When it comes to the best 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
This is a great spot for lake camping in AZ, as it sits only a short walk from the beautiful Knoll Lake, located on the Mogollon Rim. It has 30 campsites with amenities like picnic tables, cooking grills, and vault toilets.
Knoll Lake Campground is a first-come, first-serve campground.
2. Alamo Lake State Park
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. You can make your Alamo Lake State Park camping reservations online or by phone.
3. Ashurst Lake Campgrounds
One of the best places for lakeside camping in AZ, at Ashurst Lake Campgrounds 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.
4. Dogtown Lake Campground
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. Visit the
Recreation.gov website for reservations and rates for Dogtown Lake Campground.
5. Kaibab Lake Campground
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. Visit our previous article on this lakeside camping in AZ.
6. Spillway Campground at Woods Canyon Lake
Another spot for some of the best camping in Arizona is Spillway Campground, located on Woods Canyon Lake. It is situated 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.
These really are some of the best camping spots in Arizona near water that you can find! 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? We would love to hear from you! Tell us about your favorite places to go lakeside camping in Arizona.
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 previous article: 8 Low-Key Hikes In Arizona With Amazing Payoffs.
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