Maricopa County, Arizona
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant Regional Park, northwest of Phoenix near Peoria, is Maricopa County's largest lake and a major boating and recreation destination.
- Day use
- Freshwater
- Boat Access
About this place
Lake Pleasant Regional Park, northwest of Phoenix near Peoria, is Maricopa County's largest lake and a major boating and recreation destination. Among Arizona's naturist community, the lake is known for several remote coves on the northeastern and northwestern shoreline that are accessible by boat and have a quiet C/O tradition going back many years.
Unlike Bartlett Lake to the east, Lake Pleasant is more developed, with marina facilities, camp sites, and consistent boat traffic. The C/O coves are therefore more about finding the right spot than about having the lake to yourself — visitors familiar with the territory navigate to the quieter tributary arms away from the main marina corridor. The Agua Fria arm in particular has historically been the area where clothing-optional boaters congregate.
The lake was enlarged significantly by the New Waddell Dam in the 1990s, and the current shoreline reflects the expanded reservoir. Maricopa County Parks manages the main recreation areas; the more remote shoreline falls under less active management. Boating season runs year-round with peak use from March through October.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Phoenix metro boaters, water sports enthusiasts, naturists who know the specific coves to seek out. Jet ski and motorboat traffic is heavy on weekends.
How to find it
Lake Pleasant Regional Park is accessed from the Lake Pleasant Road exit off I-17 north of Peoria. The marina has boat launch facilities. The C/O coves are in the less-trafficked arms of the reservoir — local naturist community knowledge helps navigate to the right spots.
Things to watch out for
Heavy boat traffic and jet skis on weekends make the main lake busy and potentially hostile to quiet anchoring. Summer heat is extreme — shade structures on boats are not optional. Entry fee at the park gate.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
Boat-access coves are informal C/O territory. Watch for passing boats before assuming you're out of sight. Keep a respectful distance from other anchored boats.
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