Watercraft Rules and Regulations
All visitors must comply with:
Motorized Watercraft
Motorized watercraft includes any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not the motor is the primary source of movement.
Examples include: Cabin cruisers, Pontoon boats, Deck boats, Jet skis, Bowrider boats, Bay boats, Yachts, Dinghies with motors, Bass or fishing boats with trolling motors, Houseboats, Motorized surfboards or foil boards.
Watercraft with a motor attached are considered motorized—even if the motor is not working at the time of entry.
Motorized watercraft are subject to the motorized watercraft entrance fee and must meet all applicable state regulations.
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.
- Non-motorized watercraft includes, but is not limited to: Canoes*, kayaks*, stand-Up paddleboards*, rowboats, paddleboats, windsurf boards or sailboards, sailboats, pedal boats. (*) includes inflatable versions.
If a gas-powered or electric motor is attached to any of the above vessels, it is classified as a motorized watercraft and must comply with motorized regulations and fees.
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, and iInflatables 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:
- Kiteboarding and parasailing
Mooring and Anchoring
Mooring buoys are not allowed at Lake Pleasant.
Regulatory and park buoys placed on the water are for navigation, education, and safety purposes only. Do not tie off to these buoys.
Boaters may use personal anchors, provided they can be properly set and fully retrieved before departure.
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.