Lynx Lake Near Prescott Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 20, 2026

Lynx Lake is a scenic 55-acre reservoir in Prescott National Forest, just a few miles southeast of Prescott, Arizona. At approximately 5,500 feet elevation, the lake is surrounded by ponderosa pine forest and offers a cooler setting for fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

Although relatively small, Lynx Lake is one of the busiest recreation areas on Prescott National Forest. Visitors can fish from shore or boat, walk the lakeshore, stay at nearby campgrounds, rent seasonal boats, explore forest trails and visit the Lynx Creek gold-panning area. Swimming is not permitted in the lake.

• Lynx Lake Quick Facts
• Boating & Kayaking
• Fishing
• Camping & Day Use
• Hiking
• Gold Panning
• Best Time To Visit
• Directions
• FAQ

Lynx Lake Quick Facts

• Location: Prescott National Forest southeast of Prescott, Arizona
• Size: Approximately 55 acres
• Elevation: Approximately 5,500 feet
• Setting: Ponderosa pine forest in the Bradshaw Mountains
• Popular activities: Fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, camping, picnicking and wildlife viewing
• Swimming: Not permitted
• Boat access: South Shore boat ramp and seasonal marina/store area
• Nearby campgrounds: Lynx Campground and Hilltop Campground
• Nearby activity: Recreational gold panning along Lynx Creek

Boating & Kayaking At Lynx Lake

Lynx Lake is popular with small fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and sailboats because of its relatively calm size and forest setting. Motorized boats are limited to small motors, and visitors should check current Prescott National Forest and Arizona boating rules before launching.

The South Shore provides a developed boat ramp, while the Lynx Lake Marina & Store area offers seasonal boat rentals along with food, bait, fishing and camping supplies and firewood. The store closes for part of the winter, so operating days and rental availability should be confirmed before a trip.

Fishing At Lynx Lake

Lynx Lake provides year-round fishing opportunities for several cold-water and warm-water species. Anglers commonly target rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie and catfish, and Arizona Game and Fish also identifies Lynx Lake as one of the Arizona waters where Gila trout may be caught year-round.

A valid Arizona fishing license is required for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older fishing publicly accessible waters unless an exemption applies. Fishing regulations, stocking schedules and daily limits can change, so check the current Arizona Game and Fish regulations before fishing.

Camping, Picnicking & Day Use At Lynx Lake

Developed day-use areas are available around Lynx Lake. The North Shore offers lake access, fishing, picnic tables, grills, interpretive signs and wildlife-viewing opportunities, while the South Shore provides parking, picnic and fishing access and the lake's developed boat ramp.

Lynx Campground and Hilltop Campground provide developed camping within the Lynx Lake Recreation Area. Both are surrounded by ponderosa pine forest and provide convenient access to the lake and nearby trails. Campground seasons, reservations, fees, water availability and stay limits can change, so check current Prescott National Forest or Recreation.gov information before arriving.

Visitors should plan to pack out trash where required and observe current fire restrictions, especially during dry spring and early-summer conditions.

Hiking Around Lynx Lake

The Lakeshore Trail follows the edge of Lynx Lake through ponderosa pine forest and provides frequent views of the water, shoreline and surrounding hills. The approximately two-mile route is one of the easiest ways to experience the recreation area on foot and can be combined with the North and South Shore day-use areas.

Parts of the route are relatively gentle, but surfaces and grades vary and not every section should be assumed to be fully accessible. Visitors using wheelchairs or strollers should check current Forest Service accessibility information before planning to complete the entire loop.

Gold Panning Near Lynx Lake

Recreational gold panning is available along Lynx Creek at the designated Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area. The area preserves a connection to the mining history of the Bradshaw Mountains and remains popular with visitors who want to try traditional hand panning.

Visitors should review current Prescott National Forest prospecting rules before digging or collecting. Use only permitted methods, avoid disturbing cultural resources and restore any disturbed ground before leaving.

Best Time To Visit Lynx Lake

• Spring: Cool to mild weather is good for fishing, hiking and camping, although late snow or cold nights are still possible.
• Summer: Lynx Lake is popular as a cooler escape from lower-elevation Arizona heat. Weekends can be busy, so arrive early for day-use parking.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures and lighter crowds make fall excellent for hiking, fishing and camping.
• Winter: The lake remains scenic and fishing may continue, but snow, ice and seasonal closures can affect roads, campgrounds and visitor services.

Lynx Lake Visitor Tips

• Arrive early on summer weekends because parking at popular lake-access areas can fill.
• Swimming is not permitted in Lynx Lake.
• Carry drinking water when hiking even though the elevation is cooler than the Phoenix area.
• Check current fire restrictions before camping or using grills.
• Confirm seasonal hours before relying on the Lynx Lake Marina & Store for food, rentals or supplies.
• Check current Arizona fishing regulations before fishing.
• Use designated parking, trails and shoreline access points to help protect the forest and lake environment.

Directions To Lynx Lake From Prescott

Lynx Lake is located southeast of Prescott in Prescott National Forest. From the Prescott area, travel east on State Route 69 and turn south onto Walker Road, then follow signs for Lynx Lake Recreation Area and the North Shore, South Shore or campground destination you plan to visit.

Visitors coming from Phoenix commonly reach Prescott via Interstate 17 and State Route 69. Travel times can vary significantly with traffic, weather and construction, so check current mapping and road conditions before departure.

Lynx Lake Visitor Information

• Prescott National Forest Recreation — Current lake, campground, trail, fire restriction and recreation information.
• Arizona Fishing Licenses & Regulations — Current fishing license requirements and regulations.
• Prescott Arizona Guide — Attractions, lodging and trip-planning information.
• Prescott Area Lakes — Explore Lynx, Watson, Willow and Goldwater lakes.

Where To Stay Near Lynx Lake

Visitors who prefer lodging instead of camping can stay in nearby Prescott, which offers hotels, vacation rentals, cabins and bed-and-breakfast accommodations. See our Prescott Bed & Breakfasts page or the Prescott Arizona Guide for additional trip-planning information.

Lynx Lake Prescott Arizona FAQ

Where Is Lynx Lake Arizona?

Lynx Lake is located in Prescott National Forest a few miles southeast of Prescott, Arizona, near Walker Road.

How Big Is Lynx Lake?

Lynx Lake covers approximately 55 acres and is the largest lake managed by Prescott National Forest.

Can You Fish At Lynx Lake?

Yes. Lynx Lake provides year-round fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, Gila trout, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and other species depending on current stocking and management.

Do You Need A Fishing License At Lynx Lake?

Yes. A valid Arizona fishing license is generally required for resident and nonresident anglers age 10 or older fishing publicly accessible waters unless an exemption applies.

Can You Boat On Lynx Lake?

Yes. Small motorized boats, fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and sailboats are popular at Lynx Lake. Check current motor and boating restrictions before launching.

Can You Swim In Lynx Lake?

No. Swimming is not permitted in Lynx Lake.

Can You Camp Near Lynx Lake?

Yes. Lynx Campground and Hilltop Campground provide developed camping within the Lynx Lake Recreation Area.

Is There A Hiking Trail Around Lynx Lake?

Yes. The Lakeshore Trail follows the lake through ponderosa pine forest and provides approximately two miles of scenic hiking.

Can You Pan For Gold Near Lynx Lake?

Yes. Recreational hand panning is allowed at the designated Lynx Creek Gold Pan Day Use Area under current Prescott National Forest rules.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Lynx Lake?

Late spring through fall is especially popular for hiking, fishing, boating and camping. Winter can also be scenic, but snow, ice and seasonal facility closures may affect access.

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