• Arizona has over 100 lakes and reservoirs.
  • A lot of desert dwellers spend time camping and enjoying the outdoors near Arizona's lakes and rivers.

Close your eyes and think of Arizona. What comes to mind? Saguaro cactus? Desert landscapes? Dry, dusty vistas? Lakes and rivers?

Wait. You didn't imagine that last one? We get it; when you think of Arizona, you think of the desert first. No one blames you if you didn't immediately imagine Lake Powell or Lake Havasu.

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Water in Arizona
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Did you know Arizona is home to over a hundred named lakes and reservoirs? We know that not all the water features in our state are flowing with bountiful amounts of water all the time. Some of these so-called rivers are dry as a bone - until the monsoon season rolls around and refreshes thirsty basins and river beds.

READ: Arizona, Reid Park's Live Zoo Cams Will Make You Smile!

Popular Water Features: Lakes and Rivers in Arizona

There's no denying that water in Arizona is a very precious commodity. Spending a long weekend on the banks of Lake Powell or Patagonia Lake is a lovely getaway, and many folks transplanted from other states not only dream about but savor when the opportunity presents itself.

Water in Arizona
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Whether you're planning a day outing or a weeklong adventure, now is the time to start plotting your course to some of the best water-filled locations in our state.

READ: Mouse vs. Scorpion: Who Wins Deadly this Arizona Matchup?

Here's a short list of some of our favorite places to cool down by boating, fishing, swimming, and generally unplugging near the cool waters of Arizona.

11 of Arizona's Spectacular Destinations for Water

Arizona isn't as dry as you think! Check out these 11 places to cool off and enjoy a water adventure in Arizona!

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

LOOK: Record fish caught in Arizona

Stacker compiled a list of fishing records in Arizona from Land Big Fish.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Best lookout points in Arizona

Lookout points are found across the U.S. Stacker compiled a list of the best in Arizona using April 2024 data from Tripadvisor.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

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