Prescott Watson Lake
Scroll down for info & click the pictures below for videos
Walk from our Campground
Only a 10 minute "walk" to Watson Lake Park. 15-20 minute "walk" to the water’s edge.
Watson Hours
Summer Hours: (Memorial-Labor) 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Winter Hours: 7:00 AM – Sunset
Arizona Game and Fish Information/License
Information & Map
View our video by clicking the picture above. Watson Lake is one of two reservoirs at the Granite Dells, outside of Prescott, Arizona, that was formed in the early 1900s when the Chino Valley Irrigation District built a dam on Granite Creek. Local rock climbers use the granite cliffs above and adjacent to the lake for top-roping and lead climbing. The lake is also the home of TriCity Prep Rowing Crew, a local high school team and only rowing team in Northern Arizona. Surface area 70 acres. Average depth 50 ft. Surface elevation 5,100 ft (1,600 m). Click for Watson Lake Map
Next to Watson Lake
You will find our Private Trail to Watson Lake Park located on the south side of the campground, between sites 67-68. Just follow our signs and you will arrive at the park within 10mins. Just another 5mins to the water’s edge. No swimming. Enjoy! Swimming is only allowed at Lynx Lake. Click the link for Prescott Lakes
Full Service Park
View our video by clicking the picture above. Our campground has 96 full-service campsites in various sizes surrounded by the Granite Dells. Each campsite includes 30AMP or 50AMP electric, sewer, water, and picnic table
Borrow from us!
Next door to the park is Watson Lake, which offers an 18-hole disc golf course and bocce ball court. We invite our guests to borrow a disc golf bag or bocce ball set from the office at no charge. Watson Lake also includes a basketball court, large grass area, restrooms, fishing, picnic tables, hiking trails and kayaking.
Driving from Point of Rocks
Turn left out of Point of Rocks campground. Go 0.2 mile. Enter Watson Lake Park at the traffic circle (the park is on your left).
18-Hole Disc Golf Course
The course is free and fun for anyone. It is an 18-hole, par 54 basket course. 2nd 9-holes reuse same baskets via different tee boxes giving it a totally different feel. Views of the lake, boulders and the surrounding hills laid out over gradually sloping hills and scrub terrain. Upon entering the park, make the first right turn to the parking area near the water and look for the sign near 3 Ramada’s. View 18 Course Map
Large Grass Area
View our video by clicking the picture above. This is a great area for throwing a football, kicking a soccer ball, playing frisbee, flying a kite, or just running around. There are picnic tables next to the grassy area and also distributed throughout Watson Lake Park available for your use. Restrooms (with running water & flush toilets). Ramadas & Picnic Tables available.
Kids Playground
For young children, there is a nice playground area that they will enjoy including a play fire engine dedicated to the Granite Mountain Hotshots.
Fishing and Limits
Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, sunfish, channel catfish, crayfish, and crappie. In addition to all of these fish being stocked, look for large holdover trout from previous stockings. Bring night crawlers if your other baits are not working. Trout: 4, Bass: 6, Catfish: 10, Crappie, Sunfish, Carp and Bullheads: Unlimited
July 4th at Watson
July: The City of Prescott will host their Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on Watson Lake. Playhouses, food trucks and show to remember! Event Website
Highland Games and Celtic Faire
Sept: Prescott Highland Games is an annual 2-day event that celebrates the Scottish culture, heritage and teachings. Event Website
Prescott Pow Wow
Sept: The contemporary Pow Wow is a link to the past that helps maintain Native Heritage. The Pow Wow is a spiritual legacy which should be treated with respect and honor. Event Website
Watson Fest
Sept: Grab your friends and come get weird at one of the most beautiful places AZ has to offer... Watson lake. A music, & shenanigan filled, family friendly event…but a dysfunctional family! . Event Website
The Big Sting, Country Concert
Oct: This exciting event combines the best of country music with the thrill of camping in the great outdoors. Set in beautiful Watson Lake Event Website
Fun on the Water!
Canoes, Kayaks, Peddle Boats and Paddle Boards available to rent.
Information
View our video by clicking the picture above. Boats with gas powered and electric powered motors are permitted on Watson Lake, but there is a maximum 5 miles an hour "no wake" speed limit on the lake.
Born to be Wild Adventures
Available 7 days a week (6am-Sunset). Only $25 (Single), $50 (Tandem/Canoe) for "all day" rental. Delivered directly to the lake. Rental includes kayak, paddle, dry bags & life jackets. RESERVE TODAY via; Watercraft Rental Page
Hiking & Biking (Maps Available)
The trails are filled with the amazing beauty of Watson Lake and the giant granite rock formations of the Granite Dells. Explore the many biking trails by renting an E-Bike. Click the following link for; Prescott Ebikes
Watson Lake Trail
View our video by clicking the picture above. Watson Lake Loop. Approximately 4.8 miles in length for the entire loop around the lake. The Northshore trail covers rocky steep terrain, the Over the Hill trail covers rocky and slightly more moderate terrain, and the Peavine and Lower Granite Creek Trail are relatively flat in comparison. There is a $3 parking fee at Watson Lake Park. (free on Wednesdays) Watson Lake Trail Info Page