Writer Shannon Severson // Photo by George Andrejko and Courtesy of Arizona Game and Fish Department

Just off Carefree Highway in the far reaches of northern Peoria, Lake Pleasant Regional Park spans 23,000 acres for recreational uses including camping, boating, fishing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle-board yoga, scorpion hunting and nighttime stargazing by Tony La Conte’s Stargazing for Everyone.

Scuba diving is even a popular attraction, with Lake Pleasant being known as one of the top spots for inland scuba diving in the West. Far beneath the 10,000 acres of water, at depths of up to 260 feet, lies the original Waddell Dam along with rock walls, canyons and old structures.

Two marinas serve visitors, both with ample parking. Pleasant Harbor Marina is closest to Carefree Highway. Diners can enjoy meals and entertainment at Dillon’s Bayou Restaurant and Bar. There’s also a general store and options to rent all manner of watercraft, have a go at hydro-flying or enjoy the giant waterslide. If you’d rather let someone else take the rudder, there are daily boat cruises and evening dinner cruises.

At Scorpion Bay Marina, there are similar rentals for all manner of boats and water toys as well as hiking options and dining at Scorpion Bay Grill. Even if you don’t have your own houseboat, Scorpion Bay plans to introduce overnight experiences in “floating cabins” for the ultimate lake escape.

Pleasant Harbor Marina
40202 N. 87th Ave., Peoria // 623-235-6130 // pleasantharbor.com

Scorpion Bay Marina
10970 W. Peninsula Blvd., Peoria // 928-501-2628 // scorpionbayaz.com