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Lynx Lake
Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Camping at Lynx Lake
Lynx Lake is a scenic 55-acre mountain lake located in the ponderosa pines just outside Prescott, Arizona. Its smaller size, forest setting and motor restrictions create a calmer experience than many of Arizona’s large desert lakes, making it a popular destination for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing and wildlife viewing. Boats are limited to electric motors or gasoline engines of 10 horsepower or less.
Places to Launch at Lynx Lake
The North Shore Recreation Area provides shoreline access near the Lynx Lake Store and Marina. From the north shore, paddlers can explore the lake’s wooded shoreline, fish for stocked trout or paddle around the entire lake. The area has picnic facilities, restrooms and seasonal drinking water. Day-use parking is currently $5 per vehicle and is free on Wednesdays.
The South Shore Boat Ramp is another convenient place to launch a kayak or paddleboard. It has parking, vault toilets and seasonal drinking water. Because Lynx Lake is only about 55 acres, paddlers can easily travel between the north and south shores while exploring small coves and quiet fishing areas. Lake levels can occasionally make the paved ramp unavailable, so visitors should check current Forest Service conditions before traveling.
Lynx Lake is also known for wildlife and birdwatching. Depending on the season, visitors may see osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, deer, javelina, waterfowl and other forest wildlife.
Camping at Lynx Lake
Lynx Campground is located close to the lake and has 35 single campsites and four double campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. The campground also provides restrooms, drinking water and garbage service, but there are no RV hookups. Camping currently costs $18 per night for a single site or $36 for a double site.
Hilltop Campground is located in the ponderosa forest about half a mile south of Lynx Lake. It has 38 campsites and can accommodate many RVs up to 40 feet, although hookups are not available. Campsites currently cost $18 per night, and paddlers must transport their kayak or paddleboard from the campground to the lake.
Rent Before Driving to Lynx Lake
Redline Rentals & Sales is located in Mesa, Arizona—not at Lynx Lake. Customers must reserve and pick up their kayak or paddleboard from Redline before driving to Prescott. Redline provides paddles, life jackets and transportation equipment and will help properly secure the rental to your vehicle.
Planning a longer Lynx Lake camping and paddling trip? Rent for two days and get the third day free, giving you more time to camp, fish, hike and explore the lake’s pine-covered shoreline.
Travel note: Water levels can affect launch access, and part of the Lynx Lake recreation area is seasonally protected for nesting bald eagles from December 1 through June 30. Check current Forest Service alerts before your trip.
Redline Rentals & Sales is located in Mesa, Arizona—not at Lynx Lake. Customers must reserve and pick up their kayak or paddleboard from Redline before driving to Prescott. Redline provides paddles, life jackets and transportation equipment and will help properly secure the rental to your vehicle.
Planning a longer Lynx Lake camping and paddling trip? Rent for two days and get the third day free, giving you more time to camp, fish, hike and explore the lake’s pine-covered shoreline.
Travel note: Water levels can affect launch access, and part of the Lynx Lake recreation area is seasonally protected for nesting bald eagles from December 1 through June 30. Check current Forest Service alerts before your trip.
Lynx Lake Map
