Watercraft Rules and Regulations
Please refer to Arizona Boating Laws (Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 5, Chapter 3: Boating and Water Sports) and Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Park Rules.
Motorized Watercraft
Motorized watercraft refers to any watercraft propelled by machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion.
Examples of motorized watercraft include, but are not limited to:
- Cabin Cruiser
- Pontoon Boat
- Deck Boat
- Jet Ski
- Bowrider Boat
- Bay Boat
- Yacht
- Dinghy
- Bass Boat/Fishing Boat with Trolling Motor
- Houseboat
- Motorized Surfboard/Foil Board
Watercraft with motors considered to be in a non-working condition at the time of entry will still be considered motorized.
Non-Motorized Watercraft
Non-motorized watercraft refers to any watercraft designed to be propelled by oars, paddles, pedals, or wind action on a sail for navigation on the water, or as may be defined by rule of the Commission in Arizona Revised Statute, Title 5, Chapter 3.
Examples of non-motorized watercraft include, but are not limited to:
- Canoe*
- Kayak*
- Stand-Up Paddleboard*
- Rowboat
- Paddleboat
- Windsurf/Sailboard
- Sailboat
- Pedal Boat
* Includes inflatable versions.
If a motor (gas-powered, electric, etc.) is attached to any of the above non-motorized watercraft, then the above vessel will be considered a motorized watercraft and will be required to pay the motorized watercraft entrance fee and be required to meet the State regulations for motorized watercraft.
Items Not Considered Watercraft
The following types of water-related equipment are not considered to be watercraft and, therefore, do not meet the watercraft entry fee requirement at the time of entry to Lake Pleasant:
- Water Skis
- Wakeboard
- Body/Boogie Boards
- Knee Boards
- Towable Tubes
- Inner Tubes
- Aqua Lily Pads
- Inflatables Designed for Pool Use
Water Related Equipment/Items Not Permitted
Items with parachutes are not allowed (per Maricopa County Park Rule R-116), to include but not limited to:
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
The Park offers three boat launch ramps:
- 10 Lane Boat Ramp (Main Entrance)
- 4 Lane Boat Ramp (North Entrance)
- Agua Fria Boat Launch (Agua Fria Conservation Area – seasonal/limited access due to water level elevation requirements)
Motorized watercraft must be launched from the designated boat ramps (shoreline launching is not permitted).
Mooring buoys are not permitted at Lake Pleasant. Regulatory/park buoys placed on the water are for navigational/educational/safety purposes only – do not tie off on these buoys. Boaters may bring anchors that can be set and retrieved.
10 Lane Boat Ramp
The 10-Lane parking area allows for 480 vehicles, 355 vehicles with trailers, and 124 cars. Of which, 30 boat trailer spaces are designated for boat-in camping (access to park vehicle and trailer overnight in the parking lot while camping on water within a boat – reservation required).
4 Lane Boat Ramp
The 4-Lane Boat Ramp is located at the north end of the lake and the parking area allows for 112 vehicles with boat trailers (see image below of boat ramp parking area).
Agua Fria Boat Launch
The Agua Fria Boat Launch is located within the Agua Fria Conservation Area. Access to the ramp is limited and accessible, dependent upon high water levels. Due to shallow waters, only small fishing boats or paddle crafts may launch from this area. For more details, please visit the Agua Fria Fishing Schedule at https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/lake-pleasant-regional-park/conservation-areas/agua-fria-fishing-schedule/
Monsoon and Storm Safety
Lake Pleasant is known for unpredictable weather and windy conditions that may be present at any moment. Please check weather forecasts regularly before heading out to the park and during your visit.
If stormy conditions are present, please remember the following:
- Avoid tying your watercraft up to docks.
- Avoid trailering or launching your boat.
- Find a quiet cove to ride out the storm and shelter in place.
- Keep an eye out for the wind warning lights located around the Lake.
- Always wear your life jacket or personal flotation device.
Water Levels
Lake water levels are managed through the Central Arizona Project (CAP). A comprehensive and detailed list of current and future water level projections can be found on the CAP website.
Click here for an interactive map to view Lake Pleasant water levels at different elevations.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Learn how to protect your vessels from aquatic invasive species such as the Quagga Mussels via training provided by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Boating Resources