- There are plenty of boating opportunities in the Prescott area, most within minutes.
- If you didn’t pack your boat, don’t fret! Kayak and canoe rentals are available!
Where should I go kayaking or canoeing?
Goldwater Lake
Goldwater is located in the pines of the Prescott National Forest.
- Location: About ten minutes from downtown Prescott.
- Seasons: The lake is open year-round and is generally accessible all year round.
- Marina/Boat Launch: There is a boat launch at the east end of the lake.
- Boat Restrictions: Boats without gasoline motors are permissible.
- Camping: Unfortunately you cannot camp here at the lake, but there are plenty of campgrounds nearby.
- Fishing: The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie and catfish that can be caught both on the shoreline and in on boat.
Lynx Lake
This is the area’s most oft visited lake.
- Location: Lynx Lake is just four miles off of Walker Road, minutes from the downtown area.
- Seasons: Visitors have access to the lake all through the year.
- Marina/Boat Launch: There is also a boat ramp at the southern end of the lake and a marina on the northwest end.
- Boat Restrictions: Only electric motors are allowed.
- Camping: Camp at either the Hilltop Campground or the Lynx Lake Campground.
- Fishing: The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout; fish from within boat or from the shoreline.
Watson Lake
380-acres-worth of blue water exploration among granite boulders and vegetation jutting out of the lake.
- Location: Located right off of Highway 89 and only minutes from downtown Prescott.
- Seasons: Visitors can access Watson Lake 365 days out of the year.
- Marina/Boat Launch: The lake has two boat launches.
- Boat Restrictions: There is a “no wake” speed limit here on the lake. Gas powered and electric powered motors are permissible.
- Camping: The campgrounds here have bathroom facilities, showers, picnic tables, grills and fish cleaning stations. They are open during the summer months only.
- Fishing: Watson is stocked with many species of fish.
Do I need a permit/license?
Most of the lakes in the area require that your boat be registered. Obviously if you rent a boat from a local shop, this will be taken care of for you.
I am looking for a boating guide.
The vendors below have a wealth of information on the local boating options.
