Arizona might be known for its deserts and red rocks, but the state is also home to some seriously great fishing spots. What makes these spots even better is that you can camp right next to the water, so your fishing rod is never far away.
From mountain lakes to warm desert reservoirs, Arizona offers campgrounds where the fish are practically your neighbors. Pack your gear, grab your license, and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Cholla Campground – Tonto Basin, Arizona
Sitting right on the shores of Roosevelt Lake, Cholla Campground puts you within casting distance of some of the best bass fishing in Arizona. This massive reservoir is well-known for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
Many campers wake up early, brew coffee, and walk straight to the water with their rods. The sites are spacious, and the desert scenery around you is stunning.
Boat ramps are nearby, making it easy to explore the lake from the water too.
Windy Hill Campground – Roosevelt, Arizona
Windy Hill Campground is one of the largest campgrounds at Roosevelt Lake, and it earned its name honestly. The breezes rolling off the water keep things cool, which is a welcome relief in the Arizona heat.
Anglers love this spot for its easy shoreline access and nearby boat launch. Roosevelt Lake holds trophy-sized bass and catfish that keep fishermen coming back year after year.
Campsites are well-shaded, and the lake views from your tent are absolutely hard to beat.
Burnt Corral Campground – Roosevelt, Arizona
Tucked along the edge of Apache Lake, Burnt Corral Campground feels like a hidden gem that not everyone knows about. The lake is quieter than Roosevelt, making it perfect for a peaceful fishing trip away from the crowds.
Striped bass and catfish are the main catches here, and the canyon walls surrounding the lake make for a dramatic backdrop. The campground is primitive, so come prepared.
That rugged, off-the-beaten-path feel is exactly what makes this place so special.
Roper Lake State Park – Safford, Arizona
Roper Lake State Park is a surprising little oasis tucked near the town of Safford, with Mount Graham rising dramatically in the background. The lake is stocked regularly with rainbow trout, catfish, and bass, giving anglers plenty of options throughout the year.
Kids especially love fishing here because the stocked fish are active and biting. Campsites sit close to the water, so you can hear the lake from your sleeping bag.
There is even a natural hot spring nearby for soaking after a long day of fishing.
Patagonia Lake State Park – Nogales, Arizona
Near the Mexican border, Patagonia Lake State Park surprises first-time visitors with its lush, green surroundings and sparkling 265-acre lake. It feels more like a scene from the Pacific Northwest than southern Arizona.
Bass, crappie, and catfish are popular targets here, and the calm water makes kayak fishing a real treat. Campsites are nestled right along the shoreline, so you never have to walk far to wet a line.
Birdwatching between fishing sessions is a bonus this area is world-famous for its bird diversity.
Lyman Lake State Park – St. Johns, Arizona
Lyman Lake sits on the high plains of eastern Arizona at about 6,000 feet elevation, which means cooler temperatures and a refreshing escape from the desert heat. The reservoir is one of the few in Arizona with no horsepower limit on boat motors, making it popular with water skiers and anglers alike.
Channel catfish and walleye are the big draws for fishermen. Campsites are right on the water, and the wide-open skies at night offer some of the best stargazing in the state.
Alamo Lake State Park – Wenden, Arizona
Alamo Lake sits in a remote stretch of western Arizona, far from city lights and noise. Getting there takes some effort, but the reward is one of the most peaceful fishing experiences in the entire state.
The lake is famous for outstanding bass fishing, and it has produced some truly massive catches over the years. Wildlife sightings are common too, from bald eagles to great blue herons.
Campsites overlook the water, and the solitude here is the kind that actually recharges your soul.
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area – Show Low, Arizona
There is a funny story behind the name Fool Hollow, but the fishing here is no joke. Nestled among the ponderosa pines of the White Mountains, this lake offers a cool, forested camping experience that feels worlds away from the desert below.
Rainbow trout, bass, and catfish keep anglers busy throughout the season. The campground is well-maintained with modern amenities, making it a comfortable base camp.
Early morning fog drifting over the water while you cast your line is a memory you will not forget quickly.
Big Lake Campground – Big Lake, Arizona
At nearly 9,000 feet elevation, Big Lake lives up to its reputation as one of Arizona’s premier trout fishing destinations. The cold, crystal-clear water is stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, drawing serious fly fishermen from across the Southwest.
The campground sits right on the lake, and the surrounding forest makes you feel like you have stepped into a mountain paradise. Mornings are crisp and quiet here.
Pack warm layers because even summer nights at this elevation can get surprisingly cold.
Parker Canyon Lake – Parker Canyon Lake, Arizona
Parker Canyon Lake is one of southern Arizona’s best-kept secrets, sitting at 5,400 feet in the Coronado National Forest near the border. The surrounding oak and pine woodland gives it a distinctly different feel from most Arizona campgrounds.
Rainbow trout are stocked regularly, and largemouth bass keep things exciting year-round. The small, intimate campground puts you right next to the water.
Deer, coatimundis, and even black bears occasionally wander through, adding a wild edge to your fishing trip.
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