Arizona has more great boating lakes than most people expect: big Colorado River water on the west side, a chain of canyon lakes east of Phoenix, and red-rock wonders up north. The best one for you depends on how far you want to drive, what your group wants to do and whether jet skis are on the list.
We set up boats and Sea-Doos at lakes all over Arizona, so here's our honest take on how they compare. Your rental is ready at the lake wherever you go.
Our quick picks
Arizona lakes side by side
Drive times are approximate from central Phoenix. Sizes are for a full lake; water levels change from year to year.
| Lake | Drive from Phoenix | Size | Jet skis | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Pleasant | About 45 min | About 10,000 acres | Yes | Big open water, sunset cruises |
| Saguaro Lake | About 45 min | About 1,260 acres | Yes | Surfing, quick trips |
| Canyon Lake | About 1 hr | About 950 acres | Yes | Canyon scenery (closed for dam work until early 2027) |
| Bartlett Lake | About 1 hr 15 min | About 2,800 acres | Yes | Beaches, families |
| Roosevelt Lake | About 2 hr | Over 20,000 acres | Yes | Open water, weekend trips |
| Apache Lake | About 2 to 2.5 hr | About 2,600 acres | Yes | Quiet canyon coves |
| Parker Strip | About 2.5 to 3 hr | About 15 miles of river | Yes | River days, beach stops |
| Lake Havasu | About 3 hr | About 19,300 acres | Yes | Everything: surfing, coves, nightlife |
| Patagonia Lake | About 3 hr (1 hr 15 min from Tucson) | About 265 acres | No | Family boating near Tucson |
| Lake Mead | About 4 hr (30 min from Las Vegas) | One of the largest reservoirs in the U.S. | Yes | Big water, Vegas trips |
| Lake Powell | About 4.5 hr | About 186 miles long | Yes | Red-rock canyons, multi-day trips |
Looking beyond this list? Explore the lakes map to search every lake we serve in Arizona and nearby states.
How to choose the right lake
- For surfing and wakeboarding: Saguaro Lake and Lake Pleasant on weekday mornings, or the open basins of Lake Havasu and Roosevelt Lake. Calm water and light boat traffic matter more than size.
- For families with young kids: Bartlett Lake's beaches, Patagonia Lake's swimming beach and the protected coves of Lake Havasu are easy, relaxed choices.
- For Sea-Doo riders: Lake Havasu, Lake Powell and Roosevelt Lake have the most room to roam. Skip Patagonia Lake, where jet skis aren't allowed.
- For jaw-dropping scenery: Lake Powell is in a league of its own. Closer to home, Canyon Lake and Apache Lake wind through towering canyon walls.
- For a quick after-work trip: Lake Pleasant from the west and north Valley, Saguaro Lake from the East Valley and Scottsdale.
- For a weekend getaway: Lake Havasu, Lake Powell, Roosevelt Lake and the Parker Strip all have lodging or camping nearby.
- For cooler summer days: Up near Flagstaff, Upper Lake Mary sits in the pines at about 6,800 feet, where summer days are far cooler than the desert.
Water levels and closures
Arizona's lakes change from year to year. Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit record lows in 2026, which moved some launch ramps and beaches. Canyon Lake closed in September 2026 for once-every-20-years dam work, with the Forest Service closure running through February 28, 2027. On the Salt River, SRP usually keeps Saguaro, Canyon and Apache lakes close to full. We keep track of all of it, and when you book we confirm where your rental will be ready.
Passes and fees at a glance
- Tonto Pass lakes: Saguaro, Canyon, Bartlett, Roosevelt and Apache are in the Tonto National Forest, where a Tonto Daily Pass is required for your vehicle at most recreation sites.
- Lake Pleasant: Maricopa County charges a per-vehicle park entry fee.
- Patagonia Lake: Arizona State Parks charges a per-vehicle entrance fee.
- Lake Powell and Lake Mead: National recreation area entrance fees apply to your vehicle.
- Lake Havasu and the Parker Strip: It depends on where you park. City, county and state park lots each have their own rules.
What to rent
Whichever lake you choose, our wake boats seat 12 to 18 people and handle surfing, tubing and cruising, and Sea-Doos are perfect for exploring. Many groups book both. Shopping for pontoon boat rentals? Our boats give you just as much room to relax, with a lot more to do.
Arizona lake questions
What is the best lake in Arizona for boating?
For most groups, Lake Havasu. It has warm water, open space for every water sport, sandy coves and plenty to do on shore. Near Phoenix, Lake Pleasant is the top pick.
What's the closest boating lake to Phoenix?
Lake Pleasant and Saguaro Lake are both about 45 minutes from central Phoenix. Lake Pleasant is closer for the west and north Valley, and Saguaro Lake is closer for Mesa, Scottsdale and Fountain Hills.
Which Arizona lakes don't allow jet skis?
Patagonia Lake State Park doesn't allow personal watercraft. Jet skis are welcome at every other lake in our top 10.
What's the best Arizona lake for families?
Bartlett Lake for its sandy beaches, Lake Havasu for its calm coves and Patagonia Lake near Tucson for its swimming beach and gentle no-wake end.
When is the best time to go boating in Arizona?
April through October for warm water. Spring and fall are the most comfortable. In summer, go early in the morning or in the evening to beat the heat.
Is the rental ready at the lake I choose?
Yes. Your boat or Sea-Doo is ready at the lake you choose, and we confirm the meeting point and time when you book.