Lynx Lake offers a classic Prescott mountain-lake experience just southeast of town. Surrounded by ponderosa pine in Prescott National Forest, the 55-acre lake is popular for fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking, camping and picnicking.
At roughly 5,500 feet in elevation, Lynx Lake feels very different from the granite scenery around Watson Lake. Choose Lynx when you want more forest, nearby camping and an easy place to spend several hours outdoors.
Come for fishing, paddling, forest trails and picnicking. Stay nearby at Lynx or Hilltop Campground if you want to make the lake part of a longer outdoor getaway.
Things to Do at Lynx Lake
Fishing
Lynx Lake is a popular fishing destination and is periodically stocked with trout. Other fish may also be present depending on current conditions and stocking. Arizona fishing regulations apply, and anglers age 10 and older generally need a valid fishing license.
Boating & Paddling
Kayaks, canoes, sail-powered boats and motorboats are permitted. Motorized boats are limited to 10 horsepower or less.
Boat rentals are seasonally available through the Lynx Lake Marina & Store. Water levels can affect boat-ramp access and rental operations, so check current conditions before bringing a larger boat or planning specifically around launching.
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Sailing
- Small motorboats up to 10 horsepower
- Seasonal boat rentals
Hiking & Walking
Trails around Lynx Lake connect into the larger Prescott Basin trail network. The lakeshore route provides an approachable way to enjoy the forest and water, while connecting trails allow hikers and mountain bikers to extend the outing.
For more trail ideas, see our Prescott hiking trails guide.
Picnicking & Wildlife Watching
North and south shore recreation areas provide picnic facilities, and the lake's forest and riparian habitat attract a variety of birds and wildlife. Bring lunch and Lynx Lake can easily become a half-day outing.
Gold Panning
Recreational gold panning is permitted in designated portions of the Lynx Creek area. Hand tools may be used where allowed, but motorized or mechanical mining equipment is not permitted for recreational panning.
Camping Near Lynx Lake
Two developed Forest Service campgrounds provide convenient access to the recreation area.
Lynx Campground
Lynx Campground sits along the west side of the recreation area within a short walk of the lake. It has 35 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs, along with drinking water, toilets and basic campground facilities. There are no RV hookups or dump station.
Hilltop Campground
Hilltop Campground is south of Lynx Lake in ponderosa pine forest and is also within walking distance of the lake. It accommodates tents, trailers and RVs but does not provide hookups or an RV dump station.
Both work well for fishing, hiking, paddling and mountain biking trips. See our Prescott camping guide for more campground options or Prescott RV parks if hookups are important.
Campground openings, reservations, water service and fire restrictions can change seasonally. Check current Prescott National Forest and Recreation.gov information before your trip.
Plan Your Lynx Lake Visit
- Location: About seven miles southeast of Prescott
- Elevation: Approximately 5,500 feet
- Lake size: About 55 acres
- Boating: Nonmotorized boats and motors up to 10 horsepower
- Fishing: Arizona fishing regulations and license requirements apply
- Camping: Lynx and Hilltop campgrounds nearby
- Picnicking: Facilities available at lake recreation areas
How Long to Spend
Allow two to four hours for a walk, picnic or fishing trip. Paddlers, anglers and campers can easily make Lynx Lake the focus of an entire day or weekend.
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall is popular for hiking, boating and camping. Summer temperatures are generally cooler than Arizona's lower deserts, although afternoon monsoon thunderstorms can develop. Winter can bring freezing temperatures and snow.
Check the Prescott weather before heading out.
Lynx Lake or Watson Lake?
- Choose Lynx Lake for ponderosa pine, fishing, camping and a forested mountain-lake setting.
- Choose Watson Lake for Granite Dells scenery, photography and dramatic rock formations.
Lynx Lake or Goldwater Lake?
Both have forested settings, but Lynx Lake is part of a larger Prescott National Forest recreation area with nearby campgrounds and a broader trail network. Goldwater Lake is closer to downtown and works particularly well for a shorter picnic or paddling trip.
For more outdoor ideas, browse outdoor activities in Prescott and things to do in Prescott.
Water levels, boat-ramp access, campground services, fire restrictions and temporary closures can change. Check current Prescott National Forest conditions shortly before your visit.
Lynx Lake FAQ
How far is Lynx Lake from Prescott?
Lynx Lake is about seven miles southeast of Prescott, making it an easy half-day or full-day outdoor trip from town.
Can you fish at Lynx Lake?
Yes. Lynx Lake is a popular fishing destination and is periodically stocked. Arizona fishing regulations and license requirements apply.
Can you kayak at Lynx Lake?
Yes. Kayaks, canoes and other permitted nonmotorized watercraft can use Lynx Lake.
Are motorboats allowed on Lynx Lake?
Yes. Motorboats are permitted with motors of 10 horsepower or less.
Can you camp near Lynx Lake?
Yes. Lynx Campground and Hilltop Campground both provide developed camping close to the lake.
Can you pan for gold near Lynx Lake?
Yes. Recreational gold panning is allowed in designated portions of the Lynx Creek area, subject to Forest Service rules.
