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11 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff has a mix of natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. All of which are fantastic spots for fishing, paddling, and camping. But when it comes to wakeboarding or skiing, options are limited.
ItIsWild.com: Lakes near Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a mecca for outdoor fans and a getaway to some of the best hiking in America. But not many know that it has a wide selection of lakes that offer trout fishing, paddling, and camping.

Most of the options on the list are cozy, peaceful reservoirs with developed campgrounds that operate during the warm season. But if you are looking for a bigger lake with wakeboarding and skiing, Upper Lake Mary is your only option.

Lakes near Flagstaff:

  1. Upper Lake Mary
  2. Lower Lake Mary
  3. Marshall Lake
  4. Mormon Lake
  5. Ashurst Lake
  6. Kinnikinick Lake 
  7. Dogtown Lake
  8. Cataract Lake
  9. Santa Fe Lake
  10. Kaibab Lake
  11. Whitehorse Lake
Lakes near Flagstaff Arizona Comparison Table

1. Upper Lake Mary

  • Official Page: Upper Lake Mary
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 15 miles (20 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, SUPs, Picnics, Hiking, Swimming, Camping, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing

Upper Lake Mary is a 450-acre reservoir southeast of Flagstaff that can be reached in just 20 minutes. It is one of the most versatile spots near the city.

The unique thing about the lake is that it has no boat engine limit, which is rare in the area, as most reservoirs prohibit any boats with over 10hp motors.

So if you are into wakeboarding, waterskiing, or love blasting down on a jet ski, this is the perfect option.

But the fun doesn’t stop here as the lake also offers excellent kayaking and is often stocked with trout or catfish, making it a fantastic destination for anglers. Swimming is allowed in Upper Lake Mary, too, which is not the case at some other lakes in the area.

Also, you can stay at the Lakeview Campground and make a weekend out of it. So much fun and just 20 minutes from the town, it’s a fantastic spot!

Related: 17 Highest-Rated Hiking Trails near Flagstaff

2. Lower Lake Mary

  • Official Page: Lower Lake Mary
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 9 miles (15 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, SUPs, Picnics, Hiking

Lower Lake Mary is an odd destination. As the official website puts it, ‘Sometimes it’s a lake. Sometimes it’s not’. It’s all to do with the fact that the reservoir dries up and turns into a marsh when the weather stays dry for some time.

However, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout when it’s full, attracting anglers from far and wide. Other than that, it’s an excellent spot for paddling and picnics, but that’s pretty much it.

The only access area is day-use only and offers restrooms, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. Clearly, it’s not as versatile as the lake’s bigger neighbor – the Upper Lake Mary – but it’s worth a visit, especially considering the proximity to Flagstaff.

Related: 12 Stunning Lakes near Payson

3. Marshall Lake

Marshall Lake
  • Official Page: Marshall Lake
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 14 miles (25 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, SUPs, Picnics, Hiking, Camping, Birding

Marshall Lake is another ‘part-time’ reservoir that dries up during fall and droughts. Yet, it’s an excellent fishing and camping destination when it’s full.

The unique thing about the lake is how much wildlife it attracts. You can spot bald eagles, ospreys, ducks, coots, and herds of elk, just to name a few. 

In summer, the lake is blooming with golden sunflowers providing a magnificent sight! It’s a fantastic destination for birding and nature fans.

Fishing for trout is a popular activity when the reservoir is stocked. And boating and paddling are possible, too, thanks to a primitive boat ramp. Note that boats are restricted to 10hp motors.

Also, Lowell Observatory nearby provides a clue to another popular activity in the area – stargazing and night sky photography. And the primitive campsite by the lake can be an excellent base for that, even though Flagstaff is just 25 minutes away.

Related: 7 Amazing Recreational Lakes near Show Low, AZ

4. Mormon Lake

Mormon Lake
  • Official Page: Mormon Lake
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 27 miles (35 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, SUPs, Swimming, Picnics, Hiking, Camping, Birding

Mormon Lake is the largest natural lake in Arizona. However, in recent years it’s been relatively dry. What used to be a popular water recreation spot is now practically a marsh.

The situation gets better during a wet season when it becomes possible to kayak and canoe on the reservoir, but larger boats may find it too shallow for safe use, although there are no motor restrictions.

Still, the area is great for other outdoor activities. For example, there are two developed campgrounds on the western side and a wide selection of trails for hiking and biking.

Also, the vast dried-up lake is an unusual sight. It resembles a volcanic crater and offers an expansive landscape with San Francisco Peaks on the backdrop. It also provides a sizeable sky clearing, making it excellent for stargazing.

If playing on the water is the priority, Upper Lake Mary is a much better option, and it’s closer to Flagstaff. But if you are looking for camping among the pines and peaceful nature walks, then Mormon Lake will do.

Related: 17 Highest-Rated Hiking Trails near Flagstaff

5. Ashurst Lake

Ashurst Lake
  • Official Page: Ashurst Lake
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 24 miles (40 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, SUPs, Picnics, Hiking, Swimming, Camping, Windsurfing

Ashurst Lake is a 230-acre reservoir some 24 miles from Flagstaff. It is accessed by a packed gravel road that shouldn’t be a problem for most road vehicles.

The best thing about the lake is that it retains the water during droughts. Although the levels fluctuate considerably, Ashurst rarely dries up, making it a popular destination in summer.

One of the best activities here is fishing, as the reservoir is frequently stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Also, it is known for the northern pike that can reach a large size.

On the water, activities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Plus, you can do boating here, but the 10hp motor restriction is in place.

There are two campgrounds at the lake with water and restrooms, but some folks prefer camping in the national forest, away from the lake. Campgrounds are well maintained but lack shade, so bringing sun cover during the summer is a must!

Related: 12 Stunning Lakes near Payson

6. Kinnikinick Lake

Kinnikinick Lake
  • Official Page: Kinnikinick Lake
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 43 miles (1h 10min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, SUPs, Swimming, Picnics, Hiking, Birding

Kinnikinick Lake is located deep within Coconino National Forest, where people are infrequent visitors. It is smaller and much less developed than Ashurst Lake.

Getting to the reservoir is a fun adventure. The last 10 miles is a drive through the national forest on the packed gravel road, suitable for most vehicles.

Unlike most other lakes in the area, Kinnikinick doesn’t dry up as much, making it an excellent location for fishing and paddling. The main catch here is trout and catfish.

The lake offers only a day-use area; no camping is allowed within 1 mile of the water. Some would say it’s not worth the drive but considering you can camp anywhere else in the woods; it is an excellent option for wild adventures.

Related: 7 Amazing Recreational Lakes near Show Low, AZ

7. Dogtown Lake

  • Official Page: Dogtown Lake
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 37 miles (50 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Picnics, Hiking, Camping, Birding

Dogtown Lake is about 50 acres in size. It is located south of Williams, and if you are driving from Flagstaff, it should take about 50 minutes to get here.

Despite its name, the reservoir is a stunning natural gem surrounded by ponderosa pines. It offers picnic areas for day use as well as a developed campground for more extended stays.

On the water, fishing is one of the most popular activities; you can cast from a boat or bank. The fish isn’t easy to catch here, but when you do, it’s usually a trout.

Kayaks and canoes are a great way to explore the shoreline, and you can even use boats with electric motors, restricted to 10hp.

Apart from camping, there is a selection of hiking trails. One option is to loop the lake – a 2.4 miles hike. And another is to climb Davenport Hill, a highly-rated 5-mile route.

Dogtown Lake doesn’t dry up as much as many others in the area. It’s a fantastic place for family getaways, and even in winter, it remains stunning.

Related: 17 Highest-Rated Hiking Trails near Flagstaff

8. Cataract Lake

  • Official Page: Cataract Lake
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 36 miles (40 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Picnics, Nature Trips

Cataract Lake is a 35-acre reservoir in Williams that can be easily accessed from I-40. The drive from Flagstaff shouldn’t take more than 40 minutes. 

The lake offers a newly-redeveloped day-use area with playgrounds, picnic ramadas, restrooms, and a concrete boat ramp.

It is stocked with trout and catfish, which attracts local anglers, and thanks to the ramp, you can fish from the water or take a kayak out.

Yet, there are a few drawbacks to the lake. One is the blue algae that bloom during the warm weather; it can be dangerous to humans and dogs. And two, the lake lacks hiking trails which limits the activities.

Despite the drawbacks, Cataract Lake is worth the drive and can be a fun family day out!

Related: 12 Stunning Lakes near Payson

9. Santa Fe Lake

  • Official Page: Santa Fe (pdf)
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 33 miles (35 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Picnics, Nature Trips

Santa Fe Lake is a small reservoir that was built in 1882. It is located just south of Williams and can be reached in 35 minutes from Flagstaff.

Although small, the lake is known for fishing, with yellow perch being the most common catch. Yet, there are also trout and catfish when the reservoir is stocked.

Apart from fishing, you can do kayaking and canoeing here, too, and there are a few short hikes in the area, but this is really it.

Santa Fe Lake won’t win prizes for the biggest or most versatile reservoir in the area, but it’s an invaluable resource to the people of Williams. It’s a proud underdog that deserves a shot!

Related: 7 Amazing Recreational Lakes near Show Low, AZ

10. Kaibab Lake

  • Official Page: Kaibab Lake
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 31 miles (31 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Picnics, Nature Trips, Hiking, Camping

Kaibab Lake is a highly-rated destination west of Flagstaff, just half an hour away. This 45-acre reservoir offers stunning views and camping among ponderosa pines.

When the lake is stocked with fish, it becomes a busy fishing spot attracting anglers from far and wide. Trout and channel catfish are the most common catches here.

Other activities include kayaking, canoeing, and boating (under 10hp). Unfortunately, swimming and wading are prohibited on Kaibab Lake.

On land, there is picnicking, camping, and hiking. It’s a popular family spot with lots to do!

Related: 17 Highest-Rated Hiking Trails near Flagstaff

11. Whitehorse Lake

  • Official Page: Whitehorse Lake
  • Distance from Flagstaff: 37 miles (55 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Picnics, Nature Trips, Hiking, Camping

Whitehorse Lake is a 35-acre artificial reservoir constructed in 1935. It’s a stunning destination with pristine nature all around.

Like other lakes in Kaibab National Forest, the reservoir offers fishing and paddling, while swimming and wading are prohibited. You can also use electric-powered boats here, with engines under 10hp.

The lake features a developed campground with nearly a hundred sites, many of which have tables and grills. Also, there are dozens of miles of hiking and biking trails nearby.

The only drawback to this destination is the access road. Although frequently maintained, monsoons create washouts, making it difficult for road-oriented vehicles. But the goal is worth the drive!

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