Despite Arizona's dry and desert environment, many waterways cross its surface. From clear mountain streams to deep man-made desert lakes, a number of impressive water ways are available to campers in Arizona. The state's waterways offer a wide range of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, from fishing to nature watching. Campsites can be primitive to developed, back country isolated or conveniently drive-up. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique camping experience, then Arizona is sure to satisfy.
Woods Canyon Lake near Payton, Arizona
Woods Canyon Lake may only cover 55 acres, but its natural beauty and easy accessibility make it a favorite for nature lovers and fishermen alike. It is one of the most accessible of the Rim lakes. Bring your boat but be advised that only electric motors are allowed on the lake. There are four campsites around the lake, with the Spillway Campground being the one closest to the waters edge. It is possible to drive up to all of the campgrounds. Fishing is one of the main draws here. You can catch rainbow or brown trout, and there is an abundant crayfish population as well. The lake is surrounded by a thick stand of ponderosa pines, making for some excellent hiking and bird watching.
Workman Creek near Young, Arizona
Located in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness Area, Workman Creek is an isolated stream in a ponderosa pine forest. Its isolated location makes it hard to get to, but it is worth the extra work. No organized campgrounds are at Workman Creek. Instead, primitive sites dot the lake at appropriate intervals to give campers peaceful isolation. Many species of wildlife live in the area, including whitetailed deer, bears, elk, turkey, javelina and mountain lions. An excellent hike is to Workman Creek Falls, a 100-foot waterfall. It is only a short hike upstream from the campsites.
Lake Mead on Nevada/Arizona Border
Located on the Nevada/Arizona border just 30 miles south of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the result of the famous Hoover dam on the Colorado border. This cool, deep lake is a striking sky blue against the surrounding red desert cliffs. Many campsites are at Camp Mead, from primitive sites that are free of charge to more developed sites with RV hookups where reservations are recommended. Some of the more popular developed sites include Boulder Beach, Callville Bay, Echo Bay, Las Vegas Bay and Temple Bar. There are plenty activities to enjoy while camping on Lake Mead, including beating, fishing, swimming, jet skiing and sailing.
Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake is located just 120 miles outside of Phoenix, Arizona, in the Bill Williams River Valley. It offers spectacular wildlife watching opportunities where visitors can witness bald eagles, coyotes, feral burrows, egrets and herons in the wild. Fishing is another popular activity on the lake, and anglers commonly catch bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish and black crappie here. Tent camping sites for individuals and groups are available as well as full hookup RV sites. There are two boat ramps for public use.
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is another Arizona lake creation by the Army Corps of Engineers. This deep and cold lake shimmers a deep blue in the surrounding red desert landscape. There are 47 drive-up sites with many that are located right on the water. There are three boat ramps for boaters to use, and motorized boats are allowed on Lake Havasu. Boat sports on Havasu include water skiing, wake boarding and jet skiing. Fishing is also popular, and anglers can expect to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped, bass, and various catfish and sunfish species. There are a number of wildlife species to look for during nature hikes. Commonly seen birds include the redtail hawk, roadrunners and great blue herons. Desert mammals, such as cottontail rabbits, coyote and bobcats, are also often sighted.
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