Apache Lake Marina & Resort, near Apache Junction, Arizona, is a unique spot that offers a mix of camping experiences right by the stunning Apache Lake. With options for tent camping, RVs, and even cabins, you can choose how you want to enjoy the great outdoors here.

The campground boasts some solid amenities, including hot showers and clean restrooms, which campers appreciate after a long day of fishing or kayaking on the lake. Many visitors have highlighted the beautiful views and the laid-back vibe, making it a great place to unwind. One camper noted, “Several camp sites with stunning views! Easy going vibe!”

Getting to the campground can be an adventure in itself, with a bumpy dirt road leading the way. But don’t let that deter you; the journey is worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to connect with nature. You can find dispersed camping spots nestled among the trees, each offering a unique view of the lake.

For those who enjoy a bit of activity, the area is perfect for fishing and boating, with watercraft rentals available nearby. While some campers mentioned the occasional noise from other visitors, the overall experience is one of tranquility and natural beauty. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Apache Lake Marina & Resort has a lot to offer for a memorable camping trip.

Apache Lake Marina & Resort

Tonto National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Arizona camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Tonto National Forest, AZ. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Tonto National Forest

The Best Camping Near Tonto National Forest, Arizona

When traveling to new places, I want new things to look at and unique experiences when I camp. I couldn't have asked for a more unique first day in AZ when I made my way to [Apache Lake Campground](https://apachelake.com/) (at the Marina) in AZ. It was late when I arrived, and I was starved, so it was the perfect time for dinner and a great view!

It says that it takes over an hour to go less than 30 miles to the campground, and I assumed this was one of those GPS errors...until I saw the road to get there. Mostly washboard dirt, a little asphalt and a lot of twists and turns. Upper speed limits of 20 mph made it very clear that the GPS knew what it was yapping about. At one point, I thought I was on a movie set and seriously didn't know how any car coming the opposite direction would pass, if it came to that. But all that aside, it was a beautiful, peaceful drive! Just don't do it in the dark. It's called the [Apache Trail](https://apachelake.com/getting-to-apache-lake/) and it's Arizona's oldest highway, originally built in 1905\. Serious history here! Absolutely worth the drive, if you don't have a fear of heights and have extra time to kill. It passes through a little town called Tortilla Flat and there is apparently an ice cream shop there with prickly pear gelato!

About the campground. It's deep in a valley, on Apache Lake. What a view!! Down a steep road that's about a mile off the main highway (Route 88), you can see the camp before you even get there. Once there, it's a little confusing to find what you need because signage isn't terribly apparent and it's a kind of "lazy-kicked-back" sort of atmosphere. Nothing up scale about it, at all. But that's part of it's charm. I guess I was there at the tail end of the "off" season, so it wasn't terribly busy. It's not fancy, by a long shot, but what you need is at your fingertips. You have to check in at the main building, which isn't very clear, especially upon arrival in the dark, but in the office, they will take your money, show you a map, and point you in the right direction.

There's a section for RVs with hookups (and they do have a dump station). There are restrooms in a few spots, and while not fancy, they let you "do the job" you came to do. Also some showers, and again, not the Ritz, but there is water to rinse with. I'd suggest shower shoes. The camping is kind of cool, though. It's dispersed. I mean, there are many little spots nested in the trees, around the lake, on the sand, where you can just pick a spot and stay. It was only $10 to pop a squat (I think it says $5 online, but that is incorrect). Some are far better than others (on little jetties or in the trees) but they all have sweet lake views and fire rings! You are allowed to collect dead wood to use, so that makes it easier to fire up at evenings end, but they sell firewood bundles too.

I had a little spot right off the lake, and it was quiet. A few night sounds, but nothing more than fish and birds. The only thing that bothered me were some bright lights, almost like on a jet plane, that were at the other end of the marina. I just positioned my tent so that I didn't get the runway lights right through my screen. In the morning, I took advantage of the big huge bathtub outside my tent (most people call that a lake) and took a very quick dip, since it was like ice water. Boy was it refreshing!!! Perfect little site for my first night in the desert. Not dessert. Big difference.



Gorgeous lake view - Apache Lake in AZ

This place is not the type of resort you "girl's trip" to. It's the kind of resort where you plan to spend all day on the lake and come back to a shower and a real bed. You can choose to camp in your tent/RV or start in the motel. 

The resort offers:
- breakfast, lunch and dinner
- watercraft rentals
- two boat ramps
- convenience store

There is a $10 fee to use any of their land. Even if you're just launching your boat. Emergency personnel have a base on the property which is comforting. Cell service is scarce on the lake but works great close to the resort. Only gave the resort 4 stars because I prefer camping around less people. 

Loosely named a "Resort"

If it wasn’t for the drive/road to get there this would be an easy 5 star. You can camp right in the lake and enjoy some fishing and kayaking as we did. This place was nice and quite. Is generator free from 9pm to 5am so you really get to hear the water and nature once you close your eyes. I have been told there is an easier road to get there than the one we took, which might allow us to go back.

Not and easy drive but worth it

The paved hwy was closed, the only way to get there is an hour-long bumpy dirt road.

However, it was absolutely amazing!  Can one place really have all this? Omg hot showers! Clean bathrooms! Several camp sites with stunning views! Easy going vibe! Huge 🐟 fish?



Worth it and we will be back.

Filthy, crowded and loud. Music festival environment.  Reserved RV spot but someone had taken.  Trash all over, broken down cars, tents on side of road.  Not beautiful, peaceful or relaxing.  Not worth the drive. 

Worst place ever

Dirty and run down. Not worth the long drive out.

Not worth the drive 

This is out in the middle of nowhere but simply amazing location. The lake has amazing views and park is nice and level. Has a grocery store and restaurant as well. Worth the trip to stay at this lake. 

Photos of Apache Lake Marina & Resort

Real photos from real campers