When most people think of Arizona, they imagine a barren, dust-ridden land. The joke’s on them because we actually have a large number of Arizona lakes for fishing, boating, and any other water activity you can imagine. Some are naturally occurring beauties of all sizes and others are human-made reservoirs that can still be quite alluring. Check out the best lakes in Arizona, and remember to stay safe around water!

1. Ashurst Lake, Coconino County

2. Bartlett Lake, Maricopa County

This reservoir is large and popular with the Phoenix crowd because it’s located less than an hour outside city limits. We can’t guarantee it always looks this quiet. This is one of the best lakes in Arizona

3. Big Lake, Apache County

We think this area lives up to its name, plus you can find a wide variety of fish species to catch!

4. Canyon Lake, Maricopa County

Another large reservoir that’s actually not too far from Apache Junction in the Tonto National Forest. Can you imagine what it looked like before the river was dammed? Canyon Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona; come see for yourself.

5. Cataract Lake, Coconino County

This area is actually a lot prettier than its name suggests. We wouldn’t mind opening up our tents to a sight like this.

6. Chevelon Canyon Lake, Coconino County

Leave your little Smart Car at home if you plan to visit this reservoir. This picturesque site is only accessible by dirt road and a bit of hiking.

7. Dogtown Lake, Coconino County

Melting in this heat? Maybe heading for the sparkling waters at Dogtown Lake would be a refreshing change.

8. Granite Basin Lake, Yavapai County

One of the smaller lakes surrounding Prescott, Granite Basin is a great location for camping, hiking, fishing, and photography.

9. Kaibab Lake, Coconino County

Another little lake sitting outside Williams, this area is quite popular with the camping and fishing crowd. Also, we don’t know about you, but that snow is looking refreshing right about now. The area is also home to some of the best camping in Arizona.

10. Lake Havasu, Mohave County

11. Lake Mead, Mohave County

Next time you’re headed to Las Vegas, stop by our state’s largest reservoir which has traditionally been popular for boating and fishing. You can occasionally also see the ruins of the St. Thomas, the town that once existed there, when the water levels are low. Lake Mead has the honor of being one of the largest lakes in Arizona!

12. Lake Pleasant, Maricopa County

Another wildly popular area for the Phoenix crowd, this Arizona lake has plenty of areas for your family to enjoy picnics, fishing, and a variety of water sports.

13. Lake Powell, Coconino County

Another major reservoir in the Southwest, Arizona shares this lake with Utah. It has also been the filming site for a handful of movies and the inspiration behind one of Edward Abbey's novel. It's one of the most breathtakingly scenic places in Arizona you can visit.

14. Mormon Lake, Coconino County

Just barely a lake, the depth here fluctuates during the seasons between 10 feet and nothing at all.

15. Patagonia Lake, Santa Cruz County

A little more than 20 minutes north of Nogales sits Patagonia Lake, a popular site for sports fishing and bird watching.

16. Potato Lake, Coconino County

Who would have thought such a tiny place would look so dramatic? You probably won’t have any luck fishing here but the tiny lake is a popular site for hikers and picnickers.

17. Roper Lake, Graham County

Just seeing the picture of this lake, which sits minutes outside of Safford, makes me want to go there now.

18. Saguaro Lake, Maricopa County

Birding, boating, fishing. What else could you ask for in a lake? This scenic lake is definitely one of our picks for the best lakes in Arizona.

19. Tempe Town Lake, Maricopa County

Okay, this one is a bit divisive. You have one camp that professes their love for Tempe Town Lake while another claims it is nothing other than a large, green swimming pool. No matter which side of the argument you sit on, it does make a great setting for some stunning pictures.

20. Woods Canyon Lake, Coconino County

What do you think of our list? Which of your favorite lakes in Northern Arizona deserves a spot on the list? Tell us in the comments!