Float Your Cares Away At One Of Arizona's Most Unique And Luxurious Lakeside Cabins

Nestled in a stunning valley less than an hour's drive from Phoenix, Lake Pleasant beckons desert dwellers with its sparkling waters, cool breezes, and endless opportunities for both land- and water-based recreation. Many come just for the day, but why not put your feet up and stay for a while at one of Scorpion Bay's floating cabins, one of Arizona's most unique accommodations? The bright and airy one- and two-bedroom cabins are available for one-week rentals and feature casual chic decor, luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms, fully stocked kitchens, and private patios with comfortable seating areas, where you can sip your morning coffee and enjoy incredible views of the lake. 

What's more, each cabin comes with a private wet slip where you can conveniently park your boat. Those without boats who still want to explore the lake (why wouldn't you?) can charter a pontoon, fishing boat, or ski boat through the Scorpion Bay Marina or rent kayaks and other water amenities. If you don't feel like cooking in your cabin's kitchen, stroll over to the floating Scorpion Bay Grill, which is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days a week and stays open later on weekends. This popular casual restaurant serves fresh salads, savory sandwiches, local craft beer, and a wide range of cocktails, and its patio boasts panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Scorpion Bay also offers special events throughout the year to enhance visitor experiences, including game nights, live music, and holiday-themed parties with DJs and dancing. Sunset cruises also happen about once a month for those who want to witness the spectacular colors of the sunset while out on the lake. 

Beyond the floating cabins at Scorpion Bay, there are so many things to do on and around the lake. Like some of Arizona's other incredible desert lakes, Lake Pleasant is a heavenly spot for swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, and more, its cool waters providing sublime refreshment on a hot day. If the water sport that interests you is not available at Scorpion Bay, drive around 11 miles to Pleasant Harbor Marina, the hub for Lake Pleasant water sports. Here, you'll also find the H2-Whoa, the "World's Largest Floating Waterslide," a fact that's even been verified by the Guinness Book of World Records. If you dare to try to slide, be prepared to get launched many feet into the air before hitting the water.  

Scorpion Bay visitors will also find a multitude of land-based activities around the lake. Hiking trails are plentiful in the area, offering another way to experience the serene beauty of the lake and desert. You can hike these trails on your own or sign up for a guided hike through Maricopa County Parks to learn more about the local environment. For example, a 2-mile Desert 101 hike provides information on native plants and animals, while an eerie 2-mile Creatures of the Night hike is similar but takes place under the stars. A word of caution: Remember to take plenty of water with you whenever you set off into the desert, no matter what time of day you go hiking.