Lakeview Campground

Coronado National Forest, Sonoita

Lakeview Campground overlooks Parker Canyon Lake, and the views are spectacular — both of the water and the surrounding Canelo Hills.

Regardless of the simplicity of its name, Lakeview is an extraordinary campground. Water recreation and hiking are big draws, and a 5-mile lakefront trail features interpretive signs and fantastic opportunities to spot wildlife, including Coues deer, ospreys and, if you’re lucky, bald eagles and coatis, raccoon-like creatures that have a masked face and long tail and snout.

The campground is large, with 65 sites, but it’s not overwhelming. Picnic tables, fire pits and grills are among the amenities. Avid boaters will be more excited about the pier, boat ramps and docks, all within a hop, skip and a jump of the campground.

Campfire Tale: Three Arizona State Record fish have come from Parker Canyon Lake — a 32.4-pound, 38.75-inch channel catfish; a 1.9-pound, 11-inch green sunfish; and a 2.6-pound, 16.5-inch bullhead catfish.