Next time you’re craving some fun in the sun, make your way to Saguaro Lake. One of the best lakes in Arizona, this pristine oasis offers boating, fishing, and even waterfront dining, making it an ideal destination for year-round outdoor fun.

Boasting 22 miles of shoreline, Saguaro Lake is an oasis in the desert that offers year-round outdoor recreation.
Google/Jerome Cygan
The man-made reservoir is named after the Saguaro Cactus, scores of which surround the water (along with towering canyon walls far as the eye can see).
A mere 20 minutes from Mesa, the lake features a marina with 24-foot to 40-foot-long boat slips available for rent.
Saguaro Lake Marina
The marina also includes a restaurant and boat concession, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and boat ramps.
If you don't have your own boat, you can always rent one from Precision Marine and enjoy a lovely day out on the water.
Facebook/Desert Belle Cruises
Alternatively, Desert Belle Cruises offers a variety of scenic boat tours, ranging from simple sightseeing rides to dinner and wine cruises.

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The lake is a prime fishing spot, with bass, carp, and bluegill being the most prevalent species.
Google/Errol Flynn Gallarde
You can also kayak, sail, and jet ski or waterski on the lake, and the nearby Butcher Jones Beach allows swimming. Camping is available, as well.
After splashing around all day, refuel with a hearty meal at ShipRock Restaurant.
Saguaro Lake Marina
The marina's on-site eatery, ShipRock boasts a spacious patio with sweeping lakefront views.
The menu is huge and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Saguaro Lake Marina
From chicken-fried steak and eggs to loaded burgers and sandwiches to an all-you-can-eat fish fry on Friday nights, there's something for everyone. It's the perfect way to replenish your energy after some fun in the sun.

Check out this incredible drone video of Saguaro Lake in all its majesty:

Visit the Saguaro Lake Marina website or Facebook page for more information about renting a boat slip. You can also learn more about the restaurant on the marina’s website.

Have you ever been to Saguaro Lake? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience. Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more of the best lakes in Arizona.

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Saguaro Lake

Tori Jane | April 26, 2023
  1. Where is Saguaro Lake? 

Saguaro Lake is a reservoir on the Salt River located about 20 miles from Mesa and within the Tonto National Forest. It spans 1,264 acres in size, and its average depth is about 90 feet deep. There are plenty of fun things to do at Saguaro Lake AZ, like:  

  • Fishing – As one of the best fishing lakes in the state, you can expect Saguaro Lake to be home to rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow bass, crappie, and more.  
  • Boating – The marina is in excellent shape and a popular place for hanging out.  
  • Swimming – Saguaro Lake is often thought of as one of the better swimming spots in Arizona.  

Learn even more about the amazing Saguaro Lake.   

  1. How many lakes are there in Arizona? 

Arizona might be smack in the middle of a few different deserts, but that doesn’t mean it’s without lakes. In fact, there are 128 lakes in Arizona as well as five major rivers. Thanks to Arizona’s temperatures, these lakes make for some fun times year-round (depending on where they are). When it comes to natural lakes, only two of the 128 are naturally-occurring lakes – but who cares? They’re all amazing!  

  1. What other lakes in Arizona are worth visiting? 

So, with 128 lakes to pick from, which ones are the best? Though “best” is pretty subjective, there are several lakes that tend to stick out above the others in terms of popularity. Some of the best lakes in Arizona according to visitors are ones include:  

  • Lake Pleasant – Ask any local in Phoenix if they’ve ever been to Lake Pleasant and the answer will be a resounding yes. Lake Pleasant is an iconic part of summer in and around the Phoenix area.  
  • Lake Mary – This gorgeous, sparkling lake is near Flagstaff and is surrounded by small ponds and breathtaking forests.  
  • Stoneman Lake – This is one of Arizona’s natural lakes, and you’ll find it near Sedona. It is breathtaking.  
  • Lake Powell – Arizona is home to one of the most popular lakes in the country... go figure.  
  • Lake Havasu – Yet another famous party lake located right here in the desert southwest.  

Learn more about all the best lakes in Arizona!   

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Saguaro Lake, Arizona 85264, USA