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8 Best Places in Arizona To Take Out Your Boat

Whether you’re trying to beat the heat or missing being on the coast, Arizona has some great bodies of water to take advantage of on a boat. Despite living in the desert, residents of this warm state aren’t as bad on aquatic vessels as one might think! Here are some of the best places to float, paddle, or row in the Grand Canyon state!

Lake Powell Lake Powell
Credit: Lake Powell by olfgang Staudt via Flickr

Lake Powell

Lake Powell sits on the Arizona-Utah border and is an ideal spot to cook-off from the desert heat. Fishing boats, kayaks, houseboats, and rowboats are just a few of visitors’ favorite vessels at this popular vacation spot. Want to stay longer? Book a night at one of these top hotels near Lake Powell.

Lake Havasu Lake Havasu State Park
Credit: Lake Havasu State Park by azstateparks.com

Lake Havasu

This eastern lake is not only home to the world-famous London Bridge, but it’s also one of the top spots in the west to fish and hang out on the water. It’s located in the eastern part of Arizona.

Tempe Town Lake Tempe Town Lake
Credit: Tempe Town Lake by Nick Bastian via Flickr

Tempe Town Lake

Just north of Tempe Butte is the Tempe Town Lake, which is a reservoir located on the Salt River Bed. Even though it might not be fancy, it’s definitely considered a body of water in the Phoenix area!

Saguaro Lake Marina Saguaro Lake Marina
Credit: Saguaro Lake Marina by William Herron via Flickr

Saguaro Lake Marina

Just a short drive out of Marana, Arizona is the Saguaro Lake Marina which is located within the Tonto National Forest. The beautiful mountain scenery in combination with its deep blue waters makes it a fine place to go boating.

Roper Lake Roper Lake
Credit: Roper Lake by dmallen321 via Flickr

Roper Lake

Roper Lake is the perfect place to get in touch with Mother Nature, especially during the summer months. There are cabins to rent, campsites, and plenty of space on the water to do some fishing and paddle around.

Patagonia Lake Patagonia Lake State Park
Credit: Patagonia Lake State Park by azstateparks.com

Patagonia Lake

Southern Arizonans love to visit Patagonia Lake, as it is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. They have plenty of campsites to spend a few nights at, but spots to boat and fish are all over the place.

Lake Pleasant Lake Pleasant, Arizona
Credit: Lake Pleasant, Arizona by marada via Flickr

Lake Pleasant

Lake Pleasant is the biggest lake in the Phoenix area and is a haven for people who love to rev the engines of their boats and party on the water. It’s also ideal for kayaking, sailing, and even house boating.

Lake Mead Lake Mead
Credit: Lake Mead by Desert LCC via Flickr

Lake Mead

A short distance south of Las Vegas is the largest reservoir in the United States, Lake Mead. With almost 760 miles of shoreline, there’s no doubt that it’s an awesome spot to take a boat out for a day.

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