Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
Prescott, Arizona, is a small but historic city. Founded in 1864, it was the capital of the Arizona Territory during the gold rush. People flocked to this small town for its rich minerals that were once panned out of nearby rivers and streams.
Today, Prescott is known as a quaint place to stop for visitors looking to explore the great outdoors. With plenty of camping, hiking, and lakes to enjoy, this wild-west city is the perfect place to spend a summer vacation.
Watson Lake
Just 15 minutes outside of Prescott is the stunning Watson Lake. With a small marina and a boat launch, this lake is one of the best places to bring your watercraft to enjoy a day of fishing or fun water sports.
The area also includes covered picnic areas, restrooms, and fish-cleaning stations. Consider setting up camp here for the weekend to enjoy the modern and updated camping amenities.
Goldwater Lake
At only 25 acres, this is one of the smallest of Prescott’s four local lakes. The lake is named after a former beloved mayor and shows off Prescott‘s best.
Situated inside the Prescott National Forest, this lake feels like you’re secluded in the woods while only 5 miles south of the downtown core. Plenty of wildlife species are available here, such as lynx, deer, and bats.
Hikers can look forward to friendly encounters with animals and water foul while taking an enchanting trial that ends in a view of the lake.
Granite Basin Lake
Located in the stunning pine forest and boulders of Granite Mountain, Granite Basin Lake offers plenty of recreation opportunities all year round.
Stunning hiking, horseback riding, and biking trails frame the lake’s perimeters. Meanwhile, fishing, boating, and water skiing are all open to the public year-round to enjoy the majestic outdoor space.
Lynx Lake
This busy lake has plenty of updated amenities, such as a general store, a restaurant, and kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals.
Just 20 minutes outside of the city, this lake has campgrounds that circle the lake to offer a majestic outdoor experience. Guests can look forward to getting lost in the woods while enjoying the great outdoors.
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