10 of the Loveliest Lakeside Towns in Arizona

Here are 10 of the loveliest lakeside towns in Arizona, each offering unique natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming local vibes:

1. Page
   Perched above the stunning Lake Powell, Page is famous for its dramatic red rock landscapes, boating, and access to natural wonders like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.​
2. Show Low
   Nestled at 6,400 feet in the White Mountains, Show Low boasts cool pine forests around Show Low Lake and Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, great for fishing, kayaking, and year-round outdoor fun.​
3. Bullhead City
   Located on the Colorado River across from Laughlin, Nevada, it offers riverfront activities including boating, fishing, and waterfront dining with a desert mountain backdrop.​
4. Cottonwood
   In the Verde Valley, Cottonwood is close to Dead Horse Ranch State Park and Pecks Lake, ideal for fishing, hiking, and exploring nearby wineries and craft breweries.​
5. Pinetop-Lakeside
   A serene town surrounded by lakes and forest, perfect for fishing, hiking, and escaping the summer heat with cooler mountain air.​
6. Meadview
   Located near Lake Mead, Meadview offers spectacular desert lake views, boating, and easy access to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim.​
7. Mormon Lake
   A peaceful community near Arizona’s largest natural lake, it’s a great spot for birdwatching, horseback riding, and mountain views.​
8. Lakeside
   A small mountain town adjacent to Show Low, Lakeside provides access to Fool Hollow Lake with picnic sites, fishing docks, and hiking trails.​
9. Payson (nearlynx)
   While Payson itself is not lakeside, nearby Lynx Lake offers a recreation area for fishing, canoeing, and family picnics amid ponderosa pines.​
10. Lake Havasu City
    Famous for the relocated London Bridge and water sports, Lake Havasu offers sunny beaches and clear water perfect for boating and fishing.​

These lakeside towns blend Arizona’s distinctive desert and mountain landscapes with abundant water-based recreation, creating idyllic spots for relaxation, outdoor adventure, and community living year-round.

SOURCES

[1](https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-best-lakeside-towns-in-arizona.html)
[2](https://www.iheart.com/content/2024-04-08-arizona-destination-named-the-most-popular-lake-town-in-the-state/)
[3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lakes_of_Arizona)
[4](https://www.azbw.com/Arizona_Lake_List.php)
[5](https://azstateparks.com/arizona-lakes)