Camper submitted image from The Point Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from The Point Campground - 2
Facilities
Camper submitted image from The Point Campground - 3
Activities
Camper submitted image from The Point Campground - 4
Water
Camper submitted image from The Point Campground - 5
Buildings
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

The Point Campground

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

Suggest an Edit

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

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

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.


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

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

How do I make reservations at The Point Campground?

The Point Campground doesn't appear to have a formal reservation system in place. As a Tonto National Forest site, it likely operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For the most current reservation information, contact the Tonto National Forest directly or check their official website. Since the campground only has 4 sites, arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to secure a spot.

What are the camping fees at The Point Campground on Canyon Lake?

Specific fee information for The Point Campground isn't detailed in the available information. As a Tonto National Forest campground, it likely requires either a Tonto Pass or a recreation pass like America the Beautiful. Standard camping fees for primitive Tonto National Forest campgrounds typically range from $8-20 per night. For exact and current fee information, check with the Tonto National Forest office or visit their official website before your trip.

What amenities are available at The Point Campground on Canyon Lake?

The Point Campground on Canyon Lake offers 4 official campsites maintained by the Tonto National Forest. Each site comes equipped with a covered picnic table and fire pit. The campground provides composting toilets for visitors. There's also a boat dock suitable for larger boats, making it convenient for those arriving by water or planning to spend time boating on Canyon Lake. The campground is located about 2 miles upriver from the Mormon Flat Dam. Be aware that some facilities may be in a state of minor disrepair, so come prepared accordingly.