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Lake Pleasant
Overview
Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Morristown, AZ, stands as one of the most significant outdoor destinations in the Southwest. Managed by Maricopa County, this vast park encompasses over 23,000 acres, offering a striking **desert oasis** for RV travelers. The park is defined by its massive reservoir, which serves as a center for recreation and relaxation amidst the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert. It provides a peaceful retreat where the water meets the mountains, creating a unique environment for those looking to explore the natural wonders of Arizona.
Location & Surroundings
Located northwest of the Phoenix metropolitan area, the park is surrounded by a dramatic landscape of rolling hills, rocky outcroppings, and iconic Saguaro cacti. The **expansive reservoir** is the focal point of the area, providing a cool contrast to the arid desert terrain. Visitors often encounter local wildlife, including the famous **wild burros** that roam freely through the brush. The park’s elevated position offers panoramic views of the water and the distant mountains, making it a prime spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Amenities & Park Features
The park offers two primary developed campgrounds, Roadrunner and Desert Tortoise, which cater specifically to RVers. Most sites are equipped with **water and electrical hookups**, supporting both 30 and 50 amp service. While individual sewer connections are not provided at the sites, the park maintains accessible dump stations for guest use. Each site features a **paved parking pad**, a covered picnic table, and a fire ring. Clean restrooms and hot shower facilities are conveniently located throughout the camping loops, ensuring a comfortable stay in a rustic setting.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Recreation at Lake Pleasant is centered on the water, with two marinas providing boat rentals, fuel, and dining options. It is a premier location for **boating and jet skiing**, while the numerous coves offer quieter spots for kayaking and paddleboarding. For those who prefer land-based activities, the park features several miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the popular **Yavapai Point Trail**. Anglers also frequent the lake for its diverse fish population, as it is well-known for offering some of the best bass fishing in the state.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for travelers who prioritize outdoor activity and natural scenery over commercial resort amenities. It is **perfect for boat owners** and families who want immediate access to water sports and desert exploration. RVers who enjoy a quiet, darker sky for stargazing will appreciate the park’s layout and distance from heavy city lights. Whether you are looking for a weekend of **high-energy water sports** or a serene place to watch a desert sunset, Lake Pleasant provides a versatile and scenic home base.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Sandra M. Cockerill
If it's a weekend or later in the day, expect rough waters! Like open sea white caps! No good for skiing! Also, you better hope you don't brake down, having problems with your boat, because a short tow is going to cost you big bucks! Starts at $250. Not sure if that's the starting price or just from point across from dock that we had problems. Less then a mile and that was the quote!! Insanity! Lastly, it's Sooo busy at boat launch! That's putting in and out! Alot of people and waiting your turn! Cooking in the heat! Not my favorite AZ lake, but if I'm skiing in the morning and still plan to make it home for work, this is the place!
Alice Weaver
The lake is very low this time of year. The person at the entrance did state they won't be getting more water into the lake for another couple of months. There is no shade at the lake, if you plan on spending the day, I would recommend bringing your own shade structure, or at least umbrellas. Sun screen is a definite must. The water was warm, perfect for those that want to swim. They do have some hiking trails, which I recommend in the cooler months. There were plenty of boater and jet skiers, along with people fishing off the shore
Ron Schaefer
We absolutely love hanging out at Lake Pleasant. There are so many different areas, each with a different vibe. You can go to Scorpion Bay Marina to enjoy the water park, dinning on the lake, boat rentals and more. Or, you can hit one of the many swimming areas... our favorite thing to do. There are plenty of swimming areas that can be reached with any type of vehicle, and then there are the more secluded areas on the northeast and east side of the lake that can be reached with a 4x4. We haven't tried the fishing or the campgrounds yet... but they are next!
TINYHOUSEADVENTURESAZ “Tinyhouseadventuresaz”
Absolutely love Lake Pleasant, my favorite of Lakes in the Phx areas. Love the campgrounds at Road Runner and Desert Tortoise with the best lakefront spots with developed and primitive campsites! Gets crowded on the weekends, party atmosphere so go during the week if you want a more peaceful experience. PLEASE WEAR LIFE VESTS ( every year there are horror stories) and if you don’t know safety protocols for boat rentals and jet skis, get help. People have died getting drunk and being reckless. Wild burros run through the campsites so as you enter the Lake Pleasant area look out for them because they are getting hit by cars 😢You must watch small pets because coyotes are present. Check out sites 11-24 in Roadrunner but you must book months in advance to get the best lakefront sites, they go fast. Desert Tortoise is harder to level but from there you have access and can hike down to the water easily. Was going here every month for several years and they are open to all types of vehicles, even my Tiny House on wheels! Dump station at exit. These are pics I took from my time spent there.
Alex Tellez
Great place! Super beautiful oasis in arizona! My wife and i went on a Wednesday and was empty. Water cool, fish jumping, clean place, what more could anyone ask for. Pack it in pack it out. There are lots of wild donkey's so please respect the rule of the lake!