Best Arizona lakes for swimming. There are some great swimming lakes in Arizona, and a nice handful are near Phoenix! Take the family out to explore this summer, and make some memories. And always research before you go, as closures, prices increases, or other changes can happen.
Near Phoenix
Lake Pleasant (Fireman’s Cove, Sunset Ridge) – $7/car, Paqua Park water obstacle course extra
Hidden Lake – $10/adults, $8/child (under 4 free), water obstacle course extra
Bartlett Lake (SB Cove) – $8/car
Canyon Lake – $8/car
Saguaro Lake (Butcher Jones) – $8/car
Apache Lake – $8/car
Roosevelt Lake – $8/car
Beyond Phoenix
*Lynx Lake – $5/car
*Granite Basin – $5/car
*Horsethief Basin Lake – no fee
*Mingus Lake – $5/car
* = while previously not swimmable, this has changed and are open to swimming according to their website
Fools Hollow lake – $7/car
Patagonia Lake – $15/car
Lyman Lake – $7/car
Roper Lake – $10/car
Alamo Lake – $7/car
Lake Powell (Wahweap Beach, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area) – $30/car
Lake Havasu (Rotary Community Park, London Bridge Beach) – free
Lake Havasu (state park) – $15/car
Our top must-haves for a lake day? Sunscreen and hats, lots of water and food, towels, sand toys, and floaties for nonswimmers. Extras we love are water shoes, camping chairs, plus a shade tent for breaks.
Above: Swimming at Bartlett Lake
