Discovering Arizona - Patagonia Lake State Park

Patagonia Lake State Park, located near Patagonia, Arizona, contains the two-and-a-half mile long, 250-acre Patagonia Lake, which is a popular southern Arizona site for fishing, camping, boat rental, picnicking, hiking, and birding.

Located inside the park is the recently established Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, Arizona's first major state natural area. Created by the damming of Sonoita Creek, the lake is habitat for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, and is stocked with rainbow trout during the winter. Special events include an annual mariachi festival in March and bird tours and interpretive programs on request.

Patagonia Lake State Park is located on AZ State Highway 82,
7 miles south of Patagonia.

The Park

At two and a half miles long and 250 surface acres, Patagonia Lake is popular for a variety of recreational activities, including water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking.

Created by the damming of Sonoita Creek, the lake is habitat for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, and is stocked with rainbow trout during the winter. For anglers' sake, the east half of the lake is designated a no wake area.

A handicap fishing dock is located at the marina and behind the Sonoita Creek visitor center. Because the lake attracts a multitude of water sports enthusiasts during summer months, water skiing or towing a recreational device is prohibited on weekends and holidays from May 1 through September 31st.

Camping ranges from undeveloped spots to sites with water and electric hookups. Park conveniences include picnic ramadas, a swimming beach, and a marina store with boat rentals. Entry to the park is allowed from 4:00am until 11:00pm and access is from State Route 82 between Patagonia and Nogales.