Refreshing Lakes near Tucson, AZ (+ other Bodies of Water)
Let’s be honest… there’s nothing quite like the summer heat in Tucson, Arizona. Coming from someone who has lived through two scorching summer seasons, I can truthfully say that the only way to survive the heat is to find a body of water quickly.
Even if it’s not the summertime, maybe you’re missing the water. It happens to the best of us, and sometimes finding a body of water is good for the soul! Whether you’re looking to cool off or just want some water therapy, here are the best lakes near Tucson, Arizona.
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love 🙂
Side note: This post was written by Sam, a local of Tucson. This way, you can ensure you are reading the BEST and most accurate guide to finding lakes near Tucson. Locals know best! Read more about Sam in the author’s bio at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
24 Lakes and other Bodies of Water near Tucson (Leaderboard)
Before we dive deep into some of the specifics of the best bodies of water to visit near Tucson, I’ve listed some of the best options to check out based on which outdoor activity you’re looking to do.
- Best for swimming: Patagonia Lake & Lake Pleasant
- Best for fishing: Rose Canyon Lake & Watson Lake
- Best for kayaking: Lake Powell & Saguaro Lake
- Best for boating: Roosevelt Lake & Bartlett Lake
- Best for hiking: Romero Pools & Hutch’s Pool
Bodies of Water near Tucson for Outdoor Recreation Activities (The Details!)
Despite the popular misconception that there’s no water in Arizona, there are plenty of bodies of water located around the state. Many different lakes and rivers are great for outdoor recreation activities. Additionally, there are many beaches near Tucson within driving distance if you’re looking for a relaxing ocean getaway.
Let’s dive in!
1. Patagonia Lake State Park
Patagonia Lake State Park is a fantastic lake to visit near Tucson and is located only about an hour and a half south. It’s a great place for recreational activities, and they even offer kayak and pontoon rentals! There are many places to explore in this state park, and you won’t be disappointed by the breathtaking views of the canyons surrounding this lake.
- Location & Distance: Patagonia, Arizona – 78 miles
- Activities Offered: Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Boating, Kayaking
- Hours of Operation: Varies based on season and day of the week. The Visitors Center is open daily from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Check their website for more information.
- Costs: $15-20 per vehicle, $3 for individuals and bicyclists
2. Roper Lake
Another awesome body of water near Tucson to visit year-round is Roper Lake! The lake has a boat launch for water activities, a beach for swimming, campgrounds, and a hot spring that’s great for unwinding! The scenery is gorgeous at Roper Lake, featuring phenomenal desert, mountain, and lake views.
- Location & Distance: Safford, Arizona – 127 miles
- Activities Offered: Camping, Swimming, Fishing, Boating, Hiking
- Hours of Operation: Open year-round with day use from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. Check the website for information on the Visitors Center and holiday hours.
- Costs: $10 per vehicle, $3 per individual or bicyclist
3. Parker Canyon Lake
Parker Canyon Lake is a great place to visit all year round, not just in the summertime! This lake offers fantastic camping, fishing, and boating opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. They also offer kayaks, paddleboards, fishing boats, and pedal boat rentals for those who don’t own watercraft!
- Location & Distance: Near Sierra Vista, Arizona – 82 miles
- Activities Offered: Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Pedal Boating, Fishing, Camping, Hiking
- Hours of Operation: Summer hours (May – August) it is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Winter hours (September – April) it is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursday – Sunday.
- Costs: $8 a day or $10 a week to park
4. Rose Canyon Lake
If you’re familiar with Tucson, or even if you’re just visiting, I’m sure that somebody has mentioned Mount Lemmon. It’s one of the area’s greatest treasures, especially in the summertime because it is higher in elevation and can bring some relief from the heat. Rose Canyon is a small but picturesque six-acre lake on Mount Lemmon fantastic for its fishing.
- Location & Distance: Mount Lemmon, Arizona – 30 miles
- Activities Offered: Fishing, Hiking, Camping
- Hours of Operation: The gate to the parking lot at the lake is closed during the winter season, but the lake is accessible by foot.
- Costs: $10 per vehicle to park, $1 per individual or bicyclist
5. Peña Blanca Lake
Peña Blanca Lake is a popular recreation area near Tucson since it’s decently close by and is open year-round. It’s a medium-sized lake surrounded by the Atascosa and Pajarito grassy mountains, providing a calming environment to settle into. During weekends and the holidays this lake can get pretty packed, so plan to arrive early!
- Location & Distance: Nogales, Arizona – 72 miles
- Activities Offered: Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Swimming, Picnicking, Camping
- Hours of Operation: Open year-round. Hours are not specified online.
- Costs: $8 a day or $10 a week to enter
6. Kennedy Lake
If you’re searching for a water source near Tucson that’s not ridiculously far away, consider checking out Kennedy Lake. It’s located in southwestern Tucson and is a quaint little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. I’d highly recommend a family picnic, fishing, or sightseeing during your visit.
- Location & Distance: Tucson, Arizona – 0 miles
- Activities Offered: Fishing, Canoeing, Playground, Swimming Pool, Sports Field
- Hours of Operation: 6:00 am to 10:30 pm year-round
- Costs: Free
7. Silverbell Lake
Silverbell Lake is another urban lake in the central west region of the city, located in Christopher Columbus Park. The lake is beautiful during spring and summer when lush palm trees and flora flourish. There is plenty to do in the park near the water, but you can also find a dog park and a model airplane field if that is of interest to you.
- Location & Distance: Tucson, Arizona – 0 miles
- Activities Offered: Fishing, Kayaking, Walking, Picnicking, Dog Park, Model Airplane Field, Bike Path, Playground, Baseball Field
- Hours of operation: 6:00 am to 10:30 pm year-round
- Costs: Free
See more dog-friendly things to do in Tucson here!
8. Riggs Flat Lake
Riggs Flat is a perfect getaway from Tucson in the warmer months. This picturesque, quiet lake is fantastic for its water activities and beautiful scenery. Despite being a smaller lake, you can access Swift Trail, which is a plus for hiking enthusiasts!
- Location & Distance: Graham County, Arizona – 158 miles
- Activities Offered: Fishing, Hiking, Boating, Camping
- Hours of Operation: Open seasonally from April 15th – November 14th
- Costs: $8 per day or $10 per week to enter
9. Sabino Creek
Although Sabino Creek isn’t at a specific location, it is the river that flows through one of Tucson’s most popular hiking spots: Sabino Canyon. If you follow along the paved road, you’ll walk along the creek to many different places to adventure and explore. Continue to walk the path to find different cool water spots along the road!
- Location & Distance: Sabino Canyon, Arizona – 12 miles
- Activities Offered: Hiking, Birding, Fishing, Backpacking
- Hours of Operation: Open 24/7 year-round. The visitor center is open from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm daily.
- Costs: $8 per day or $10 per week to enter
10. Chuck Ford Lakeside Park
Chuck Ford Lakeside Park is located in southeast Tucson and offers many great amenities within the city. This park is ideal for families and comes with 48 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities. Stroll along the lake, start a game on one of the sports fields, check out the free library, or hunker down for a picnic with your loved ones.
- Location & Distance: Tucson, Arizona – 0 miles
- Activities Offered: Fishing, Canoeing, Picnicking, Activity Court, Sports Fields, Horseshoe Pits, Playground, Fitness Stations
- Hours of Operation: 6:00 am to 10:30 pm daily, year-round
- Costs: Free
11. Theodore Roosevelt Lake
The loop around Theodore Roosevelt Lake has got to be one of the prettiest drives in all of Arizona. As someone who used to conduct a ton of fieldwork around the area, let me tell you that there is so much to do at the lake, plus the views are to die for. Known as the largest lake in Arizona, it’s popular for its fishing, boating, and miles of beachline.
- Location & Distance: Roosevelt, Arizona – 133 miles
- Activities Offered: Camping, Fishing, Boating, Picnicking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Water Skiing
- Hours of Operation: Open year-round with quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
- Costs: Check the website for boating, picnic, and campground fees.
12. Lake Havasu
I’m sure that at one point or another, you’ve heard of Arizona’s most famous lake – Lake Havasu. You can enjoy Lake Havasu at Lake Havasu State Park and/or Cattail Cove State Park. If you visit Lake Havasu State Park, it’s open 24-hours year-round, and they offer kayak rentals! This lake is also a popular spring break vacay in Arizona (if you are up for a party!)
- Location & Distance: Lake Havasu City, Arizona – 307 miles
- Activities Offered: Camping, Fishing, Boating, Swimming, Kayaking, Canoeing, Hiking
- Hours of Operation: Open 24/7, year-round
- Costs: $20 per vehicle on Friday – Sunday and on holidays, $15 per vehicle Monday – Thursday, $3 per individual or bicyclist
13. Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant is a huge 23,000-acre recreation area that offers space for kayakers, boaters, fishermen, and hikers alike. One of the benefits of this lake is that there are tons of primitive campsites along the shore, so if you’re looking to extend your stay, you can do so near the water! This lake is a popular destination as it is close to the Phoenix area.
- Location & Distance: Peoria, Arizona – 155 miles
- Activities Offered: Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking, Scuba Diving, Stargazing, Swimming, Camping
- Hours of Operation: May 1st – October 31st it is open from 5:00 am – 9:00 pm daily. November 1st – April 30th it is open from 6:00 am – 8:00 pm daily.
- Costs: Check the website for the different costs associated with different entry points.
14. Lake Mead
Lake Mead was the US’ first national recreation area and continues to deliver its promise of recreation opportunities. There are plenty of activities for visitors to engage in during their visit to this huge reservoir, including swimming, boating, canoeing, and more. It includes nine wilderness areas with 950 miles of shoreline lining the lake.
- Location & Distance: Mohave County, Arizona – 382 miles
- Activities Offered: Biking, Boating, Hiking, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Swimming, Scenic Drives
- Hours of Operation: Open 24/7, year-round
- Costs: $25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, $15 per individual
15. Lake Powell
Although Lake Powell is a bit farther away from Tucson, it’s worth noting because of all it offers. Lake Powell has once-in-a-lifetime views with its beautiful waters, magnificent canyons, and winding shallows. It’s a popular vacation destination, especially for their houseboat and watercraft rentals.
- Location & Distance: Page, Arizona – 460 miles
- Activities Offered: Boating and Boat Tours, White Water Rafting, Fishing, Hiking, Shopping, Stargazing
- Hours of Operation: Check the website for hours based on which part of the park you go to.
- Costs: $30 entrance fee per vehicle – Valid for 7 days
16. Fool Hollow Lake
Fool Hollow Lake is a great place to check out for a quieter, more relaxing water destination. It’s located in the small, quaint town of Show-Low and is an ideal location for kayaking near Tucson! The recreation area has 150 acres and is perfect for fishing, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
- Location & Distance: Show Low, Arizona – 189 miles
- Activities Offered: Camping, Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Boating, Hiking
- Hours of Operation: The park is open year-round. Check the website for information on when gates will be open.
- Costs: Monday – Thursday it costs $7 per vehicle, Friday – Sunday it costs $10 per vehicle, $3 per individual or bicyclist daily
17. Barlett Lake
Barlett Lake is an amazing Arizona getaway, especially for all of you thrill seekers out there. At Barlett Lake, you can rent boats, paddle boards, kayaks, party boats, and jet skis, making it an unforgettable trip for you and your loved ones. You can even camp on the shoreline to extend the fun on your trip!
- Location & Distance: Maricopa County, Arizona – 158 miles
- Activities Offered: Boating, Paddle Boards, Kayaking, Jet Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Water Skiing, Camping
- Hours of Operation: Open year-round, daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Costs: $6 per vehicle, plus $4 per watercraft
18. Sahuarita Lake
Sahuarita Lake is a fantastic body of water to drive to from Tucson because it’s only about a half-hour drive south. This man-made lake is perfect for strolling, fishing, and renting kayaks and canoes on the weekend. There are also plenty of interesting attractions in the area to stop by and see, including Tumacacori, Tubac, and Madera Canyon.
- Location & Distance: Sahuarita, Arizona – 23 miles
- Activities Offered: Fishing, Walking, Kayaking, Canoeing, Non-motorized Boating, Picnicking
- Hours of Operation: Open year-round from sunrise to sunset
- Costs: Free
19. Arivaca Lake
If you’re looking for a body of water that requires a long scenic drive, Arivaca Lake is your spot. Take Ruby Road to this quiet and secluded outdoor recreation spot for a relaxing afternoon. This is a great place for birding, fishing, and relaxing, as it only offers a primitive boat launch and a restroom for facilities.
- Location & Distance: Arivaca, Arizona – 68 miles
- Activities Offered: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Walking, Birding, Dispersed Camping
- Hours of Operation: Not listed
- Costs: Free
20. Romero Pools
One of the most fantastic bodies of water you can hike to is Romero Pools. You can take the Romero Canyon Trail to access the pools, and we’d recommend completing this hike in late fall, winter, or early spring to protect yourself from the heat and sun. It’s a 6-mile out and back that takes you to a beautiful swimming hole which is a great spot to relax after your hike.
- Location & Distance: Catalina State Park (Tucson, Arizona) – 13 miles
- Activities Offered: Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Birding
- Hours of Operation: Open year-round from 5:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
- Costs: $7 per vehicle, $3 per individual or bicyclist
21. Hutch’s Pool
Hutch’s Pool is a super underrated body of water you can hike to in Sabino Canyon right off of the Arizona Trail. It’s called “nature’s swimming pool,” because the river pools into a few large bodies of water near a sandy beach, making it a great swimming and backcountry camping spot. To hike to Hutch’s Pool, take West Fork Sabino Trail FS #24 at the end of the tram road for four miles.
- Location & Distance: Sabino Canyon (Tucson, AZ) – 12 miles
- Activities Offered: Hiking, Birding, Swimming, Cliff Jumping, Primitive Camping
- Hours of Operation: Open 24/7, year-round
- Costs: Free
22. Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is a fairly close drive from Tucson that provides breathtaking waterfront and mountain views. You can rent a pontoon or take a sunset cruise to take in some of the fantastic scenery this lake offers. There are also guided kayaking trips and a sloped beach at the Butcher Jones Recreation area nearby.
- Location & Distance: Tonto National Forest, Arizona – 128 miles
- Activities Offered: Boating, Kayaking, Swimming, Sailing, Water Skiing, Jet Skiing, Fishing, Camping, Picnicking
- Hours of Operation: Check the website for its hours of operation.
- Costs: Check the website for boating or camping fees.
23. Watson Lake
This hidden oasis is located just four miles outside of Prescott and is a great escape from the summer metropolitan heat. This lake features deep blue waters to fish and a granite shoreline that is fantastic for hiking and rock climbing. There are also some pretty great amenities including a fish cleaning station and playground for the kiddos.
- Location & Distance: Prescott, Arizona – 215 miles
- Activities Offered: Fishing, Boating, Picnicking, Horseshoe, Hiking, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Summer Camping
- Hours of operation: Summer hours are from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm daily. Winter hours are from 7:00 am – sunset daily.
- Costs: $3 to park
24. Canoa Lake
If you’re looking for a fantastic birding and walking trail near a body of water, consider driving half an hour south to Historic Canoa Ranch. Their lake is peaceful, and secluded, and features a ton of benches and ramadas for shade. Don’t forget to stop in the visitors center to take a tour of the historic buildings and ranch!
- Location & Distance: Green Valley, Arizona – 35 miles
- Activities Offered: Hiking, Walking, Birding
- Hours of Operation: Sunrise to sunset year-round
- Costs: Free
FAQs: Bodies of Water & Lakes near Tucson
Now that we’ve covered 24 fantastic bodies of water for you to explore near Tucson, let’s dive deeper into some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic!
Is there any water near Tucson Arizona?
There are plenty of water sources near Tucson, Arizona including many different lakes and rivers. The Santa Cruz River flows through Tucson, there are urban lakes throughout the city, and you can drive a short distance to larger lakes like Patagonia and Sahuarita Lake.
Does Tucson have any lakes?
Tucson is home to a variety of urban lakes. Some include Silverbell Lake, Kennedy Lake, and Chuck Ford Lakeside Park.
What is the lake between Tucson and Nogales?
There are a few lakes between Tucson and Nogales, but the one that sits in the middle is Sahuarita Lake. Additionally, Patagonia Lake, Canoa Lake, and Arivaca Lake are in between the two cities.
Does Tucson get Colorado River water?
Tucson does get some of its water from the Colorado River. It is Tucson’s main water source.
Lakes near Tucson Map
Who’s ready for a lake day?! Here’s a map of the best bodies of water and lakes near Tucson to help make your planning seamless!
Wrapping Up: Best 24 Bodies of Water near Tucson
There you have it! 24 of the best lakes near Tucson to escape the heat and enjoy some water therapy. Whether you’re looking to swim, kayak, boat, hike, or fish, this post contains options for everyone to enjoy! Pack your sunscreen and a snack, and you’re ready to hit the road!
About the Author!
Sam Kaiser is the owner and author of thelifestyletravelers.com – a travel blog highlighting an on-the-road, outdoor lifestyle.
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