Prescott Lakes – Best Lakes Near Prescott AZ

If you’re searching for the best lakes near Prescott, Arizona for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and family picnics, you don’t have to travel far. Just minutes from historic downtown Prescott, you’ll find scenic escapes surrounded by towering granite boulders, ponderosa pine forests, and sparkling blue water.

Why Visit Prescott Lakes:

  • All lakes are within 15 minutes of downtown Prescott.
  • Surrounded by stunning granite formations and pine forest landscapes.
  • Activities include boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.
  • Swimming is not permitted at any Prescott lakes.

Watson Lake – Iconic Granite Boulders & Kayaking Paradise

Watson Lake

  • Distance from Downtown: 4 miles.
  • Best For: Photographers, paddlers, and those seeking scenic kayaking near Prescott AZ.
  • Activities:
    • Fishing (largemouth bass, catfish).
    • Boating, kayaking, canoeing.
    • Rock climbing and hiking.
    • Summer-season camping with showers and restrooms.
  • Amenities: Picnic areas, parking, restrooms, showers (summer only).
  • Scenery: Deep blue water framed by massive granite boulders.
  • Watson Lake Details & Location »


    Lynx Lake - Family-Friendly Boating & Lakeside Trail

    Lynx Lake

  • Distance from Downtown: 15 minutes southeast.
  • Best For: Families, beginner paddlers, and anglers.
  • Activities:
    • Fishing and boating (max 10-horsepower motors).
    • Seasonal boat rentals from Lynx Lake Store (late spring–early fall, closed Mondays).
    • Lakeshore Trail - 2-mile loop, mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible.
  • Features: Shaded trails, wildlife viewing, picnic areas.
  • Lynx Lake Details & Location »


    Goldwater Lake - Year-Round Picnic & Paddle Spot

    Goldwater Lake

  • Distance from Downtown: 4 miles.
  • Best For: Day trips, small-boat paddling, and year-round picnics near Prescott AZ.
  • Activities:
    • Canoeing, kayaking, electric-motor boating only.
    • Fishing.
    • Hiking trails and picnicking.
  • Amenities:
    • Public boat ramp.
    • Seasonal kayak and canoe rentals from Prescott Outdoors.
    • Open year-round (hours vary by season).

    Directions to Goldwater Lake »


    Granite Basin Lake - Hiking & Fishing in the Pines

  • Distance from Downtown: In Granite Basin Recreation Area beneath Granite Mountain.
  • Best For: Nature lovers seeking a less crowded Prescott lake with hiking trails.
  • Activities:
    • Non-motorized boating.
    • Fishing, camping, and horseback riding.
    • Rock climbing and hiking through pine forests.
  • Scenery: Tall pines, dramatic rock formations, and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • DIrections to Goldwater Lake »


    Willlow Lake

  • Distance from Downtown: Minutes away at Willow Creek Rd & Heritage Park Rd.
  • Best For: Birders, paddle boarders, and those seeking dog-friendly lakes near Prescott AZ.
  • Activities:
    • SUP, kayaking, canoeing (no gasoline motors).
    • Hiking, biking, trail running.
    • Bird watching and dog-friendly walks.
  • Notes: Water levels vary by season; shoreline changes create unique photography opportunities.
  • DIrections to Willow Lake »


    BOOK YOUR STAY NOW


    PRESCOTT LAKE ACTIVITIES & OTHER WATER RECREATION

    Prescott Ebike Rentals & Tours

    Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!

    Some of Our Reviews:

    Lakeside Tours by Watson Lake on The Peavine and Iron King Trail! If you are looking for something fun to do in Prescott, you have come to the right place. Let our E-bikes take you on an adventure!

    Some of Our Reviews:
    • The highlight of our trip
    • Bikes are in great condition
    • Great way to experience ebikes
    • Loved the entire experience

    Full-Day Guided Kayak Fishing Down the N. Verde River from Cottonwood

    Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak,

    Fishing on Arizona's Verde River offers the opportunity to catch some really awesome fish, but if you don't know the best spots to go to, you may come back empty handed. This Verde River Kayak Fishing Full-Day Experience from Cottonwood takes you down river with a guide and in a kayak, so you not only get to fish in great spots, but you also get closer to the fish, too.

  • Go on a fun, full-day fishing trip down Arizona's Verde River
  • A perfect activity for avoiding crowds—you'll fish from your own kayak
  • A guide takes you down the river to private river runs, too
  • A kayak and all necessary fishing gear are provided for you

  • Kayak Tour on the Verde River

    Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginn

    Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.

  • Admire the lush scenery along the Verde River from the water’s edge
  • This small-group tour guarantees hands-on guidance and training
  • Safety gear, inflatable or hard kayaks, and shuttle transit included
  • Get out in nature and enjoy a fun and lively way to explore.

  • Prescott Private Day Tour with Transportation

    Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Prescott, Arizona, in a single day. Start at the Sharlot Hall Museum, where Arizona's frontier past comes alive through engaging exhibits and historic buildings. Next, wander through Whiskey Row, a lively stretch filled with storied saloons
    Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Prescott, Arizona, in a single day. Start at the Sharlot Hall Museum, where Arizona's frontier past comes alive through engaging exhibits and historic buildings. Next, wander through Whiskey Row, a lively stretch filled with storied saloons and shops that echo the Wild West. The journey continues at the Museum of Indigenous People, showcasing the art and culture of the Southwest's Native tribes. Next, we'll visit the NOCO District’s eclectic shops and art galleries. Finally, we'll conclude your tour with the serene beauty of Watson Lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a scenic hike along the Flume Trail.
  • - Explore Prescott’s history at the Sharlot Hall Museum and Whiskey Row
  • - Visit the Museum of Indigenous People for Native American cultural insights
  • - Enjoy the creative energy of the NOCO District with its unique shops
  • - Relax at Watson Lake, with options for hiking and scenic views

  • 2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood

    The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety t

    The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.

  • Combine two fun activities—kayaking and wine-tasting—on this guided tour
  • Enjoy a leisurely paddle along the Verde River—suitable for all abilities
  • Taste wines from Arizona’s premier wine-growing region: the Verde Valley
  • Receive $20 credit to spend at the winery on tastings, snacks, or gifts

  • Prescott Night Hike and Stargazing

    This night hike isn’t just a walk in the dark, it’s a private, guided journey into Prescott's most magical hours. Led by expert naturalists, our guides created a tour that combines breathtaking sunset views, unmatched stargazing in the dark skies of Prescott, and engaging wildlife explorat
    This night hike isn’t just a walk in the dark, it’s a private, guided journey into Prescott's most magical hours. Led by expert naturalists, our guides created a tour that combines breathtaking sunset views, unmatched stargazing in the dark skies of Prescott, and engaging wildlife exploration using UV flashlights to spot glowing scorpions. You’ll hike in peaceful wilderness areas far from crowds, enjoying cooler evening temperatures and the quiet solitude of the high desert at night. This is Prescott at its most serene, mysterious, and awe-inspiring. Let us take you on an unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else.

    Prescott City Highlights Tour with Museum Entry

  • Step back in time at the Sharlot Hall Museum and explore Arizona's past
  • Discover Prescott's Downtown Plaza with its eclectic shops, galleries, and bars
  • Learn about Prescott from a local whose knowledge you won't find in any books
  • Stroll through Whiskey Row an
  • Step back in time at the Sharlot Hall Museum and explore Arizona's past
  • Discover Prescott's Downtown Plaza with its eclectic shops, galleries, and bars
  • Learn about Prescott from a local whose knowledge you won't find in any books
  • Stroll through Whiskey Row and experience Prescott's Wild West heritage
  • Relax by Watson Lake or take a scenic walk along the Flume Trail

  • MORE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE PRESCOTT ON THE WATER