ is located in Peoria, Arizona about 35 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix, 2 hours from Flagstaff and 3 hours from Tucson.

Like Saguaro Lake, it is hugely popular because of its proximity to the city.  The lake is sure to live up to its name.  The weather is perfect – not too warm, not too cold – and the desert scenery is vast and relaxing.  The concentration of recreational facilities is on the western shore of the reservoir.  There approximately 450 picnic sites, 225 campsites, 14 areas for groups, a marina with room for over 1000 boats and miles of hiking trails.

Lake Pleasant is open all year for the enjoyment of power boating, house boating, jet-skiing, sailing, kayaking, RV camping, tent camping, and fishing. You can even go parasailing at the lake. At the main entrance of the lake, there is a large parking lot which accommodates parking for 700 vehicles as well as a 10-lane and 4-lane boat ramp. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is administered by the Maricopa Parks and Recreation Department. It is surrounded by over 27,000 acres of desert landscape that features hiking and biking trails.  It is not uncommon to see wild burro herds, coyotes and Arizona bobcats and Bald Eagles that nest in the lake's surrounding area.

The lake can often exceed its capacity during the busy summer months and holiday weekends resulting in some boaters and campers being turned away. Be sure to arrive early during those periods. Modest entry fees per vehicle and watercraft apply. Camping and ramada rental fees vary depending upon the site.

It is important to note that some portions of the lake may be off-limits from December to about mid-June so nesting eagles are not disturbed. During fire danger periods, open fires may be prohibited. Propane and charcoal would be permitted in designated camping areas when open fires are prohibited. For lake rules, guidelines and usage fees, visit the Lake Pleasant Regional Park website.

41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd. Morristown, AZ 85342 Entry Station 1-928-501-1710 Fax 602-372-7465

GETTING THERE:  Phoenix:  I-17 North to Carefree Highway. Turn west, drive 11 miles and then turn right onto Pleasant Harbor Boulevard. Flagstaff: I-17 South to Carefree Highway. DRIVE TIME:  30 minutes from Phoenix, 2 hours from Flagstaff and 3 hours from Tucson.

For GPS entry: Lake Pleasant Visitor Center