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.
Pinal City Riparian Area Off Road Prohibition
Temporary Pinal City riparian area closured on the Globe Ranger District.
Mesquite Campground Post Fire Recovery Closure for Public Health & Safety
Mesquite Campground closed due to post fire recovery.
Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety
Cottonwood Cove in Roosevelt Lake closed. Picnic site still open.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
Stage 1 Fires Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order effective May 15, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.
Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order
Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…
Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety
Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.
Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure
December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.
Target Type Restrictions Order
Recreational target shooting targets specifically manufactured for the purpose of target shooting are the only approved target types. (i.e. paper / cardboard silhouette, clay pigeons, steel targets, self-healing targets, etc.)All other materials not manufactured for the purpose to recreational…
Fossil Creek Non-Permit Seasonal Camping, Fire and Glass Prohibition (October 2- March 31)
Details below.
Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)
Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…
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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