What better way to spend your vacation than in lovely Lake Pleasant? Perfect for the outdoorsy type, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, located in Peoria, is a scenic desert oasis surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is one of the Valley’s most scenic recreation areas, with over 23,000 acres of water and a beautiful desert landscape.
Lake Pleasant is definitely an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination for action and adventure. Here, we put together some fun activities to do in Lake Pleasant. Go check ’em out!
1. Boating and Kayaking
Lake Pleasant is a water lover’s paradise, with wakeboarding, boating, and kayaking among the most popular activities.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park has two boat ramps: one 4-lane and one 10-lane. The 10-lane parking area can accommodate 480 vehicles, 355 trailers, and 124 cars, while the 4-lane—located at the lake’s northern end—can accommodate 112 vehicles with boat trailers. Both ramps have restrooms and paved parking lots and can reach a water elevation of 1,600 feet.
Here, boat rentals are available for half-day or full-day periods. Water skiing is another popular activity.
2. Fishing
Lake Pleasant’s fishes are biting! Individual and club fishing are available, either by boat or from the shore. A floating bridge is also located on the Pipeline Canyon Trail, 0.6 miles from the trailhead. However, be wary that the floating bridge is dependent on lake levels.
The best times to fish at the lake are during spring and summer. Because of the high water level, spring is ideal for anglers. Largemouth, white, and striped bass are rampant during this season. Night fishing is also a popular activity at Lake Pleasant. Catfishes are most active at night in coves.
3. Camping
Lake Pleasant Regional Park has 148 RV and tent camping sites in both developed and semi-developed areas. In addition, there are 76 campsites at Desert Tortoise Campground, while Roadrunner Campground and Picnic Area have 72 RV and tent camping spots.
The Desert Tortoise Group Campground can be reserved for large groups, featuring RV parking, picnic tables, and ramadas. This area is only available by reservation and requires a commitment of 10 units.
Restrooms and showers are available at the campgrounds. Lake Pleasant Regional Park also offers shoreline or primitive camping for most of the year, depending on water levels.
4. Scuba Diving
Lake Pleasant is well-known for inland scuba diving in the western United States. With so many rock walls, canyons, and underwater structures to explore, such as the old Waddell Dam, scuba divers are sure to find something new at the lake!
When full, the lake holds approximately 10,000 acres of surface water and can reach depths of 260 feet. It also provides a diverse terrain for scuba divers of all levels.
5. Stargazing
Visitors can enjoy stargazing at one of Arizona’s most treasured lakes by visiting Maricopa County Parks—they even supply the telescope. This one-of-a-kind experience is suitable for the entire family, as visitors can view and learn about the moon, planets, and deep space objects such as star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. Bring snacks and chairs!
6. Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Yoga
Besides being a fitness practice, yoga invigorates the mind, body, and spirit. However, good yoga practice does not have to be on land. Paddleboard yoga (SUP yoga) is sweeping the country, and desert dwellers are flocking to Lake Pleasant for it. On the calm waters of Lake Pleasant, paddleboarding rental and classes are available, including paddleboard yoga.
7. Moonlight Scorpion Hunting
Grab a blacklight, put on your hiking boots, and bring your sense of adventure as you hunt for scorpions in the moonlight. Scorpions are Arizona desert dwellers. There are guided and self-guided “hunting” tours, which is a great family activity.
8. Dinner Cruises
There is nothing more romantic than watching the sunset dip over a perfect horizon as the gentle waves of the lake rock the cockpit. Lake Pleasant Cruises offers special cruises for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, weddings, and other parties, in addition to daily sightseeing, sunset dinner, and live music cocktail cruises.
9. The World’s Largest Floating Water Slide
Whoa! is based in Lake Pleasant. The Guinness World Records has named this one-of-a-kind attraction the World’s Largest Floating Waterslide. The floating platform propels riders into the air for a thrilling ride. It is also available for private and group events.
What Are You Waiting For?
Book your holidays and vacations today at Lake Pleasant. Aside from the fun activities, guests can learn about the area’s history and desert wildlife.
Get a stunning view of Lake Pleasant and a close-up of Waddell Dam. The breathtaking views provide visitors with a wonderful place to relax, whether from a boat or a shoreline picnic location. The lake is a popular outdoor recreation destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
