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Launching a Boat at Lake Pleasant

Make your trip to Lake Pleasant in Arizona a great one by following Arizona Boating Rules listed below courtesy of Maricopa County Parks & Recreation.

Rules:

Motorized watercraft must be launched from the designated boat ramps (shoreline launching is not permitted).

The Park offers three boat launch ramps:

  • 10 Lane Boat Ramp (Main Entrance)
    The 10-Lane parking area allows for 480 vehicles, 355 vehicles with trailers, and 124 cars.  Of which, 30 boat trailer spaces are designated for boat-in camping (access to park vehicle and trailer overnight in the parking lot while camping on water within a boat – reservation required).
  • 4 Lane Boat Ramp (North Entrance)
    The 4-Lane Boat Ramp is located at the north end of the lake and the parking area allows for 112 vehicles with boat trailers (see image below of boat ramp parking area).
  • Agua Fria Boat Launch (Agua Fria Conservation Area – seasonal/limited access due to water level elevation requirements)
    The Agua Fria Boat Launch is located within the Agua Fria Conservation Area.  Access to the ramp is limited and accessible, dependent upon high water levels.  Due to shallow waters, only small fishing boats or paddle crafts may launch from this area.  For more details, please visit the Agua Fria Fishing Schedule at https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/lake-pleasant-regional-park/conservation-areas/agua-fria-fishing-schedule/

Mooring buoys are not permitted at Lake Pleasant.  Regulatory/park buoys placed on the water are for navigational/educational/safety purposes only – do not tie off on these buoys.  Boaters may bring anchors that can be set and retrieved.

Monsoon and Storm Safety

Lake Pleasant is known for unpredictable weather and windy conditions that may be present at any moment.  Please check weather forecasts regularly before heading out to the park and during your visit.

If stormy conditions are present, please remember the following:

  • Avoid tying your watercraft up to docks.
  • Avoid trailering or launching your boat.
  • Find a quiet cove to ride out the storm and shelter in place.
  • Keep an eye out for the wind warning lights located around the Lake.
  • Always wear your life jacket or personal flotation device.

Water Levels

Lake water levels are managed through the Central Arizona Project (CAP). A comprehensive and detailed list of current and future water level projections can be found on the CAP website. 

Click here for an interactive map to view Lake Pleasant water levels at different elevations. 

Aquatic Invasive Species

Learn how to protect your vessels from aquatic invasive species such as the Quagga Mussels via training provided by the Arizona Game and Fish Department

Boating Resources

Prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip to Lake Pleasant by following the information provided above.

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Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/