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Lyman Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide

Arizona

Lyman Lake State Park is a tranquil recreation area located in eastern Arizona. The park surrounds its namesake body of water, which was created as a reservoir in 1912 when the Little Colorado River was dammed. In 1961, the area became Arizona's first state park, and it continues to be a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Due to its proximity to the 1,500-acre lake, the park is mostly known as a great spot for fishing, boating, and watersports. However, the area has plenty more to offer as well, including hiking trails, a well-kept camping area, prehistoric areas, archaeological sites, and petroglyphs.

Generally, Lyman Lake State Park tends to have relatively warm summers and freezing winters, with very little rain or snow throughout the year.

Nearby Cities:

  • St. Johns, AZ

  • Springerville, AZ

  • Show Low, AZ

  • Holbrook, AZ

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Weather
Spring 31–85 F
Summer 54–90 F
Fall 24–76 F
Winter 19–59 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Lyman Lake State Park

Campground Accommodations

Lyman Lake State Park Campground

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: No limit

  • Other amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, gas station, camp store, boat ramp, RV dump station, playground

Springerville RV Park

Springerville RV Park is a newly opened facility near the White Mountains and just south of Lyman Lake State Park. It is still undergoing additional construction but has all the basics, such as 30 pull-through full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amps. The park is pet-friendly, and horse trailers are welcome.

• Types of sites: Large pull-through spaces up to 34 feet wide

• Electricity: 30 and 50 amps at every site

• Water: Water hookups at every site

• Sewer: Hookups at every site

• Washrooms: Showers and restrooms 

• Laundry: Yes

• Reservation lengths: Nightly and weekly

• Other amenities: Electric car charging for a fee, horse trailer accommodations (call first) and Wi-Fi

Apache Trout Campground

Apache Trout Campground is one of five campgrounds located in the Big Lake Recreation Area in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and is located south of Lyman Lake State Park. The park is in the White Mountains of Arizona; sits at an elevation of 9,100 feet; and features a variety of trees, such as Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, spruce and aspen. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and bird-watching.

• Types of sites: Large spaces up to 82 feet long and 20 feet wide

• Number of sites: Two group sites, 81 nonelectrical sites and 44 full-hookup sites

• Water: Water available at every site

• Sewer: Hookups at every site

• Washrooms: Showers and restrooms 

• Laundry: No

• Dump station: Yes

Casa Malpais RV Park

Casa Malpais RV Park is conveniently located in the White Mountains of Arizona and is close to the Casa Malpais Archaeological Park, the White Mountain Dinosaur Exploration Center and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. You will enjoy the recreation hall for the ping-pong and pool tables, and you will appreciate the cleanliness and quiet. 

• Types of sites: 56 pull-through sites with full hookups

• Electricity: 30 and 50 amps

• Water: Water available at every site

• Sewer: Full hookups

• Washrooms: Showers and bathrooms

• Laundry: Yes

• Other amenities: DirecTV, Wi-Fi, recreation hall, lounge area with TV and barbecue area

RV Rentals Near Lyman Lake State Park

Nearby RV Rentals

Restaurants

What to Do at
Lyman Lake State Park

Lyman Lake State Park offers a variety of awesome recreational activities. If you're looking for a fun day on the water, you could head out on the lake in your boat, enjoy some exciting waterskiing, or cast your fishing line. Alternatively, you could explore the park's network of hiking routes, which take visitors around the reservoir and through the area's fascinating landscape. Some of the trails will even take you directly to amazing petroglyphs, rock art, and prehistoric areas. If natural history intrigues you, you should definitely stop by one of the park's archaeological sites.

Visitors to Lyman Lake State Park will find plenty of opportunities for adventure. History buffs can explore the breathtaking petroglyphs and rock art, while those seeking more traditional outdoor recreation can enjoy an afternoon of hiking, boating, swimming, or fishing.

Inside Lyman Lake State Park

The park’s fishing and boating are the prime attractions, but you will also want to try out the many hiking trails inside the park. The Peninsula Petroglyph Trail is a quarter-mile trail that features several petroglyphs with interpretive signs. The Buffalo Trail is 2 miles and has steep, vertical inclines and steps, and the Pointe Trail is 1 mile and overlooks the entire park. There is plenty of wildlife to see while at the park, such as a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. You can also see small mammals like squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, jackrabbits, skunks, coyotes and bobcats, and you may even catch a glimpse of larger animals like mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope.

Fishing Fishing

Lyman Lake is an excellent angling destination inhabited by many different types of fish. Some of the species most commonly caught in the reservoir include walleye, sunfish, carp, channel catfish, and largemouth bass.

Geocaching Geocaching

You're welcome to enjoy a day of geocaching at Lyman Lake State Park, and the rocky trails surrounding the lake provide quite a few top-tier spots to find a hidden cache.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

Lots of mammals, birds, and other interesting animals can be regularly spotted around Lyman Lake State Park. When hiking the trails, be on the lookout for coyotes, bobcats, mule deer, and elk. You may also get a glimpse of a majestic pronghorn antelope. For those who prefer bird-watching, it's worth keeping an eye on the sky for great blue herons, egrets, Canada geese, and the many other birds known to roam the area.

Stargazing Stargazing

Because Lyman Lake State Park is located in a quiet, peaceful area that's far from any big cities, there's no light pollution to speak of. This makes the park a superb place for a memorable night of stargazing.

Flora and Fauna

Lyman Lake State Park is designated as a Great Basin Conifer Woodland, and the plants that are most abundant throughout the area are pinyon and juniper.

Hiking Hiking

There are several wonderful hiking trails around Lyman Lake State Park. For example, there's the short Peninsula Petroglyph Trail, which features several petroglyphs and connects with multiple loop trails. There's also the Buffalo Trail, which spans 2 miles and has a trailhead right near the park's entrance.

Boating

Lyman Lake State Park is the only lake in Arizona with no restrictions on boat size, making it one of the state's most popular boating destinations. Visitors can also enjoy waterskiing and other watersports. However, it's important to remember that the lake's water level does fluctuate.

Swimming Swimming

You're welcome to go for a dip in Lyman Lake during your visit to the park. The reservoir is fed by snowmelt, so it may be a bit colder than other lakes you've visited.

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How to Get to
Lyman Lake State Park

To reach Lyman Lake State Park from Springerville, AZ, head north on US-191 for approximately 17.5 miles. You should see signs for the park, which will be on your right, located on the shores of Lyman Reservoir and the Little Colorado River.

By Car

Entering Lyman Lake State Park

To enter Lyman Lake State Park, you'll need to pay a $7 entrance fee per vehicle for up to four adults. The park is open 24 hours a day, every day, and there is quite a bit of parking available.

Lyman Lake State Park Vehicle Fee : $7.0

1-4 people

Lyman Lake State Park Bike : $3.0

per person

The White Mountains of Eastern Arizona and the surrounding areas are great places to visit in your private RV or rental RV from RVshare. Be sure to tag RVshare on social media while visiting the sites. You will doubtless save many of your memories by taking pictures and videos while traveling through these beautiful and stunning vistas, and RVshare would enjoy seeing your memories. Send your fun memories and photos to [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions About Lyman Lake State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Lyman Lake State Park?

Most visitors prefer to visit Lyman Lake State Park during the summer. Between June and September, the weather tends to be very warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to go for a swim or spend the day out on the lake. If you prefer milder temperatures, the spring and fall are also great times to visit the park.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Lyman Lake State Park?

Lyman Lake State Park is home to many interesting bird species, including black ibis, great blue herons, sandpipers, egrets, and other shorebirds. As for land animals, visitors have regularly spotted coyotes, skunks, mule deer, bobcats, and lots of other small mammals.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Lyman Lake State Park?

Yes. Lyman Lake State Park Campground features 56 total campsites, and 38 of those are designated RV sites with hookups. Of these RV campsites, 13 have full RV hookups, and the other 25 have water and electrical hookups. The campground also boasts an RV dump station.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Lyman Lake State Park and what is the cost?

Yes, you need to reserve a campsite at Lyman Lake State Park Campground either online or by calling the Arizona State Parks Reservations Desk. There is a $3.20 non-refundable reservation fee for each campsite.

Are pets allowed at Lyman Lake State Park?

Yes, as long as you keep your pets leashed and clean up after them at all times, they're welcome at Lyman Lake State Park. Up to two pets are even welcome in the park's available cabins, but that does require a $5 fee per pet per night.