When it comes to lake camping in Arizona, we don’t need to tell you twice that the Grand Canyon State is home to some incredible natural landscapes to explore. If you’ve been meaning to get out of the city and sleep under the stars, then we bet you will love these six campsites in Arizona that just happen to be located near some of our beautiful lakes. Let’s take a look!

1. Knoll Lake Campground
Knoll Lake Campground, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
Coconino National Forest/Flickr
This is a great spot for lake camping in AZ, as it sits only a short walk from Knoll Lake, located on the Mogollon Rim. It has 30 campsites with amenities like picnic tables, cooking grills, and vault toilets. Get more details on Knoll Lake and campground.

Explore Knoll Lake and the surrounding Mogollon Rim area in this amazing video:
2. Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake State Park, Arizona, USA
Alamo Lake State Park/Facebook
Alamo Lake turns from a rocky terrain into a lush paradise in the early spring months when the wildflowers bloom. Most people tend to visit for the fishing opportunities, but the lake - which is located in the middle of nowhere between Wickenburg and Parker - is also perfect if you enjoy stargazing and watching desert wildlife. When it comes to AZ lake camping, this one is top notch. Learn more about Alamo Lake State Park.
3. Ashurst Lake Campgrounds
Ashurst Lake Campgrounds, Forest Service Rd 82E, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Rocky Chrysler/Flickr
kittypurr1342/TripAdvisor
One of the best places for lakeside camping in AZ, here, you can almost open your tent up to the lake, giving you a fantastic view of the San Francisco Peaks and the beautiful forest all around you. Keep your eyes peeled when you spend a night (or three) here; you just might witness bald eagles and other majestic wildlife visiting the area! This amazing lake in Arizona is like a dream come true.

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4. Dogtown Lake Campground
Dogtown Lake Campground And Group, 1250 Pine Top Dr, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Kaibab National Forest/Flickr
Kaibab National Forest/Flickr
This campground is located about 6.5 miles southeast of Williams and, as you can probably tell by the photos above, you’ll find scenery here that looks like paradise. For more information on AZ lake camping here, visit the U.S. Forest Service website.
5. Kaibab Lake Campground
Kaibab Lake Campground, Forest Service Rd 47, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Kaibab National Forest/Flickr
Kaibab National Forest/Flickr
This campground sits at the edge of Kaibab Lake, which is about 12 minutes north of Williams, but it still feels fairly secluded. You’ll love the towering pines that surround the lake, as well as the fishing opportunities, nature trails, and impossibly dark night skies well suited for stargazing. Get all the details on lakeside camping in AZ.
6. Spillway Campground at Woods Canyon Lake
Spillway Campground, Forest Service Rd 105, Payson, AZ 85541, USA
Devin/Flickr
Devin/Flickr
Another spot for some of the best camping in AZ is Spillway Campground on Woods Canyon Lake. It is located on the Mogollon Rim along Rim Road halfway between Payson and Heber. During your trip here, be sure to schedule some time for boating and checking out the local hiking trails that will take you deeper into the forest.

Learn more about Woods Canyon Lake:

Have you enjoyed a weekend of lake camping in Arizona at any of these lovely spots? Are there any other AZ lake camping sites that we should check out? Share your recommendations in the comments below, and don’t forget to share photos from your outdoor adventures on our Arizona Nature Lovers Facebook group for a chance to see your shots featured!

Looking for other fun outdoor activities you can enjoy this spring and summer in Arizona? If you’re not quite up for the commitment of camping, then try some short trails to get you out into nature. Check out some of our suggestions in our recent article: 8 Low-Key Hikes In Arizona With Amazing Payoffs.

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Lake Camping in Arizona

Rachel Raimondi | May 08, 2022

What are the best outdoor activities in Arizona?

Home to three national parks, Arizona is a real nature lover’s playground. Of course, there’s Grand Canyon National Park, where you can see the ancient mile-deep gorge as well as hike and bike while taking in the views. There’s also Saguaro National Park in Tucson, where you can see over two million saguaro cacti, each unique in size and shape. You can also hike here and even find some of the best camping in AZ. In the Petrified Forest National Park, you can take in the countless pieces of petrified wood, most especially fallen trees that are estimated to be over 200 million years old. This is a great park to not only drive through, but also hike, bike, horseback ride, and backpack. Learn more about this unique place.

What are the most unique towns in Arizona?

There are 91 incorporated cities and towns within Arizona. Among its nearly 114,000 square miles, you can find some truly interesting ones. Take, for example, Tortilla Flat, located in Maricopa County. This is an unincorporated community, with a population of just six. However, due to its location along the Apache Trail, and the fact that it’s the last surviving stagecoach along it, make it a great stop to make. There’s a bar and restaurant, a gift shop, a general store, and a gift shop.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Arizona?

 Although one of 27 landlocked states in the United States, Arizona definitely has some places to enjoy the water. In fact, there are 128 lakes within the state. In Prescott National Forest, there’s the 55-acre Lynx Lake. Here, you can take a bike, camp, fish, boat, picnic, and hike. Another popular lake in Arizona is Lake Havasu, which has several beaches in the state park along 400 miles of shoreline. Boating is also pretty popular here as well as jet skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. And for those who feel the need for speed, know that there is no speed limit on this lake.

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