Verde Valley - Dead Horse State Park near the small town of Cottonwood offers wading, splashing, picnicking and fishing. Grilles are available, as well as a dozen miles of easy, scenic hiking trails.
The Verde River is one of Arizona’s major perennial rivers and a treasured resource in the central part of the state. The lower river is designated a Wild and Scenic River and offers the opportunity to fish by boat from Beasley Flat to Childs. Good swimming, boating and fishing can be had by all.
For more information see the Arizona State Parks website.
Prescott - Watson Lake, 4 miles north of downtown on Highway 89, is a great spot for swimming, kayaking, sailing and sailboarding, cliff jumping, and daydreaming. The easy Peavine Trail jogs up the more remote east side of Watson Lake. Once the railbed of the 1893 Santa Fe Railroad, this 4.5 mile gravel path passes through the scenic Granite Dells. A signed path spurs off west to a quiet swimming cove. Hike north as far as you want, and return the same way.
Lynx Lake is a ponderosa-ringed hole, suitable for fishing, small boat paddling, and shoreline wading. While the campground is closed, the North Shore/South Shore areas are open to the public between 6 a.m and 7 p.m. No fees are charged for visitors arriving via foot or bicycle. Rental boats are available at the Lynx Store and Marina.
See the Prescott Parks and Recreation website for more information.
Alamo Lake - Alamo Lake State Park's campgrounds boast tremendous views of the water and a backdrop of the picturesque Rawhide and Buckskin mountains. Lake Alamo is considered one of the best bass-fishing lakes in Arizona. Wildlife includes quail, deer, coyotes, bald eagles, great blue herons, cattle egrets, brown pelicans, and other shorebirds. Wild burros stroll around the park. There is a camp store for boat rentals, last-minute purchases of bait, and other supplies. Park facilities include campgrounds, a launch ramp, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers, a fish-cleaning station and a playground.
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