Goldwater Lake offers a quieter side of Prescott, with ponderosa pine, picnic areas, fishing and paddling just a few miles south of downtown. Its smaller size and forested setting make it especially appealing for families, anglers and visitors looking for a relaxed outdoor stop without spending the entire day away from town.
Visitors can kayak, canoe, fish, hike and picnic around the lake. Swimming is not permitted, but the combination of water recreation, trails and family amenities makes Goldwater one of Prescott's easiest lakes to work into a half-day outing.
Choose Goldwater Lake for pine forest, picnicking and a quieter mountain setting. Choose Watson Lake for Granite Dells scenery, photography and more dramatic rock formations.
Things to Do at Goldwater Lake
Kayaking & Boating
Kayaks, canoes and other permitted paddle craft can use Goldwater Lake, and a public boat launch provides access to the water. Motorized boating is limited to electric motors; gasoline-powered motors are not permitted.
Fishing
Goldwater Lake is popular with anglers and is easy to combine with a picnic or short walk. Arizona fishing-license requirements apply, so check current regulations before heading out.
Hiking & Walking
Trails around the lake connect with the surrounding forest and broader Prescott trail network. Even a short walk gives visitors a much different landscape from the exposed granite around Watson Lake.
Picnics & Family Activities
Goldwater Lake works well for families and groups because not everyone needs to be hiking or paddling to enjoy the visit.
- Picnic tables and grills
- Children's playground
- Sand volleyball
- Horseshoe pits
- Restrooms
- Accessible picnic areas
- Walking and hiking trails
Swimming is not permitted at Goldwater Lake. Plan on paddling, fishing, boating or shoreline recreation instead.
Goldwater Lake Visitor Information
- Location: Roughly four miles south of Prescott
- Summer hours: April 1–October 31, 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
- Winter hours: November 1–March 31, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Parking: $5 per vehicle
- Free parking: Wednesdays
- Swimming: Not permitted
- Boating: Electric motors only
- Boat launch: Available
Parking fees, hours and temporary access conditions can change, so check current City of Prescott information before making a special trip.
Travelers looking for more inexpensive activities can also browse our free and cheap things to do in Prescott guide.
Plan Your Visit
How Long to Spend
Two to four hours is enough for a picnic, short walk and time near the water. Families, anglers and paddlers can easily stretch the visit into most of a day.
Best Time of Day
Morning is a good choice for fishing, paddling and quieter conditions. Summer afternoons can bring monsoon thunderstorms, so check the Prescott weather before heading to the lake.
Goldwater Lake or Lynx Lake?
Both offer forested lake settings, but Lynx Lake is part of a larger Prescott National Forest recreation area with nearby camping and broader forest access. Goldwater is particularly convenient when you want a shorter lake outing close to town.
What to Bring
- Drinking water
- Sun protection
- Layers for changing mountain temperatures
- Picnic supplies
- Fishing license and gear if fishing
- Kayak, canoe or permitted watercraft if paddling
- Sturdy shoes for walking or hiking
Goldwater Lake is close enough to Prescott that you can spend the morning outdoors and return downtown for lunch, shopping or sightseeing. Use our things to do in Prescott and Prescott attractions guides to plan the rest of the day.
Check current weather, parking, operating hours and any temporary recreation-area closures shortly before your visit.
Goldwater Lake FAQ
How far is Goldwater Lake from downtown Prescott?
Goldwater Lake is roughly four miles south of Prescott, making it one of the closest lake recreation areas to downtown.
Can you swim at Goldwater Lake?
No. Swimming is not permitted at Goldwater Lake.
Can you kayak at Goldwater Lake?
Yes. Kayaking and canoeing are permitted, and the lake has a public boat launch.
Can you use a motorboat at Goldwater Lake?
Electric motors are permitted. Gasoline-powered motors are not allowed.
How much is parking at Goldwater Lake?
Current parking is $5 per vehicle, with free parking on Wednesdays.
