Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area

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  Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area
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  Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area
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  Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area- Apache Trail
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  Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area
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  Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area
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  Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area

Campground Overview:

**ATTENTION** Three Mile Wash Campground Closure 03-12-06-22-27. To protect public health and safety due to unsafe conditions and areas affected by flash flooding, the Tonto National Forest has issued Order 03-12-06-22-27 Three Mile Wash Campground Closure effective October 1, 2022, at 6 a.m. The order will remain in effect until September 30, 2023, at 6:00 am, unless rescinded.

Three Mile Wash Shoreline Area, located 3 miles south of Roosevelt Dam on the south shoreline of Apache Lake, offers shoreline dispersed camping. Access to the area is via the Apache Trail National Forest Scenic Byway, a scenic mountain road. Nearby are views of mountains with abundant wildlife. Because of the ability to park right on next to the water, this locations offers a great get away for families and individuals during the hot summer months. Whether you’re taking a day trip, or staying several nights, Three Mile Wash is perfect for any outing you are planning.

From Apache Junction: Drive north on State Hwy. 88 for 41 miles (the last 20 miles of State Hwy. 88 are unpaved) to Three Mile Wash Recreation Site. Turn left and continue to site.

From Mesa: Take State Hwy. 87/Beeline Hwy. north for approximately 60 miles to its junction 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 3 miles to Three Mile Wash Recreation Site. Turn right and continue to the site.

Campground at a Glance

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.

Nearby Campgrounds:

Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby