Best lakes and rivers for swimming in Arizona

Our picks for swimming in Arizona, ranked by what's on the water: boat ramps, campgrounds, fish and photos. Every pick links to the full trip planner.

Lake Havasu

A 45-mile reservoir on the Colorado River behind Parker Dam. Warm water most of the year, sandy coves, boat-in campsites and the London Bridge in town.

8 ramps & marinas4 campgrounds8 fish species448.19 ft

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Bartlett Lake

Verde River reservoir with flathead catfish and desert camping.

3 ramps & marinas1 campgrounds

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Lake Pleasant

Phoenix's big boating lake with a full-service marina.

2 ramps & marinas1 campgrounds

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Lake Mead

Desert national recreation area behind Hoover Dam.

1,037.18 ft

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Lake Powell

Red-rock canyons, houseboats and slot canyons by kayak.

3,520.71 ft

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Lower Salt River

Tubing and wild horses below Saguaro Lake.

16 cfs

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Ranked from our data: number of launch ramps, campgrounds and fish species, plus photos and hand-checked details. Partner links are marked and never change the order.