Campground Overview:
Crabtree Wash Shoreline Area located south of the Apache Lake Marina, offers dispersed camping along the shores of Apache Lake. Access to the area is by the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, a scenic mountain road. Nearby are views of mountains with abundant wildlife. Apache Lake is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest and Three Bar Wilderness area, both of which are home to the beautiful flora and fauna of Arizona. Curious big horned sheep are known to venture on the cliff’s edges to investigate boaters, and bald eagles keep a watchful eye up and down the lake.
This site is 12 miles south of Roosevelt Dam on the south shoreline of Apache Lake. From Apache Junction: Drive north on State Hwy. 88 for 32 miles (the last 20 miles of State Hwy. 88 are unpaved) to FR 79. Turn left and continue to site approximately 1 mile.
From Mesa: Take State Hwy. 87/Beeline Highway north for approximately 60 miles to itsjunction with State Hwy. 188. Turn right onto State Hwy. 188 for 33 miles to its junction with State Hwy. 88. Turn right onto State Hwy. 88, and drive past historic Roosevelt Dam (unpaved) for 12 miles to FR 79. Turn right and continue to the site approximately 1 mile.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Dispersed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Globe |
Fishing: |
Apache Lake |
Campground Website: |
Crabtree Wash Shoreline Area |
Campground Map: |
Apache Lake Recreation Area |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Apache Lake was formed in 1927 when the Horse Mesa Dam was completed. Outstanding trout and warm-water fishing. Wet winters bring a profusion of spring flowers. This lake is set among sun-painted canyon walls, which form scenic backdrops to the lake itself. Both Non-motorized and Motorized boating is allowed at Apache Lake. During the summer months Apache Lake is very popular for the cool water and beautiful scenery.
Apache Trail, or AZ 88 as it is officially known, links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix area with Theodore Roosevelt Lake, through the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and the Tonto National Forest; 40 miles of steep, winding and mostly unpaved road past magnificent scenery of twisted igneous mountains with dense forests of saguaro and ferocactus, and several deep blue lakes. Past the lakes, the original route continues in more traditional fashion to the former copper mining town of Globe , but it is the western half which is the most scenic and well-known, however caution is required when driving and it is not recommended for large RVs or caravans.
Theodore Roosevelt Lake was formed by the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River in 1911, making it the oldest artificial reservoir in Arizona. Although not as popular as other lakes located near Phoenix, the reservoir and surrounding area is now a major center for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and general vacationing. The recreation area is apart of the Tonto National Forest- Tonto Basin Ranger District and encompasses over 500,000 acres and includes numerous recreational opportunities located along the shores of Roosevelt Lake.
Tonto National Monument protects two well-preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings and diverse artifacts. Located within the Tonto Basin of the Upper Sonoran Desert, this National Park Service site provides opportunities to experience a thriving culture deeply rooted in its natural setting, while encouraging our own connections to our environment. For nearly 10 millennia, the Tonto Basin has provided, and continues to provide, a home to many diverse people.
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