About Lake Pleasant
This newly expanded reservoir has 114 miles of shoreline for family recreation uses. The reservoir boasts a 10-lane boat ramp; parking for 200 vehicles. Recreational facilities concentrated primarily on the reservoir's western shore. About 450 picnic sites, 165 campsites ranging from tent to primitive to improved camping with full utility hookups, 14 group-use areas, 4 overlooks, a full-service marina equipped to handle 1,000 boats, and 7 miles of trails. The lake also has a visitor center an overlook as well as a desert education center. Along with hiking, biking and watersports, sportfishing is very popular and numerous species inhabit the lake including white bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and black crappie. A state-issued license is required. Contact/Entry Station phone number is 928-501-1710. New Waddell Dam and Lake Pleasant are features of the Central Arizona Project.
How to Get There
Site is about 30 miles from Phoenix, Arizona. North on I-17, west on State Hwy. 74.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Lake Pleasant
Heading to Lake Pleasant? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Lake Pleasant?
No central reservation system listed for Lake Pleasant. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/6) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Lake Pleasant?
Site is about 30 miles from Phoenix, Arizona. North on I-17, west on State Hwy. 74.
How do I contact Lake Pleasant?
You can reach the park at phone: 602-372-7460 or email: lakepleasant@mail.maricopa.gov.
References & Official Resources
