Alamo Lake State Park

Alamo Lake State Park Is Among The Best Arizona State Parks For Fishing

This Arizona State Park stands on 4,900 acres of land in La Paz County and is centered around a flood control reservoir created by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1968.

Alamo Lake With Artillery Peak In The Background

They constructed an earthfill dam across a tributary of the Colorado River called the Bill Williams River. Although this river is often dry, seasonal heavy rain has been known to raise the water level in the lake by as much as eleven feet in one night. This, however, is an extreme event and is very rare.

The lake itself is quite large having a surface area of over 17,000 acres when it is full.

The river that forms the lake is named after William Sherley Williams ("Old Bill") who was a 19th century mountain man. He lived with the Osage Indians who named him "Lone Elk" and was fluent in several Native American languages.

The Bill Williams River Which Forms The Alamo Lake

The only access to Alamo Lake State Park is along two dirt roads. One branches off US Route 93 which is to the east of the park, while the other is off US Route 60 to the south.

Because it is in such a relatively remote area and access is not as good as it could be, Alamo Lake is often thought of as being a well kept secret in the system of Arizona State Parks.

However, this remoteness does have a positive side. There is no light pollution from nearby cities, the closest of which is over forty miles away. So Alamo Lake State Park has become a mecca for stargazers and amateur astronomers who visit the park from far and wide.

The Alamo Lake Dam

They are not the only people to find Alamo Lake an attractive place to visit. Anglers can catch good size largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and crappie. A number of fishing tournaments are held at the lake and at least one state record fish has been pulled from its waters.

The facilities for camping are extremely good and there is a well stocked park store. All in all for those seeking a peaceful time, but wanting enough activities to keep you entertained, this one of the Arizona State Parks is just the place.

Summary Of Facilities

Visitor Center

Park Store/Bait Store

Interpretive Exhibits

Group Camping Area. For tents/trailers. Has picnic shelter, grill and vault toilets.

Family Camping. 19 sites with 50 amp electric, water and sewer hookups. Other sites have 30/50 amp electric and water.

Campground "B" has 27 electric sites. Ramada Area has 12 electric sites. Cholla Campground has 41 electric sites.

Dump Station

Group Day Use Area. Has 2 picnic shelters and grill.

Restrooms in each campground.

Boat Ramp (non-motorized craft only)

Summary Of Activities