Arivaca Lake is a small lake (90-acres) in the Coronado National Forest a few miles southeast of the town of Arivaca, The landscape is rolling grasslands set against a backdrop of rocky bluffs and distant mountains. This area is home to a number of cattle ranches, and much of the land in the vicinity of the lake is private property. Take that into consideration if you go strolling across the landscape. Powerboats on Arivaca Lake are restricted to the use of a single electric motor only, and all bass must be immediately released back to the water.

No garbage services are provided to this area, so even if you bag your trash neatly before you drive off and leave it, you’re littering. Pack out everything that you pack in.

Access: Take the Amado Road exit on Interstate 19, head west to Arivaca. Turn south out of Arivaca on FR 216 about a mile then east on FR 39 about 5 miles to a road that turns left (east) to the lake.

Via the Ruby Road: take Interstate 19 north from Nogales 8 miles to the AZ 289/Ruby Road exit, head west 10 miles on this paved road past Peña Blanca Lake and continue on FR 39 (unpaved) for 26 miles to the primitive road (FR 4130) that turns right (east) to the lake.

Campground Season: Year-round

Elevation: 3,750'