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Established Camping

The Point Campground

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The Point Campground is located near Mesa in the Tonto National Forest. The terrain consists of desert landscapes with sparse vegetation. Temperatures range from 40°F in winter to 100°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Saguaro Lake and the Salt River, offering opportunities for boating and fishing.

Description

National Forest

Tonto National Forest

Boat access only.

The Point is located in the Mesa Ranger District and is mostly known for boat access only camping on Canyon Lake. There are only three designated camp units at this site, but the camp units can also be used as picnic sites for day use. Boaters enjoy The Point during summer months along with fishermen because of the courtesy dock. No garbage collection. Pack it in, Pack it out.

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Location

The Point Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

This site is 17 miles northeast of Apache Junction on Arizona State Hwy. 88, (historic “Apache Trail”). From Mesa, take US 60 to the Idaho Road exit. Go north on Idaho Road to State Hwy. 88 and turn right. After crossing the first bridge at the lake, watch for Palo Verde Recreation Site sign and turn left into site. The entire route to the lake is paved with narrow, sharp curves; traffic is heavy. The last 3 miles are by boat. Click Here For Map.

Coordinates

33.55809707 N
111.40931482 W

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Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if The Point Campground needs a permit.

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2019

Kayak Camp in this Gorgeous Desert Canyon

About 2 miles upriver from the Mormon Flat Dam, the Tonto National Forest maintains 4 official campsites, complete with a covered picnic table and fire pit at each, as well as composting toilets and a great boat dock for larger boats. 

The sites were in a bit of disrepair and the bathroom wasn’t stocked and smelled a bit, but the views and location of this site can’t be beat!  Just come prepared with what you need. And, there was an emergency call button by the bathrooms (something we have never seen in any place we’ve camped?). No drinking water available, so be sure to bring at least 1 gallon per person per day.

Warnings: We found that this site could either feel extremely remote, or a total party scene with music blaring from a boat moored at the dock, depending on who is there and how they got there. Also, the wind can blow strongly up/down this canyon, so check the weather before heading in. 

Keep on the lookout for lots of birds and Big Horned Sheep as you paddle/boat up river to the Horse Mesa Dam area. The dam is on lock down (you won’t actually see it), but the journey upriver is absolutely gorgeous with fascinating geology and beautiful Sonoran Desert cactus!

First-come, first-served, and…FREE!

SiteNo site numbers
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of The Point Campground by Shari  G., April 26, 2019
  • Review photo of The Point Campground by Shari  G., April 26, 2019
  • Review photo of The Point Campground by Shari  G., April 26, 2019
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at The Point Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at The Point Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does The Point Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, The Point Campground does not have wifi.