Willow Springs Lake, Reservoir in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Coconino County, Arizona, USA

Willow Springs Lake is a reservoir in Coconino County situated at about 7,600 feet (2,300 meters) elevation amid tall pine trees. Its water surface covers roughly 150 acres and is ringed by rocky hills and forested shores, creating a calm and natural setting with a paved boat ramp, picnic areas, and shoreline benches for visitors.

Willow Springs Lake was created in 1966/67 by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, which built a dam in the upper Willow Springs Canyon to catch snowmelt for public fishing and water recreation. The lake has no year-round inflow and no controlled outlet; most years no spill occurs, and when it does, water runs 3.4 miles down Willow Springs Canyon to join Woods Canyon and form Chevelon Creek.

The lake takes its name from the willows that once grew in the canyon. The Arizona Game and Fish Department built it in 1966/67 and holds sole water rights, so no water is released downstream except during spring spill-off. Anglers fish from the shore and the paved boat ramp on the west side, and ice fishing is possible when the surface freezes in winter.

Willow Springs Lake lies just off SR 260, about 23 mi (37 km) east of Payson, reached by paved Forest Road 149 on the west side from April through November. From December through March the lake freezes and vehicles cannot get in; a dirt road to Sardine Point between the two arms stays an alternative. Facilities include barrier-free toilets, two picnic ramadas and a paved boat ramp; motors are limited to electric or 10 hp or less.

Willow Springs Lake has no permanent inflow; snowmelt keeps it full, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department holds sole water rights. Water leaves only as spring spill, running 3.4 miles down Willow Springs Canyon to join Woods Canyon and form Chevelon Creek.