Cataract Lake

This popular fishing lake is located on the Williams Ranger District about one mile northwest of Williams on Cataract Lake Road. Cataract Lake is open seasonally for day-use only. Overnight camping is not available at Cataract Lake. However, the area is open for activities such as fishing and picnicking during the day. Facilities at the lake include a toilet, picnic tables and garbage bins.

Day Use Fee compliance runs from 7 AM -10 PM: site remain accessible between 10 PM - 7 AM (quiet hours observed where applicable)

"Cataract Lake" Images Album

Current Conditions

The entrance gate is open to motorized traffic and daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Foot travel into the site is not restricted. No overnight camping available. This is a day-use only recreation site.

General Information

America the Beautiful passes are accepted for camping only, NOT for day-use fee areas.

Please refer to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for current fishing regulations and permits at www.azgfd.com/Fishing.

No swimming allowed in the lake. See Kaibab N.F. Forest Order 07-18-05-Rr.
Pets must always be restrained or on a leash.
Only single electric motors or single gasoline engine motors (not exceeding 10 manufacturer-rated horsepower) are allowed. Regulations per Ariz. Admin. Code § 12-4-517. For details on the regulations go to https://bit.ly/3159Wip.
No waste water (gray or black water) drained onto ground.

Day Use, Single Vehicle (1 vehicle -per day): $8.00
Annual Day Use Pass-per vehicle, annually: $100.00 ($50 for local area residents for at least the 2025 operating season)

Boat Launch fee included in Day Use Fee

Discount Passes (such as America the Beautiful Senior and Access passes) do not apply to day use fees.

Address: 742 South Clover Road, Williams, AZ 86046
Phone: 928-635-5600
Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 35.250683

Longitude: -112.212947

Directions

From Williams, turn north onto 7th Street. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn west at the first road and go about 1 mile to the entrance on your right. The paved and all-weather gravelled roads are suitable for passenger vehicles.

If you are traveling from Interstate 40, take exit 161. Turn right onto Golf Course Drive if coming from the east, or left if coming from the west. After passing under the railroad tracks, turn right immediately and go about 1 mile to the entrance on your left. This route is not suitable for large RVs.