Boulder Recreation Site

Boulder Recreation Site is located just south of Canyon Lake Marina and is one of the most convenient public places to launch a kayak or paddleboard. From Boulder, paddlers can explore the shoreline near the marina or continue toward LaBarge Cove and Tortilla Creek. A Tonto Pass is required to park at this Forest Service recreation area.

LaBarge Cove and Tortilla Creek

LaBarge Cove and Tortilla Creek are two of the most scenic places to kayak or paddleboard at Canyon Lake. These protected waterways are located near Canyon Lake Marina and offer towering canyon walls, calm coves and quieter water away from much of the main lake’s motorized boat traffic. The routes are accessible by kayak, paddleboard or hiking, making them popular destinations for a peaceful Canyon Lake paddling trip.

Acacia Recreation Site and First Water Cove

Acacia Day Use Area is a convenient place to launch a kayak or paddleboard at Canyon Lake. The recreation site has a gentle shoreline, 40 picnic areas, ramadas, grills and restrooms. Acacia is for day use only, and a Tonto Pass is required for parking.

From Acacia, paddlers can head back toward the first bridge on State Route 88, which crosses First Water Cove. This route is perfect for a shorter Canyon Lake kayaking or paddleboarding trip. First Water Cove offers beautiful desert scenery, rocky shoreline and quieter areas to explore away from the main channel. Paddle times will vary depending on wind, boat traffic and how far you travel into the cove.

Camp at Beer Can Point

For a longer Canyon Lake paddle, launch from Acacia Rec Site and travel approximately three miles through the main canyon to The Point Boat Dock, Campground and Picnic Area, commonly called Beer Can Point by locals. The route takes paddlers beneath Canyon Lake’s steep canyon walls and through some of the lake’s most scenic desert landscape.

Beer Can Point is accessible only from the water and has three designated campsites, a courtesy dock, picnic tables and a composting toilet. There is no separate camping fee at The Point, but campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. A Tonto Pass is still required at the recreation area where you park and launch.

Canyon Lake Marina and Campground

Canyon Lake Marina and Campground offers paid tent camping and RV sites close to the shoreline. Campers have convenient access to Canyon Lake Marina, the general store, Dolly Steamboat and nearby kayak and paddleboard launch areas. From the marina area, paddlers can explore LaBarge Cove, Tortilla Creek, First Water Cove or head farther into the main canyon toward Beer Can Point.