Tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona is a hidden treasure.Patagonia Lake State Park was established in 1975 as a state park and is an ideal place to find whitetail deer roaming the hills and great blue herons walking the shoreline. The park offers a campground, beach, picnic area with ramadas, tables and grills, a creek trail, boat ramps, and a marina.
The nearby Lakeside Market offers boat rentals and supplies. The campground overlooks the lake where anglers catch crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout. The park is popular for water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. And the tracks of the New Mexico/Arizona railroad lie beneath the lake and remnants of the old historic line may be found at the Nature Conservancy in Patagonia. Hikers can stroll along the creek trail and see birds such as the canyon towhee, Inca dove, vermilion flycatcher, black vulture, and several species of hummingbirds.
Picnic Areas/Shelters
Numerous picnic tables and ramadas are located at the beach and day use areas.
RV & Tent Camping
Lakeside Camping at Patagonia
Campsite reservations are available online or by calling our camping specialists at the Arizona State Parks Reservations Desk at (877) MY-PARKS. Our friendly folks are available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arizona time.
105 developed campsites with a picnic table, a fire ring/grill, and parking for two vehicles. Select sites also have a ramada. Sites have 20/30 amp and 50 amp voltage. Sites tend to fill up in the evening from May until November. Campsite lengths vary but most can accommodate any size RV. Quiet hours (no generators, music, or loud voices) are from 9 p.m. – 8 a.m
There are also two non-electric campsites available. They have a picnic table, fire-ring/grill, and parking for two vehicles with ramada for shade. These two sites are 22 ft. long for camper/trailers.
There is an additional per night fee for second vehicles. The fee can be paid with your reservation upon arrival at the park. The 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.
Boating
Boat Ramp
2 boat ramps are available at Patagonia Lake. Your day use or camping permit will cover boat launching with no additional fees. Ramps are cement and can handle most size boats when water level is normal.
Watercraft
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed at Patagonia Lake. Please note: Personal Water Craft (PWCs), jet-skis, waterbikes, above-water exhausts boats, and V-8 jet boats are all prohibited.
The lake is divided into two sections: the east end is no wake speed only and the west end is for unlimited speed in a counter clockwise direction. High-speed boats can enter the east section but must travel at a no wake speed.
Water-Skiing is allowed on weekdays and weekends from October 1st through April 30th. From May 1st until October 1st, water-skiing is allowed on weekdays, but not on weekends or legal holidays due to congestion.
Boat Rentals are located in the boat trailer parking lot. Canoes, rowboats, paddle boats and pontoon boats are available for rent. Call the Patagonia Lake Marina at (520) 287-2804 for prices. Renting a boat for the day is a great way to see the beauty of this area from a different perspective. Anglers can also use the boats to troll for fish, or to access some of the better fishing areas of Patagonia Lake.
Enjoy Great Fishing at Patagonia Lake
This 265-acre southern Arizona lake holds healthy populations of largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Rainbow trout are stocked seasonally from November through March and offer southern Arizona anglers a chance to experience fishing for these beautiful, delicious fish in a unique southern Arizona environment. Fishing opportunities abound from both shore and boat, and anglers typically do fairly well in their pursuit of whichever species they are targeting. We have outlined some tips below to help you maximize your time on the lake and to reduce the learning curve while fishing at Patagonia Lake State Park.
Swimming
Patagonia Lake allows swimming in any part of the lake except the boat launch areas. The lake is considered to be wild water and swimmers swim at their own risk. There is a roped off swim area at Boulder Beach, but there is no lifeguard on duty. Swimming is at your own risk.
Southern Arizona's Watchable Wildlife
An abundance of native Southern Arizona wildlife can be seen in the park. Bobcat, coatimundi, coues whitetail deer, javelina, coyote and a large variety of birds, reptiles and other mammals are available for the pleasure of park visitors. A hike through any of the park trails will lead visitors into prime southern Arizona habitat. Hike slowly and pay attention to the sights and sounds around you, a surprise encounter with one of the park residents could be in your immediate future at any time. Please keep in mind that all animals encountered here are wild. They require space to feel comfortable, so we ask that visitors refrain from getting to close, or from feeding them. Above all, please enjoy these native Arizona treasures during your time at Patagonia Lake State Park.
Trails
Hiking Trails
Patagonia Lake offers a .5-mile hiking trail that leads to Sonoita Creek and is a very popular birding area. Additional trails can be accessed through Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.
Equestrian Trails
Can be accessed through Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.
