There is a secret spot only an hour and a half from downtown Phoenix where you can fish and camp year-round. Riverside Campground in Tonto National Forest is beautiful, serene, and the perfect spot to cast a line and catch your dinner. When it comes to secret fishing spots in Arizona, this one is definitely lesser-known, which makes it all the sweeter.

Riverside Campground has an amazing view of Bartlett Dam.
Baba Booey/Google
Bartlett Dam was built on the Verde River in the 1930s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The dam creates Bartlett Lake upriver from the campground.
Just 23 miles from Carefree, getting to this little piece of paradise won't take long.
Baba Booey/Google
The last three miles to the campground is a maintained gravel road. You can make the trip in a car, but things are going to get dusty and dirty.
There are only 12 campsites at Riverside, so you'll have plenty of privacy.
NANCY DEROSE/Google
Your site will include a picnic table and a fire ring. There is also a vault-style toilet at the campground. Bring plenty of water as there is none available on site, and plan to pack out all of your trash.

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Bring your kayak or canoe, and enjoy paddling along the river.
Ron Edwards/Google
No motorized boats are allowed on this stretch of the Verde River, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
You're most likely to hook a rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, or flathead catfish from the shores of the Verde.
Gia Janisse/Google
Or take a short drive to Bartlett Lake and see why it has been a favorite of anglers since the dam was built.
Riverside Campground is located in a riparian desert area with temperatures suitable for camping year-round.
Gia Janisse/Google
In addition to kayaking and fishing, Riverside is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, as they are occasionally spotted in the area. Be sure to check the bald eagle seasonal closures before you head out. Roads in the area are sometimes closed near nesting areas to protect the eagles and their babies.

Check out this gorgeous aerial view of the Verde River, which you won’t be too far from at all while camping here:

Have fun finding this hidden fishing spot in AZ. You’ll come home with some excellent memories and fish stories, even if you don’t come home with any actual fish! Do you know of any delightful, secret fishing spots in Arizona? Let us know… if you’re willing!

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Secret Fishing Spots in Arizona

Tori Jane | April 16, 2023
  1. Are there any secret fishing spots in Arizona? 

Arizona is pretty amazing, and anyone who doesn’t think there’s some excellent fishing in Arizona is someone who simply thinks wrong. We’ve got a plethora of fun, secret fishing spots in Arizona, such as:  

  • Ashurst Lake – Fish for rainbow trout at this stunning small lake in Coconino County.  
  • Big Lake – This lake definitely lives up to its name; it’s large, beautiful, and home to some of the best fishing in the southwest!  
  • Canyon Lake – Even some locals don’t know this one exists! Canyon Lake is astonishingly beautiful, and it’s home to some excellent fishing, too.  

Learn more about each of these secret fishing spots in AZ, and then some.   

  1. How big is Roosevelt Lake in Arizona?

Roosevelt Lake is located about 80 miles from Phoenix and is easily one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sonoran Desert. It’s about 33 ½ square miles in size, and it’s the largest lake/reservoir to be entirely located within the state of Arizona. It’s also got the largest water storage capacity of the lakes in AZ managed by the Salt River Project, able to store up to 2.9 million acre-feet of water.  

  1. How many lakes in Arizona are there? 

Arizona might be located in the heart of the desert, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t home to some truly beautiful lakes! Arizona is home to an impressive 128 beautiful lakes – most of which are man-made – but all of which are stunning. Some of the best lakes in Arizona are ones like: 

  • Chevelon Canyon Lake – This lake is a hidden gem found in Coconino County, but you can only access it via a rough dirt road and some hiking. Worth it, though.  
  • Lake Havasu – We can’t list the lakes in Arizona without mentioning the world-famous Lake Havasu, which is as beautiful as it is fun.  
  • Lake Pleasant – This lake is one of the most popular things to do among the AZ locals during the warm months.  

Learn more about some of the awesome lakes in Arizona! 

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Riverside Campground, 4340 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA