Lake Pleasant

The park covers a total of over 23,000 acres of mountainous desert landscape, including the lake, and boasts a number of other recreational activities, such as mountain biking, camping, and hiking. The park also has an educational visitors' center that provides information regarding the history of the lake, the construction of the Waddell Dam and the surrounding areas.

Main Entrance

The entrance to the park is located 2 miles north of State Route 74 off Castle Hot Springs Road. The main entry station can be reached by calling (928) 501-1710. The following facilities are accessed through the Main Entrance.

Desert Tortoise Campground - The Desert Tortoise Day Use picnic area contains 10 covered tables with grills and is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Arrangements may be made for groups and overnight stays in the picnic area by calling the Special Events Coordinator at (602) 372-7460 ext. 200.

Group Campground - For groups of 10 or more RV or tent camping. Includes covered ramadas, grills, picnic tables and restroom and shower facilities. Opened in April 2003.

RV Dump Station - Opened in April 2003.

10-lane Boat Ramp - paved and functional to a water elevation of 1600 feet. Parking available for 590 vehicles with boat trailers.

Roadrunner Campground and Picnic Area - 72 sites for RV and tent camping with picnic tables, ramadas and grills. All have water and electric hook-ups. 20 sites are for tents only in the picnic area. Restrooms and showers are available.

Overlook / Visitor Center - The Overlook Center hours vary based on staff and volunteer availability. Please call (623) 780-9857 or (928) 501-1710 for visitor center's open status. Information about the Central Arizona Project, Waddell Dam, and Lake Pleasant Park is available as well as a gift shop.

North Entrance

The second entrance to the park is located 3 miles north on Castle Hot Springs Road, past the main entrance. All fees apply to this area as well (see below for fee structure). The north entrance provides access to the four-lane boat ramp, two restrooms, shoreline camping, and the Cottonwood day use picnic area.

Cottonwood Day Use Area - the Cottonwood day use picnic area contains 23 tables with grills and is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. There are no covered ramadas. Arrangements may be made for groups and overnight stays in the picnic area by calling the Special Events Coordinator at (602) 372-7460 ext. 200.

4-Lane Boat Ramp - paved and functional to a water level of 1600 feet. Restrooms, and parking for 112 vehicles with boat trailers.

Group Activities at Lake Pleasant:

To schedule fishing tournaments, company picnics, water course races, etc. please contact the Special Events Coordinator at (602) 372-7460 ext. 200. All events must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance.