It seems everytime one of these water-related articles comes up, we always get comments from readers who were unaware that Arizona had so many lakes and rivers. Sure, Arizona isn’t particularly well-known for its plethora of water sources but, after diverting natural sources through damming and reservoirs, we actually have more than would be expected in a desert. If you’re looking for a scenic area to fish or just need inspiration for your next plein air activity, here are 10 waterfront spots in Arizona you will not want to miss. They may just make your bucket list!

1. Canyon Lake
Kevin Stuart/Flickr
Tyler Sichelski/Flickr
A reservoir located along the Salt River and just north of Tortilla Flat, Canyon Lake is open year-round and has amazing views for visitors day or night! It’s one of the most stunning lakes in Arizona, and offers peace and serenity, no matter when you visit. And as a bonus, it’s only 45 minutes from Phoenix!
2. Colorado River
David Denicolò/Flickr
Grand Canyon National Park/Flickr
Has the Colorado River somehow managed to evade your vacation getaway plans? If so, add it to your next vacation list, the sooner the better! This unbelievable spot has so much to offer. This river offers some iconic views, and there’s plenty to see if you’re floating down it!
3. Fossil Creek
Alan Stark/Flickr
Dave Schumaker/Flickr
This increasingly popular location sees thousands of visitors each summer and it’s not difficult to see why. The creek and its waterfalls are inviting spots for cooling off from a hot summer in other areas of the state. It’s a great place for some relaxing water recreation in Arizona. There’s even some wonderful trails nearby!
4. Grand Falls
Nick Allen/Flickr
.advion/Flickr
Some days you may be lucky to find a trickle running over the rocks but everyone hopes to find Grand Falls in its flooding glory. Just be sure to exercise caution when visiting this area though! Flash floods can happen within a matter of minutes even on a sunny, cloudless day. Located in the Painted Desert, it looks like a creamy chocolate waterfall.
5. Havasu Falls
Jane Perez/Flickr
Richard/Flickr
Visiting this picturesque waterfall deep within the Grand Canyon is a must-do for any Arizonan! The vivid pool colors come from the high concentration of calcium carbonate in the water. You can even use the campground nearby, and stay close to this stunning natural place.

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6. Lake Mead
Rudy Salakory/Flickr
U.S. Geological Survey/Flickr
The largest reservoir in the US, Lake Mead is a popular boating destination. And, it’s actually America’s first and largest national recreation area! There is a ton of fun things to do here. In fact, there’s 1.5 million acres to explore in the surrounding area, so there’ll be no time to get bored.
7. Lake Powell
Robert Shea/Flickr
Robert Shea/Flickr
Lake Powell is the second-largest reservoir in the US and its initial creation was steeped in controversy in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Glen Canyon holds a vast amount of cultural, archaeological, and natural sites that are all now submerged in the reservoir’s depths. Today, Lake Powell is a popular tourist site for boating, fishing, and other water activities. This one of the most popular places to spend some time in one of the waterfront towns in Arizona.
8. Oak Creek Canyon
Riskyj21/Flickr
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
You wouldn’t want to miss the ever popular Oak Creek, a stream which feeds into the Verde River. Summer tends to be the most popular (and most crowded) season but any time of year offers some beautiful sights. If you haven’t already, be sure to check it out! Located in the Coconino National Forest, this is a beautiful place to explore in Arizona.
9. Roosevelt Lake
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Mike Boening Photography/Flickr
Aside from the stunning mountain landscapes in the background, one of the more well-known sights here is the bridge across the lake. Before you visit, be sure to check out one of our previous articles to see what kind of visual difference you can spot on the dam. Read more about the history of this amazing dam, and the difference it made in Arizona!
10. Tempe Town Lake
Nick Bastian/Flickr
Tyler Boken/Flickr
A lot of people will joke this is not a real lake but we’re adding it to this list simply because it is labeled a lake. It has become a popular urban site for outdoor events, races, family activities, and many other events. Check out Tempe Town Lake’s website for up to date events going on in this fun lake!

Which of these have you visited? Is there any waterfront spots in Arizona that we missed? If so, we want to hear about it!We love reading your comments, so let us know which waterfront location you look forward to spending the day at in the comments below!

If you’re looking for another stunning body of water to visit, read about how This One Destination Has The Absolute Bluest Water In Arizona.

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More to Explore

Waterfront Spots in Arizona

Megan McDonald | April 07, 2021

Are there a lot of great water based activities to do in Arizona?

There are! Even though Arizona is known as a land of desert, there’s so many great lakes and dams to explore. Many people raft or kayak the Colorado River, there’s lots of waterfalls to play in, and huge lakes to enjoy. Go out boating or fishing, stand up paddling or kayaking, or just swim to your heart’s content. There’s plenty of ways to cool off on a hot day!

What is the cleanest lake in Arizona?

Lake Lynx is the cleanest lake in Arizona. It’s a gorgeous, pristine spot located within the Prescott National Forest.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Canyon Lake, Arizona, USA
Tempe Town Lake, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Arizona, USA
Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona 86336, USA
Lake Powell, AZ 86040, USA
Lake Mead, United States
Havasu Falls, Arizona, USA
Grand Falls, Arizona, Arizona 86035, USA
Fossil Creek, Arizona, USA
Colorado River, Colorado River