Saguaro Lake Arizona

Photo of Saguaro Lake in Phoenix By Kevin Dooley

Saguaro Lake Near Phoenix. Kevin Dooley

Saguaro Lake is located about 40 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix AZ and much closer to Scottsdale and Mesa, Arizona, Phoenix suburbs. The lake is named for its surrounding stands of Saguaro cactus. It has more than 22 miles of shoreline and is 118 feet deep at its deepest point when full and is about 10 miles long. The lake is perfect for power boating, sailing, water-skiing, jet skiing, kayaking and fishing.

Saguaro Lake

The lake is divided into two sections connected by narrows between canyon walls. The lower main portion has the greater water surface, while the more narrow east end has boat access camping. There is no trash service. If you pack it in, you must pack it out. Glass containers are expressly prohibited. For the enjoyment of all, there is an 82-decible engine noise restriction.

Swimming, Picnicking & Recreation

Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area. This area is located at the entrance to the lake is a day use recreation area and with picnic tables featuring great views across the lake. It includes the Saguaro Lake Marina with launch ramps, boat storage, boat slips, boat rental, fuel services, sewage tank dump, and bait and tackle with numerous places to fish along the shoreline.

Saguaro Lake

The Lakeshore Restaurant is located near the marina and offers indoor and outdoor dining. Precsion Marine offers marine repair, a ships store, fishing supplies and boat rentals. Take a narrated cruise on Desert Belle, a double deck sight-seeing boat with a snack bar with beer, wine and soft drinks. This is a relaxing way to catch a great evening sunset.

Butcher Jones Beach is set aside for swimming and picnicking only with restroom facilities. It can be reached a few miles north of the main body of the lake. The area is open every day from 6 AM to 8 PM from April through September.

Saguaro Lake Ranch Resort. It is located about 5 miles south of the lake on Bush Highway and is right place to spend the night after a long day on the lake. The Ranch, built in the 1930's, offers activities such as horseback riding during winter, fall, and spring, and kayaking and tubing during the summer months.

Outdoor Camping At Saguaro Lake

The east-end of the lake permits camping with boat access only. The lake hides coves and caves all along its shoreline providing opportunities for exploration and privacy even on busy weekends. Explore the numerous trails and occasionally catch a glimpse of a soaring eagle, grazing mule deer or Big Horn sheep.

The Bagley Flat Campground is about 4 miles from the dam and is only accessible by boat. It has 30 camping spaces with picnic tables, grills and toilet facility. There is no trash facility, so if you pack it in, pack it out. Glass containers are strictly prohibited. Drinking water is not available. To get to the campground, take your boat up a narrow cliff-bordered area of the lake. Camping is fee-based.

Saguaro Lake Fishing

Shore fishing is permitted (with fishing license). Lunkers can be caught along the shore, but for real action a fishing boat is an advantage. Fish varieties include Largemouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass, Yellow Bass, Blue Gill, Crappie, Rainbow Trout, Walleye and Channel Catfish.

Season, Open Times and Notices

Saguaro Lake is open all year, every day beginning at 6:00 AM. All facilities carry nominal fees. On popular holiday weekends and peak times during the summer the lake can quickly reach boating capacity. Be sure to arrive early to avoid rejection of boat entry.

Map and Directions

Saguaro Lake is located 40 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix and even closer from Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Mesa and the East Valley communities of Greater Phoenix. Depending upon departure point, there are two ways to reach Saguaro Lake.

From Scottsdale. Either take Shea Boulevard or McDowell Road east to Beeline Highway (SR 87). Turn north on Beeline. About 8 miles after crossing the Verde River, turn right at the Saguaro Lake Recreational Area.

Via Bush Highway. Take the Superstition Freeway (US 60) and exit north on Bush Highway. Continue on Bush Highway to the Saguaro Lake Recreation Area turnoff.

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