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.
Help protect the park. Please be aware of the following park rules:
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open from 8 am – 5 pm daily.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located in each campground, at the Visitor Center, and at each boat ramp. All restroom are handicap accessible.
Bait / 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.
Exhibits
Interpretive exhibits are located inside the park office.
Group: Day Use Areas
The group day use areas have one 60 x 20 foot Ramada with one barbeque grill for use. There is a $10 per day reservation fee for this area, and $5 per vehicle day use fee. For reservation call the park at (928) 669–2088.
We have two group ramadas for day use. One south of Campground A and one in Campground E. The site in the group campground can be used for extremely large groups, contact the park for details.
Group: Camping Sites
The group camping area has one 60 x 20 foot Ramada with one barbeque grill for use. There is a vault toilet, along with four chemical toilets located in the group use area. There is a $25 per day reservation fee for this area, and $10 per vehicle per night camping fee. This area can accommodate vehicles up to 60 foot long. For reservation call the park at (928) 669–2088.
Camping Sites
Dry camping is located in Campgrounds D & E. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The fee is $10 a night per vehicle. 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). These sites are $12 per night.
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. There is no limit to maximum RV length at these sites.
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.
Dump Station
There are two dump stations at the park. One is located at the Cholla campground, and the other is located in the main campground.
Showers
Showers are located in camp areas A, C, and in the main campground.
Picnic Areas/Shelters
Gruop Ramadas are located in camp areas A and E.
Biking
Although there are not specific bike trails, cyclists use bikes to explore the park.
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.
Swimming
This park has swimming, but no beaches. No lifeguard on duty. Swimming is at your own risk.
Boat Ramp
There are two paved boat ramps in the park. One is located in the Cholla campground and the other is located in the main campground.
Non-Motorized Watercraft
Non-motorized boats may launch at either boat ramp.
Wildlife Viewing
Although there is a variety of wildlife around the park, wild burros, coyote, eagles, pelicans, and Great Blue Herons are the most common.
From June until September the temps can go from 100° to 118° in the day with lows in the upper 90s. It's usually over 100°. This is the time to bring sun block and shade. Some years are pleasant and we do not see the 100° mark until June; and other years we've seen it hit 100-plus in May. Although this is also monsoon season in Arizona we do not see much rain at the park. Humidity yes, rain no.
