*NOTE: For the most up to date information on Lake Pleasant please visit the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation website, here.*
I just went camping at Lake Pleasant and it was AWESOME! I can’t wait to show you all the fun things there are to do.
Hey everyone, welcome back! Carolynn and Lindsay here, with the Wise Move AZ Team at Realty ONE Group. If you want to stay up to date on all things Anthem and Real Estate then you need to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Pro Tip: You’re also going to want to hit that little bell icon so that you’re the first to know when our new videos are posted every single Thursday!
As your Anthem, Arizona REALTORS® we love showing off our community, but I also love showing off all the amazing things that are nearby. Anthem is perfectly situated just north of Phoenix which means you can find some pretty amazing weekend getaways with very little driving. Lake Pleasant is one of those nearby escapes that you don’t want to miss.
History
Before I jump into all the fun things to do, let me give you a little background. Lake Pleasant is overseen by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation. If you’re coming from Anthem it’s only about a 30 minute drive. If you’re coming from Central Phoenix, it may be closer to an hour. Lake Pleasant is a man-made lake, created by the Waddell Dam. The Dam was originally built in 1928, and the New Waddell Dam was built in 1993. The new dam increased the surface area of the lake to 10,000 acres. The lake receives most of its water from the CAP Canal and the Agua Fria River.
Anyways, all of that is the long way of saying this lake in the middle of the desert is really cool and you should definitely check it out.
But what should you do when you get there? Well over the next few minutes I’m going to give you 10 family-friendly activities you can enjoy at Lake Pleasant.
#1 Hiking
We are big hikers! Okay, that’s not really true…my husband is a big hiker, and I just tag along and try to keep up. Most of the time I’d rather be eating brunch but don’t tell him that, okay? Lake Pleasant has so many different hikes. These hikes are great for families and range in length from 0.3 miles, to 4.1 miles. If you want more specifics on the hikes, click here. You may also want to grab a copy of our guide: 10 Tips for Hiking in the Sonoran Desert, so that you can ensure you are well-prepared and safe before heading out.
#2 Camping
Lake Pleasant features 148 sites for RV and tent camping. They have different types of campsites including, developed, and semi-developed. The difference is that developed sites feature water, electricity, and a dump site, in addition to the covered ramada, picnic table, barbeque grill and fire ring. You can book campsites online in advance. But if you’re like us and you leave it to the last second, you’ll have to drive out there and do first-come-first-serve. I definitely recommend booking in advance if you are planning to camp over the weekend.
#3 Visit the Discovery Center
This facility was closed when we went but it looks like it’s a great way to learn a bit more about the plants and animals that call this area home. Additionally, they are building a brand new playground next to the discovery center, so if you have kiddos, you’ll definitely want to check that out when it’s completed.
#4 Have a Picnic Lunch
There are picnic tables and ramadas throughout the park available for day use. These are all first-come-first-served. They feature lights, electrical outlets, large grills and parking nearby, so your picnic can be as fancy as you’d like!
#5 Mountain Biking
I’m not much of a mountain biker, but we saw a lot of people mountain biking while we were there and it looked like there were trails for different skill levels.
#6 Fishing
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission keeps Lake Pleasant stocked and ready for fishing! They even host fishing tournaments at Lake Pleasant, if that’s your thing. Keep in mind a fishing license is required to fish at Lake Pleasant. This can be obtained at most sporting good stores or through the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
#7 Eat at the Restaurant
If picnicking isn’t your thing, you may want to head down to the Scorpion Bay Marina where you’ll find a really cute restaurant located right on the water. The also have a small general store right next door, just in case you forget your sunscreen, need a snack, or want a souvenir.
#8 Boating
No mater what kind of boating you’re into, Lake Pleasant has got you covered. You can rent boats like pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and more, or if you’re lucky enough to have your own boat you can bring that too. If you are bringing your own boat, make sure you check out their website to ensure you are doing you are properly protecting your vessel from invasive species. There are two boat launch ramps at Lake Pleasant, one is four lane and the other is a ten lane.
#9 Swimming
Lake Pleasant is the perfect place to beat the heat in the summer. You are welcome to swim but please keep in mind that the water depth varies. Be sure to bring your floaties and protection from the sun.
#10 See Wildlife
This was hands down the coolest part of visiting Lake Pleasant for me. We had just finished our hike and were about to head home when I looked into the wash beside the road and spotted two wild burrows! They were so cute. There is a ton of other wildlife so make sure you stay on the lookout and give space.
Keep in Mind
So, there you have it, 10 things for the whole family to check out at Lake Pleasant! If you are planning to head out to Lake Pleasant there are just a couple of final things you should keep in mind. There is a fee to enter the park. At the time I’m writing this, the fee is $7 per personal vehicle, and there is an option to get an annual pass for $85. If you are camping this fee is included in your campsite! The park is open from 6AM-10PM daily, and 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for camping!
So what do you think? Will you be taking your family out to Lake Pleasant? Let me know in the comments what activity you are most interested in.
See YOU, next Thursday!
*NOTE: For the most up to date information on Lake Pleasant please visit the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation website, here.*
