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Arizona
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State of Arizona Parks

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USA Parks
Arizona
West Coast Region
Alamo Lake State Park
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Alamo Lake State Park © Valerie Gilbert
Alamo Lake State Park The View © Susan Kordish
The view from our campsite
Alamo Lake State Park Water Dog © Susan Kordish
In the lake
Alamo Lake State Park Another View © Susan Kordish
Another view from our site
Alamo Lake State Park Our Site © Susan Kordish
We got very lucky...one of the best sites in the whole park.
Alamo Lake State Park © Valerie Gilbert
Alamo Lake State Park From The Trail © Susan Kordish
The view from the trail along the ridge.
Alamo Lake State Park © Valerie Gilbert
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ALAMO LAKE STATE PARK
ALAMO LAKE STATE PARK
P.O. Box 38
Wenden, Arizona   85357
(lat:34.2709 lon:-113.5699) map location

Phone: 928-669-2088
Alamo Lake State Park is one of Arizona's best kept secrets. The stark desert beauty is reflected off the water. Cacti dot the mountainous landscape that surround the lake. Nestled in the Bill Williams River Valley away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Alamo Lake State Park offers outdoor fun, premier bass fishing, rest and relaxation. For nature lovers, spring rains bring an abundance of wild flowers and the lake environment attracts a variety of wildlife year round, including bald and golden eagles, waterfowl, foxes, coyotes, mule deer and wild burros. Stargazers are sure to enjoy the unbelievable view of the night sky with the nearest city lights some forty miles away

Alamo Lake, located on the Bill Williams River where the Big Sandy River and Santa Maria River come together, was created with the completion of Alamo Dam in 1968. The Army Corps of Engineers designed the earthen dam primarily for flood control. During flood events, the lake basin is capable of capturing large amounts of water in a relatively short time. The lake has been recorded rising 11 vertical feet in one night Unusually high flows during the late 1970s and through the 1980s have increased the average size of the lake, helping to create one of Arizona's best fishing holes.

Fishing tournaments are common at the lake and anglers have an excellent opportunity to catch bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie. Remember, the desert can be harsh and dangerous, but it is also very fragile. Help us protect it, and yourself, by camping in the designated camp areas and keeping vehicles on maintained roadways.
Nature of the Area
Although there is a variety of wildlife around the park, wild burros, coyote, eagles, pelicans, and Great Blue Herons are the most common.
History of the Area
Located in western Arizona, the park was established in 1958 following the construction of Alamo Dam. The dam's purpose was flood control and water conservation for agricultural use.

The lake formed by this dam became a popular spot for fishing due to its abundant fish population. Over time, recreational activities expanded to include camping, boating and wildlife viewing.

In 1981, it officially opened as a state-operated public recreation area offering facilities like campgrounds and boat ramps. Today it is known not only for outdoor pursuits but also stargazing opportunities.

Passes
Arizona offers a non-commercial standard pass for weekday use at all parks, including weekends at most parks and the non-commercial premium pass which includes weekend and holiday access to the parks. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is not included in either annual park pass. You can find additional Arizona Annual State Park Pass informataion and order online by visiting the ARIZONA ANNUAL STATE PARK PASS web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
CampingWater/Electric Sitesyes
Camping
Group: Camping Sites

The group camping area has one 60 x 20 foot Ramada with two barbeque grills for use. There is a vault toilet, along with four chemical toilets located in the group use area. This area can accommodate vehicles up to 60 foot long. For reservation call the park.

Camping Sites

Dry camping is located in Campgrounds D & E. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There are vault and chemical toilets loctated through out the campgrounds. Also Campground A has 21 sites available while Campground B has 15 sites (#28-42).

Electric RV Sites Non Electric RV Sites RV Sites

There are 19 full hook-up sites with 50 amp electric, water and sewer located in the Main Campground. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Additional sites have 30/50 amp electric and water at each site. Campgound B has 27 electric sites. The Ramada Area has 12 electric sites. Cholla Campground area has 41 electric sites (30 amp). Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.
Park Store
On January 2, 2009, Alamo Lake's new Bait / Park Store opened. The Park Store carries fishing and camping item like fishing licenses, boating supplies (boating flags, life jackets, boat cushions, ropes, anchors, battery clamps, etc.), and firewood. We also have great park specific items like shirts and hats, patches, walking sticks, pins, books, and more. In addition, we offer a nice line of souvenir items.

Food items for sale include ice cream, soda, water, milk, eggs, canned vegetables, candy bars, condiments, hot dogs & buns, marshmallows & graham crackers, personal hygiene items, and more. The store also plans on selling Gasoline in the near future.
Swimming
This park has swimming, but no beaches. No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is at your own risk.
Fishing
Alamo lake has large mouth bass, crappie, red eared sun fish, channel cat fish, Tilapia, and blue gill.

A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers fourteen and older. Licensing information is available online at Arizona Game & Fish, or purchase a fishing license at a local dealer.


Location
Alamo Lake State Park is

Picnicking
Group Ramadas are located in camp areas A and E.
Trails
1. Alamo Lake State Park Loop: A 4-mile loop trail offering lake views, suitable for all skill levels.

2. Wayside Oasis Trail: This is a moderate difficulty level hiking and biking path that extends about 3 miles round trip.

3. Burro Creek Campground Trails: These trails are located near the campground area with varying lengths from half to two miles long each.

4. Rawhide Mountains Wilderness Area Trails: Located on the park's outskirts, these rugged paths offer challenging hikes of up to six miles in length.

5. Artillery Peak Hiking Pathway - An approximately five-mile-long hike providing panoramic vistas over Alamo Lake State Park; recommended for experienced hikers due to steep inclines.

6.Campground Connector Paths - Short walking routes connecting different areas within campgrounds; typically less than one mile long but vary depending upon starting point and destination.

7.Alamo Dam Overlook Trail - Approximately three-quarters of a mile walk leading visitors directly towards an overlook spot above the dam itself

8.Burro Wash Route- Roughly four-miles out-and-back route following along burrow wash creek bed through desert terrain

9.Palm Canyon Nature Walk- Easy quarter-of-a-mile stroll showcasing local flora including palm trees native only this region

10.Wildlife Viewing Point Track- Less than half-a-mile track designed specifically wildlife observation purposes

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 22 Love Alamo Lake by Diane Dempsey
park review stars; one to five Alamo is a very family friendly place. The staff is very nice and we have enjoyed all of our visits over the past 20 year. Thank you
July 3 most beautiful desert in existence by Jay Combs
park review stars; one to five I love the area. I went to school at browns crossing in 1956-57 while living at Black diamond mine. I think the bus at the north end of the lake is the one I lived in. I have pictures and am interested in history. Can you help me? Thank you!
February 22 Our First Camping Trip by AZ Cowgirl
park review stars; one to five We took our maiden camping trip to Alamo. What a beautiful park. Tons of wildflowers, great hiking...loved it!
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Directions
The park is located 38 miles north of Wenden and US 60.

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Arizona
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