Located
on a hill overlooking Parker Canyon Lake, campsites are
spread among a stand of oaks and junipers. From the campground
it is just a short walk to the lakeshore or a short drive
to the boat launch ramp, fishing pier, paved parking areas
and paved walkways, all of which are accessible to persons
with disabilities. A concessionaire-operated general store
and boat rental combine with the facilities listed above
to make this area a pleasant, friendly place to visit.
Parker Canyon Lake and Lakeview Campground are generally
less crowded than similar areas that are more easily accessible.
On some days you can hike the entire 5-mile trail around
the lake and have only the resident wildlife for company.
This trail has several viewing areas complete with benches
and interpretive signs. Two of the viewing areas are barrier-free.
It is an excellent place to view the waterfowl that either
live at the lake or use it as a stopover on their seasonal
migration. Bald eagles and osprey are also frequently sighted
here, as are Coues white-tailed deer and an occasional extended
family of coatimundi, those long-tailed, long-nosed southwestern
cousins of the raccoon.
Location: Adjacent to Parker Canyon Lake at the southern
end of the Canelo Hills.
Access:
From
Tucson, drive east on Interstate 10 to the State Route 83
exit. Drive south to Sonoita, then continue on AZ 83 approximately
25 miles to Parker Canyon Lake.
From
Sierra Vista, travel through Fort Huachuca’s west
gate to State Route 83. Turn south and travel 10 miles to
Parker Canyon Lake. Alternate from Sierra Vista: travel
south on State Highway 92 about 14 miles to Coronado Memorial
Road (FR 61) and drive 25 miles over Montezuma Pass on FR
61, then FR 48, along the south side of the Huachuca Mountains
to Parker Canyon Lake.
Elevation: 5,400'
Season: Open year round.
Attractions:
Hiking,
camping, picnicking
Year-round fishing
Boating (8 hp motor limit)
Watchable wildlife
Facilities:
65
single-unit sites with tables and fire rings
Drinking water, toilets and garbage bins
Fishing pier, paved ramp, boat dock at lake
Scenic campsites
General store and boat rental at lake
Some sites are barrier-free Notes:
Campground
is concessionaire-operated.
Tents, trailers and small motor homes allowed.
No utility hookups. Pets on leash at all times.
Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground.
Properly Licensed Motorbikes may be used only for entering
or leaving campgrounds.
Lakeshore Trail #128 encircles the lake.
