Nestled in the Bill Williams River Valley, Alamo Lake State Park is one of Arizona’s best kept secrets. The stark desert beauty is reflected off the water where cacti dot the mountainous landscapes that surround the lake. It is one of the best places to fish for bass in Arizona.

The crystal clear lake is surrounded by mountainous terrain speckled with brush, wildflowers and cacti making for a visually pleasing experience. The park has good wildlife viewing opportunities, and you may spot a bald or golden eagle. Nestled in the Bill Williams River Valley away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Alamo Lake State Park offers outdoor fun, premier bass fishing, rest and relaxation.

Stargazers are sure to enjoy the amazing views of the night sky with the nearest city lights some forty miles away!

Alamo Lake, located on the Bill Williams River where the Big Sandy River and Santa Maria River come together, was created with the completion of Alamo Dam in 1968. The Army Corps of Engineers designed the earthen dam primarily for flood control.

During flood events, the lake basin is capable of “capturing” large amounts of water in a relatively short time. The lake has been recorded rising 11 vertical feet in one night! Unusually high flows during the late 1970s and through the 1980s have increased the average size of the lake, helping to create one of Arizona’s best fishing holes.

Alamo Lake State Park Facilities

The Visitor Center is open from 8 am – 4:30 pm daily. Interpretive exhibits are located inside the park office.

Alamo Lake’s new Bait / Park Store carries fishing and camping items like fishing licenses, boating supplies (boating flags, life jackets, boat cushions, ropes, anchors, battery clamps, etc.), and firewood.

Restrooms are located in each campground, at the Visitor Center, and at each boat ramp. All restroom are handicap accessible.

The group day use areas have one 60 x 20 foot Ramada with one barbeque grill for use. There is a $25 per day facility use fee for this area, and standard per vehicle day use fee. For reservation call the park at (928) 669–2088. There are two ramadas available for group use, for day use.

There are also two large group camping areas. One group camping area in Campground A has a 60 x 20 foot Ramada with one barbeque grill for use. There is a vault toilet, along with four chemical toilets located in the group use area. There is a $25 per day facility use fee for this area, and  $15 per vehicle per night camping fee. This area can accommodate vehicles up to 60 foot long. Campground A has 21 sites available.

There is also a second smaller group camping area in Campground B. It has a 20 X 20 foot Ramada, chemical toilets, fire pit and large group grill. There is a $15 facility use fee for this group area, and a $15 per night per vehicle camp fee. Campground B has 15  campsites.

There is a $15.00 per night fee for second vehicles. Fee will be paid upon arrival at the park. Fee does not apply to vehicles towed behind a primary vehicle when the primary vehicle remains at the site and the towed vehicle is used for transportation.

There are 19 full hook-up sites with 50 amp electric, water and sewer located in the Main Campgr

ound. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There is no limit to maximum RV length at these sites.

Additional sites have 30/50 amp electric and water at each site. Campgound B has 27 electric sites. The Ramada Area has 12 electric sites. Cholla Campground area has 41 electric sites (30 amp). Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

There are two dump stations at the park. One is located at the Cholla campground, and the other is located in the main campground.

Showers are located in camp areas A, C,  and in the main campground.

Activities in Alamo Lake State Park

Alamo Lake State Park is best known for premier bass fishing. Fishing tournaments are common at the lake and anglers have an excellent opportunity to catch bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie.

There are two paved boat ramps in the park. One is located in the Cholla campground and the other is located in the main campground.

Non-motorized boats may launch at either boat ramp.

Although there are no specific bike trails, many cyclists use bikes to explore the park.

This park allows swimming, but has no beaches, and no lifeguard on duty. Swimming is at your own risk.

Wildlife in the Park

For nature lovers, spring rains bring an abundance of wild flowers and the lake environment attracts a variety of wildlife year round, including waterfowl, foxes, coyotes, mule deer and wild burros.

Although there is a variety of wildlife around the park, wild burros, coyotes, both bald and golden eagles, pelicans, and Great Blue Herons are the most common.

Alamo Lake Weather

From June until September the temperature can go from 100° to 118° in the day with lows in the upper 90s. It’s usually over 100°. This is the time of year to be sure to bring sun block and shade.

Some years are pleasant and we do not see the 100° mark until June; and other years we’ve seen it hit 100-plus in May. Although this is also monsoon season in Arizona, it does not rain much at the park.

October through November bring more pleasant temperatures with highs in the 80s and lows in the 50s. From December until April you can count on 60° to 70° days with lows in the 30s and even 20s. Always be prepared with extra clothing.