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Arizona Lake Mary
Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Camping at Lake Mary
Lake Mary is a popular mountain recreation area surrounded by ponderosa pine forest southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona. Upper Lake Mary is the primary lake for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, sailing and motorized boating. The long, narrow reservoir sits at approximately 6,837 feet in elevation and offers cooler summer temperatures than Arizona’s desert lakes.
Upper Lake Mary is unique because there is no motor-size restriction, so kayakers and paddleboarders may share the lake with fishing boats, jet boats and water skiers. Paddlers should stay alert, remain visible and explore closer to shore when boat traffic or wind increases. Lake levels change throughout the year and may affect shoreline access and boat-launch conditions.
Where to Launch at Lake Mary
Upper Lake Mary has two public boat-launch areas with paved access. Paddlers can explore the forested shoreline, narrow sections of the lake and quieter coves away from the main boating areas. A Lake Mary day pass is currently $10 per vehicle.
Lake Mary Narrows is another convenient launch area for kayaks and paddleboards. The Narrows has picnic tables, parking and access to a narrower section of Upper Lake Mary that can feel more protected than the lake’s wider open-water areas. Visitors may see bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons and migrating waterfowl around the lake.
Lower Lake Mary is separate from Upper Lake Mary and only supports paddling when it contains enough water. Because Lower Lake Mary is shallow and dependent on precipitation and runoff, paddlers should confirm water conditions before planning to launch there.
Camping Near Lake Mary
Lakeview Campground is the closest developed campground to Upper Lake Mary. Campers can walk approximately half a mile to the water using the Wood Memorial Trail or drive to the nearby launch areas. The campground has 30 sites, drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings, but no utility hookups. Camping currently costs $30 per night.
Pine Grove Campground is located farther south along Lake Mary Road and provides 46 campsites, drinking water, vault toilets, showers and an RV dump station. It is not directly on the shoreline, so paddlers must transport their kayak or paddleboard to Upper Lake Mary. Camping currently costs $34 per night, and there are no campsite hookups.
Camping and campfires are restricted in portions of the Lake Mary area, so visitors should use designated campgrounds and review current Coconino National Forest restrictions before traveling.
Rent Before Driving to Lake Mary
Redline Rentals & Sales is located in Mesa, Arizona—not at Lake Mary. Customers must reserve and pick up their kayak or paddleboard from Redline before driving toward Flagstaff. Redline provides paddles, life jackets and transportation equipment and will help load and secure the rental to your vehicle.
Planning a Lake Mary camping and paddling trip? Rent for two days and get the third day free, giving you more time to kayak, paddleboard, camp and explore Upper Lake Mary and the surrounding Flagstaff lakes.
