Apache Lake Boat Access
Open year-round for dispersed boat-in camping. No reservations, first-come first-served. No facilities available; pack in all water and supplies, pack out all trash.
Extreme Heat Watch issued July 20 at 11:54AM MST until July 27 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions possible. Afternoon temperatures 105 to 116. Major Heat Risk. Overexposure can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop and, without intervention, can lead to heat stroke. * WHERE...A portion of south central Arizona. * WHEN...From Thursday morning through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.
No Fire Restrictions
There are currently no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest.
About
Apache Lake Boat Access provides primitive dispersed camping along the north shore of Apache Lake in the Tonto National Forest. This boat-in-only area sits among the dramatic canyon walls that define the lake, formed in 1927 when Horse Mesa Dam was completed. The remote setting offers a chance to escape developed campgrounds and experience the rugged Sonoran Desert landscape from the water. This is true backcountry camping with no developed facilities whatsoever. There is no potable water, no restrooms, no trash service, and no fire rings or tables. Campers must bring all water and supplies and pack out all trash. The area is popular with boaters seeking solitude, anglers targeting trout and warm-water species, and wildlife enthusiasts hoping to spot desert bighorn sheep on the cliffs above. Boat launches are available at Apache Lake Marina or Burnt Corral Campground on the south shore. A Tonto Daily Pass or Discovery Pass plus Watercraft Sticker is required for all watercraft on the lake.
Directions
Accessible by boat only from the north shore of Apache Lake. Launch from Apache Lake Marina or Burnt Corral Campground on the south shore via AZ Highway 88 (Apache Trail). Note: SR 88 between Fish Point and Apache Lake Marina may have closures; check current road conditions.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (602) 225-5395 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Tonto NF Apache Lake Recreation | |
| Tonto NF Camping & Cabins |
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