The Point Campground
Open — Open year-round for boat-access camping. Canyon Lake will be closed for approximately 16 weeks starting September 16, 2026, for dam safety inspections and maintenance.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Lower Salt River Area Temporary Emergency Equestrian Closure for Public Health & Safety
Click to view closure order for details.
Granite Reef Developed Recreation Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
See order for details.
TERMINATION ORDER: Stage II Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
There are no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest as of Sept. 5, 2025, 8 a.m.
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.
About
The Point Campground is a primitive boat-access-only site located on Canyon Lake in the Mesa Ranger District of Tonto National Forest. With only three designated camp units that can also be used as picnic sites for day use, this remote location offers seclusion and scenic beauty along the red rock cliffs of the lake's upper reaches. The campground is particularly popular with boaters during summer months and with anglers year-round, as Canyon Lake is stocked with rainbow trout from November through March and is known for excellent bass fishing. The site features a courtesy dock for boat access and is the only location with a toilet facility on the upper portion of the lake. Amenities are minimal: a composting toilet, picnic tables, and fire rings, but no potable water or garbage collection. Campers must be self-sufficient and practice pack-it-in, pack-it-out principles. Access requires a 3-mile boat trip from one of the lake's boat ramps, making this a true backcountry experience despite its proximity to the Phoenix metro area. A Tonto Daily Pass and watercraft sticker or Tonto Discovery Pass are required for boat access.
Directions
From Mesa, take US 60 to Idaho Road exit #196. Go north on Idaho Road to State Highway 88 and turn right. After crossing the first bridge at the lake, watch for Palo Verde Recreation Site sign and turn left. The last 3 miles are by boat only. Boat launch requires Tonto Daily Pass and watercraft sticker or Tonto Discovery Pass.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (480) 610-3300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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