Heritage Court in Gilbert's historic district

Outdoors

Boating and kayaking near Gilbert

Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Gilbert for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.

12places to boat and paddle
33 mito the closest
October–Maybest months

Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.

Closest picks

1

Riverside Campground (AZ)

33 mi north · USDA Forest Service

Riverside Campground offers more peace and tranquility than the busier recreation sites at Bartlett Lake. With the campground’s proximity to water, fisherman and avid water recreationalists enjoy this spot all year long.

2

Burnt Corral Campground

39 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service

Burnt Corral Campground and Recreation Area (elevation 1914') is about 5.8 miles south of Roosevelt Dam along the Apache Trail (AZ Hwy 88) along the shoreline of Apache Lake.

3

Cholla Campground

43 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service

Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake, is one of several campgrounds on the shores of the largest lake/reservoir located entirely in the State of Arizona. It is situated within a lush sonoran desert landscape at an elevation of 2168'.

Map of all 12 places

Map of 12 places loads as you scroll.

30 to 75 miles (12)

33 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Riverside Campground (AZ)

Riverside Campground offers more peace and tranquility than the busier recreation sites at Bartlett Lake. With the campground’s proximity to water, fisherman and avid water recreationalists enjoy this spot all year long.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing

39 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Burnt Corral Campground

Burnt Corral Campground and Recreation Area (elevation 1914') is about 5.8 miles south of Roosevelt Dam along the Apache Trail (AZ Hwy 88) along the shoreline of Apache Lake.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Photography
  • Picnicking

43 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Cholla Campground

Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake, is one of several campgrounds on the shores of the largest lake/reservoir located entirely in the State of Arizona. It is situated within a lush sonoran desert landscape at an elevation of 2168'.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Paddling

43 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Horseshoe (AZ)

Horseshoe Campground is farther up the road from Mesquite Campground. Offering more developed campground sites with picnic tables, fire pits and access to the Verde River at campsites 11 and 12.

  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Off Road Vehicle Trails
  • Paddling

43 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Mesquite (AZ)

Mesquite Campground provides privacy and shade. Here you can relax under the shaded canopies of mesquite trees while listening to the sounds of water flowing from the Verde River just a short distance from your site.

  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Off Road Vehicle Trails
  • Paddling
  • Photography

44 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Frazier Group Campground

The campground overlooks Roosevelt Lake and is nestled in the saguaro cactus-studded Sonoran Desert.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Wildlife viewing

44 mi northwest · USDA Forest Service

Tonto National Forest

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Climbing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding

46 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Windy Hill Campground

Located on central Arizona's largest lake, Windy Hill offers great water recreation opportunities to the public.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Paddling
  • Photography

47 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Grapevine Group Campground

Groups are drawn to Grapevine Campground's unique setting and expansive facilities.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Wildlife viewing

47 mi northwest · Bureau of Reclamation

Lake Pleasant

This newly expanded reservoir has 114 miles of shoreline for family recreation uses. The reservoir boasts a 10-lane boat ramp; parking for 200 vehicles. Recreational facilities concentrated primarily on the reservoir's western shore.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Picnicking

49 mi northeast · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Schoolhouse Campground (AZ)

Schoolhouse Campground is located in close proximity to the eastern shores of Roosevelt Lake with an elevation of 2,100 feet.

  • Amphitheater
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking

65 mi east · Bureau of Land Management

Gila River Recreation Area

The Gila River recreation area is located along the Gila River and Arizona State Route (SR) 77 between the Town of Winkelman and Globe in Gila County, Arizona.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Camping Area
  • Canoeing
  • Fish Viewing Site
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Water Access

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Gilbert. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Gilbert

Around Gilbert

2021 LDS Church, 3310 South Greenfield Road, Gilbert
2021 LDS Church, 3310 South Greenfield Road, GilbertBeyond My Ken · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Gardening lots for rent at AgritopiaRobert Tewart · CC BY 2.0
Gilbert Bible Church - Commons Building
Gilbert Bible Church - Commons Building - 2009-08-14Cygnusloop99 · CC BY-SA 3.0

More outdoors near Gilbert

Questions

Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Gilbert?

Riverside Campground (AZ) (USDA Forest Service), about 33 miles north of Gilbert as the crow flies. Next are Burnt Corral Campground (39 mi) and Cholla Campground (43 mi).

When is the best time for boating & paddling near Gilbert?

Based on Gilbert’s average highs, October–May. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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