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

- Fishing (largemouth bass, catfish).
- Boating, kayaking, canoeing.
- Rock climbing and hiking.
- Summer-season camping with showers and restrooms.
Watson Lake Details & Location »
Lynx Lake - Family-Friendly Boating & Lakeside Trail

- 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.
Lynx Lake Details & Location »
Goldwater Lake - Year-Round Picnic & Paddle Spot

- Canoeing, kayaking, electric-motor boating only.
- Fishing.
- Hiking trails and picnicking.
- 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
- Non-motorized boating.
- Fishing, camping, and horseback riding.
- Rock climbing and hiking through pine forests.
DIrections to Goldwater Lake »
Willlow Lake
- SUP, kayaking, canoeing (no gasoline motors).
- Hiking, biking, trail running.
- Bird watching and dog-friendly walks.
DIrections to Willow Lake »
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:- The highlight of our … More
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
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Excellent Service | Scenic Ride
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, … More
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.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Water Activities
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 … More
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.
Water Activities | Family-Friendly
Prescott Private Day Tour with Transportation
Mutli-Attraction Tours | Private Groups | Family-Friendly
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 … More
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.
Water Activities
Prescott Night Hike and Stargazing
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Prescott City Highlights Tour with Museum Entry
Mutli-Attraction Tours