Lake Pleasant, Arizona

In Peoria , Arizona , just northwest of Phoenix , Lake Pleasant is considered one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the "Valley of the Sun." The park offers many activities, such as camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. At the Lake Pleasant Visitor Center , guests learn about the history of the area and desert wildlife. Step out onto the balcony surrounding the visitor center to get a beautiful view of Lake Pleasant and an up-close look at Waddell Dam. The water level is close to full from spring to mid-summer, when it begins to drop off. Divers who return will see areas they dived no longer submerged. The lower water level also provides divers the unusual chance to scout areas for dives when the water level is up. Popular sites to dive include Scorpion Bay , the end of Desert Tortoise Road , and Dirty Shirt ( South Park Road ).

Depths to: 250 feet (76 m)

Visibility: 10-30 feet (3-9 m)

Water temperature: Ranges from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 27 degrees Celsius).

Aquatic life: White bass, striped bass, large mouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, black crappie, bigmouth buffalo fish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, green sunfish, redear sunfish and talapia.

Fees: $5 per vehicle; $2 per watercraft.

On-site amenities: Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers 148 sites for RV and tent camping. Each "developed site" has water, electricity, dump station, a covered ramada, a picnic table, a barbecue grill and fire ring. Each "semi-developed site" and tent site has a covered ramada, a picnic table, a barbecue grill and fire ring. Restroom and shower facilities are available at both types of campsites. All sites in the campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Other amenities include more than four miles of trails for pedestrian use only.

More info: Call Lake Pleasant Regional Park at (928) 501-1710 or e-mail lakepleasant@mail.maricopa.gov.

Open: Year-round.

Getting there: From central Phoenix , take Interstate 17 north to Carefree Highway (State Route 74). Exit Carefree Highway and travel west 15 miles (24 km) to Castle Hot Spring Road . Travel north to Lake Pleasant Regional Park entrance.