Lake Pleasant

Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Lake Pleasant, Arizona

Lake Pleasant is one of Arizona’s largest and most popular destinations for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing and camping. The original reservoir was created by Waddell Dam in 1927, and the completion of New Waddell Dam in the early 1990s expanded the lake to nearly 10,000 acres when full. Lake Pleasant stores water from both the Central Arizona Project and the Agua Fria River, causing its water level and shoreline to change throughout the year.

Located northwest of Phoenix near Peoria, Lake Pleasant offers wide-open water, desert mountain views and numerous coves to explore. Because the lake is large and can become windy, paddlers should check conditions, launch early and remain close to shore when necessary. Lake Pleasant Regional Park specifically warns that wind and storms can develop quickly.

Grab your boat, pole and fishing license to get bites from the likes of white bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, channel catfish, and black crappie. In addition to fishing, you’ll also find this to be a great spot for water sports, hiking, biking, and camping.

Places to Kayak and Paddleboard at Lake Pleasant

10-Lane Boat Ramp and South Lake

The 10-Lane Boat Ramp is located near the main park entrance and has a large parking area. It provides access to the southern portion of Lake Pleasant, including the shoreline near Roadrunner Campground, Scorpion Bay Marina and several surrounding coves. This area is convenient for launching, but paddlers should watch carefully for motorboats and marina traffic.

4-Lane Boat Ramp and Fireman’s Cove

The 4-Lane Boat Ramp, also called the Castle Creek ramp, is located near the northern end of Lake Pleasant. From here, kayakers and paddleboarders can explore Fireman’s Cove and the quieter northern shoreline. Fireman’s Cove currently allows shoreline day use, making it a good area for paddlers who want to stop, relax and explore away from the busier southern basin.

Agua Fria Paddle Launch

The Agua Fria Boat Launch is located within the Agua Fria Conservation Area and is especially suitable for kayaks, paddleboards and small fishing boats. Access is seasonal and depends on water levels and wildlife restrictions, so paddlers should check the current Agua Fria schedule before planning their trip.

Camping at Lake Pleasant

Roadrunner Campground has 71 developed campsites for tents and RVs, while Desert Tortoise Campground has 74 developed, semi-developed and walk-in tent sites. Developed campsites include water and electrical hookups, and both campgrounds provide convenient access to Lake Pleasant’s recreation areas and boat ramps.

For additional amenities, Pleasant Harbor RV Resort offers full-hookup RV sites, partial-hookup sites and dry camping. Resort amenities include showers, laundry facilities, a swimming pool, a convenience store and access to Pleasant Harbor Marina.

Current park rules do not allow primitive shoreline camping at Lake Pleasant. Visitors should reserve a campsite at Roadrunner, Desert Tortoise or Pleasant Harbor instead of planning to camp directly along the undeveloped shoreline.

Lake Pleasant Map

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard for Lake Pleasant from Redline

Pick up your Lake Pleasant kayak or paddleboard rental from Redline Rentals & Sales in Mesa before heading northwest to the lake. Redline offers single kayaks, tandem kayaks, fishing kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for day trips, fishing adventures and overnight camping trips.

You do not need a permanent roof rack to transport your rental. Redline provides paddles, life jackets, foam blocks and tie-down equipment, and the team will show you how to properly load and secure your kayak or paddleboard to your vehicle.

Planning a longer Lake Pleasant camping and paddling trip? Rent for two days and get the third day free, giving you more time to explore Fireman’s Cove, the Agua Fria arm and Lake Pleasant’s miles of desert shoreline.