11 AWESOME LAKES NEAR TUCSON FOR THE SUMMER

There are many fantastic lakes near Tucson, which becomes the perfect haven to beat the scorching hot weather in the Grand Canyon State.

Whether you want to swim with your kids or teach them fishing, or picnic with them, there are many beautiful lakes near Tucson within 2 hours of driving distance, making them perfect for convenient day trips during summer, weekends and holidays.

In this post, I cover all about the best Tucson lakes, the water adventures they offer, and plenty of activities with something for everyone to not only escape the heat but also have a fun holiday with kids and pets.

BEST LAKES NEAR TUCSON AZ

PATAGONIA LAKE STATE PARK

• Distance from Tucson –  75 miles
• Driving Duration – 1.5 hours
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, Jet Skiing, and Boating

One of the most beautiful beaches in Arizona is Patagonia Lake State Park, a stunning park located around the 265-acre artificial Patagonia Lake.

It is one of the high-desert sanctuaries located 75 miles south of Tucson. 

Also, Arizona’s largest concentration of vineyards and wineries form a part of the magnificent backdrop for this state park.

It is also one of the best drives, as you will be treated to fascinating views of the rolling hills of Sonoita and Elgin on your way to Patagonia State Park.

Open year-round, Patagonia Lake is a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, camping, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, water skiing, and hiking.

The number of beaches around the lake means you have plenty of space for all these relaxing activities.

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Patagonia Lake State Park, established in 1975, is situated amongst South Arizona’s rolling hills and offers some stunning panoramas for visitors.

The lake and the park attract many species of wildlife, including beautiful migrating birds, the blue herons, canyon towhee, vermilion flycatcher, and Inca pigeon.

There is a Visitors Center and a marina from where you can rent all water sports equipment, including boats.

You can rent and go boating at the boat ramp, and there is a campground and a picnic area with tables and grills. Most campsites have plenty of large trees offering shade.

The region close to the campsite is famous for fishing. Make sure you spend some time fishing here for a great catch.

Do you know? Not all outdoors and water activities, as the place, have its fair share of rich history.

The lake’s namesake town was once a supply hub for the mining industry and military.

Also, under the water in the lake lies the train tracks from the 1882 New Mexico and Arizona Railroad, which served the mines and military forts. 

ROPER LAKE STATE PARK

• Distance from Tucson –  127 miles
• Driving Duration – 2 hours
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

A small park on the southern outskirts of Safford, Roper Lake State Park is home to one of the best beaches in Arizona.

Roper Lake is a 400-acre state park on the Gila River, surrounding a lovely 32-acre lake at the foot of gorgeous Mount Graham, a part of the Pinaleño Mountains.

It is a famous relaxation spot offering many activities ideal for families. Enjoy sunbathing, take a relaxing stroll along the white sandy shores, and have a picnic lunch.

One of the best lakes near Tucson is Roper Lake State Park Hot Springs, a natural hot tub and a perfect oasis in the middle of a quiet desert.

The state park itself offers a lot of activities, especially if you are visiting during spring, as you can explore the many hiking trails, enjoy swimming, fishing, boat trips in the lake, picnic in the shaded areas or camp overnight. 

It is also a popular spot for bird-watching, including blackbirds, Great horned owls, Cardinal, flycatchers, Kingfisher, Herons, and Egrets, and admiring the stunning views of Mount Graham. 

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You can also sometimes spot bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, and rabbits.

The waters in the hot spring, created by park rangers, consist of a rock-lined pool filled with natural spring water, reaching 98.6°F.

Visitors to the lake can also camp within the park or rent a cabin. Staying in the park varies in cost; however, bathing in the spring is free.

There are three campsites, RV hookups, and eight well-maintained cabins for families with general bathrooms with showers, public phones, grills, vending machines, picnic tables, and other necessary camping amenities.

It is best to make the reservations if you wish to camp as early as possible, as the sites get booked quickly.

There is an entry fee of $10 per person, and you can check in at noon if you are camping.

PENA BLANCA LAKE

• Distance from Tucson –  20 miles
• Driving Duration – 30 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

Surrounded by scrub oak and other beautiful shrubs and trees in the Pajarito Mountain foothills, Peña Blanca Lake is a popular recreation spot for visitors from Arizona and Mexico as it borders both states.

This 49-acre lake is one of the most popular lakes near Tucson that gets crowded during holidays and summer.

Fishing and boating are the two popular activities visitors prefer, as the lake is frequently stocked with Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Largemouth Bass.

There is a boat launch ramp, shaded picnic areas with picnic tables, and fishing piers.

You can enjoy swimming and kayaking as well if you do not want to go boating or fishing. There is a primitive camping site next to the lake but without any amenities.

ROSE CANYON LAKE

• Distance from Tucson –  34 miles
• Driving Duration – 1 hour
• Activities – Fishing, Camping, Hiking

One of the most beautiful lakes near Tucson is The Rose Canyon Lake, a small, six-acre lake atop Mt. Lemmon.

It is known for its stunning location amidst ponderosa pines high on the slopes of the Santa Catalina Mountains within the Colorado National Forest.

Since the lake is classified as fragile, no swimming, boating and other water activities are allowed. 

Rose Canyon Lake has plenty of beautiful hiking trails leading to splendid views of the panoramas, and it is also one of the famous fishing lakes near Tucson.

From early April through the end of August, it becomes a hotspot among anglers as plenty of rainbow trout of all sizes is stocked every month.

Although the lake remains closed for any activity, during the winter, you can still fish in Rose Canyon with a valid fishing license.

There is parking available and restrooms, with the lake parking day use fee being $10.00 per day per vehicle (up to 6 persons).

Camping is first come, first served or through reservation.

PARKER CANYON LAKE

• Distance from Tucson –  81 miles
• Driving Duration – 1 hour 45 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

Parker Canyon Lake is one of the beautiful mountain lakes in the Canelo Hills west of the Huachuca Mountains near Tucson, southwest of Sierra Vista, and is renowned for its spectacular location, abundant wildlife, and plenty of recreational opportunities.

It is one of the most crowded lakes near Tucson AZ despite its remote location thanks to its cool weather and many activities with something available for everyone.

The journey to the lake is an adventurous and long one, as you will pass through beautiful landscapes on the long, paved roads that lead to it. 

the marina where you can rent boating and fishing equipment and buy last-minute supplies like food, snacks and cold drinks. 

Fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, SUP, hiking and camping are available to visitors.

Parker Canyon Lake offers both cold and warm water species, including rainbow trout, long-mouth bass, panfish, sunfish, and channel catfish. 

You have the option of fishing from the pier and or on boats.

There is a paved boat ramp at the lake, as well as a lakeside paved area and a gravelled path along some of the best catfishing shorelines. Boats are limited to one 10-hp motor or less.

There is a marina and a country store at the lakeshore where you can pick up supplies, buy a fishing license, or rent a boat. 

I recommend Parker Canyon Lake for nature lovers and hikers as well as you have plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. 

Get on the five-mile trail around the shoreline that offers excellent vantage points to watch the ducks, waterfowls, Bald eagles and osprey.

You can also spot spring warblers and hummingbirds in season. 

Some of the mammals you can spot include Coues whitetail deer, Coatimundi, javelina, and roadrunners.

There are plenty of picnic tables in large shaded areas for relaxing picnics where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the lake and its views. There are restrooms, paid parking, and drinking water available.

Day use is $8 per vehicle. America the Beautiful Pass is only accepted at picnic sites. You can buy the pass at the kiosk via cash or credit card.

RIGGS FLAT LAKE

• Distance from Tucson –  158 miles
• Driving Duration – 3.5 hours
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

Located on top of Mt. Graham in the Pinelino Mountains, Riggs Flat Lake is one of my favourite lakes near Tucson as it is beautifully surrounded by Alpine forested mountains and meadows, more abundant forests and mountains compared to other Tucson Lakes.

On clear days, you can admire the beautiful views of the West Peak, Aravaipa Valley and the Galiuro Mountains to the west, especially if you get on any of the trails along the shoreline leading to the overlooks.

Riggs Flat Lake, spanning 12 acres, is located at the end of Swift Trail, and you have to continue along Forest Roads 803 and 287 for about 5 miles to the campground. The last 12 miles of this road are narrow and winding. 

It is best to drive a high-clearance vehicle, However, getting there can be daunting if you are with young children.

Fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking and canoeing are some of the activities you can enjoy at Riggs Flat Lake.

The fishing season is from May to October, day and night, and you can fish for regularly stocked Brown trout, Brook trout and Rainbow trout during these months, either from the shoreline or using small boats.

Boats are limited to one electric trolling motor that can be launched from the ramp.

There are restrooms and drinking water available, but most of the areas around the lake are undeveloped, including the primitive campground near the lake, which also has almost no amenities except for the water and vault toilets.

Day-use fee is $8 per vehicle. You can buy a pass online, or purchase a pass on-site with cash or check. You can also display America the Beautiful Pass.

ARIVACA LAKE

• Distance from Tucson –  67 miles
• Driving Duration – 1.5 hours
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, SUP, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, and Boating

One of the beautiful mountain lakes near Tucson, Arivaca Lake, a 90-acre reservoir lake at about 3800 feet elevation, is one of the best lakes near Tucson if you are up for a beautiful drive and secluded lake day in the summer.

The drive to Arivaca Lake, if you access it via Ruby, is a fascinating one, passing through stunning landscapes in the Nogales District of the Coronado National Forest. 

Arivaca Lake is managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, that regularly stocks the lake with channel catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass. 

Fishing can be done from shore or boats. A single-lane boat ramp is available. Power boats are limited to 10 hp gas or electric trolling motors. 

Arivaca Lake is best known for fishing, but you can also enjoy canoeing, small sail boating, wildlife viewing and rock climbing.

Arivaca Lake is a famous bird-watching hotspot, and you can spot hawks, eagles, ospreys, canyon wrens, white-breasted nuthatches, eastern phoebes, flycatchers and lark sparrows.

Among the animals, you can spot whitetail deer, mule deer, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and jack and cottontail rabbits.

Arivaca Lake is a famous bird-watching hotspot, and you can spot hawks, eagles, ospreys, canyon wrens, white-breasted nuthatches, eastern phoebes, flycatchers and lark sparrows.

Among the animals, you can spot whitetail deer, mule deer, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and jack and cottontail rabbits. 

You must pack everything out as there is no trash pickup. There are two pit toilets.

HOW TO REACH?

If you take Ruby Road to Arivaca Lake, take the Ruby Road exit off Interstate 19. Turn south out of Arivaca onto Forest Road 216 and continue for about 1 mile.

Then head east on Forest Road 39, about 5 miles and take a road that turns left (east) and follow that to the lake.

URBAN LAKES NEAR TUCSON AZ

KENNEDY LAKE

• Distance from Tucson –  8 miles
• Driving Duration – 15 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, Picnics, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming(Pool), and Boating

Open until 10:30 PM, Kennedy Lake, located in J F Kennedy Park, is one of the famous urban lakes near Tucson and is a top hangout spot among locals for jogging, walking, and picnics in the centre of the city.

Kennedy lake is also a community fishing lake and attracts anglers on the weekends and holidays.

Swimming is prohibited, but you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and small boats.

There is a swimming pool to cool off, a playground, sports fields, picnic areas and ramadas.

For those wanting to hike, you can follow one or many trails that lead to the nearby Tucson Mountain Park, which also has many beautiful trails.

SILVER BELL LAKE

• Distance from Tucson –  6 miles
• Driving Duration – 12 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, Picnics, Kayaking, and Boating

Located in Christopher Columbus Park along the Santa Cruz River on Silverbell Road, Silver Bell Lake is one of the famous lakes near Tucson, also open until 10:30 PM every night.

You can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, boating(small non-motorized boats), and picnics in the large shaded areas.

There is a playground, a dog park, and also a unique

Model Airplane Area. Also, check out the Model Boat Lake, also known as Archer Lake).

SAHUARITA LAKE

• Distance from Tucson –  22 miles
• Driving Duration – 30 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, Picnics, Kayaking, and Boating

Sahuarita Lake is one of the famous urban fishing lakes near Tucson.

Spanning 10 acres, the lake is also a top spot for families looking to picnic, walk their dogs, or play with kids.

Anglers can enjoy fishing bass, sunfish, and trout when the lake gets regularly stocked during the summer months.

Boating(small motor boats) is permitted only between sunrise and sunset. Although you cannot swim, you can enjoy kayaking and canoeing.

The Outdoor Amphitheatre hosts several events during summer, including musical concerts. There is a walking trail, group ramadas and shaded areas for picnics. 

LAKESIDE LAKE

• Distance from Tucson –  13 miles
• Driving Duration – 20 minutes
• Activities – Fishing, Canoeing, Picnics, Kayaking, and Boating

Like all other urban lakes near Tucson, Lakeside Lake offers a quick getaway to families in the eastern part of the city at Chuck Ford-Lakeside Park in east Tucson.

It is primarily a fishing lake, and summer months attract anglers for bass, trout, catfish and sunfish, while families can enjoy boating, kayaking and canoeing in the lake.

If you are looking for a water-sports day without having to drive for long, Lakeside Lake is a good option.

MAP OF THE LAKES NEAR TUCSON AZ