About Burnt Corral Campground
Overview Burnt Corral Campground and Recreation Area (elevation 1914') is about 5.8 miles south of Roosevelt Dam along the Apache Trail (AZ Hwy 88) along the shoreline of Apache Lake. It is nestled amongst the saguaros, mesquites, and palo verdes, and offers opportunities to boat, swim, fish, relax, hike, and sightsee. Recreation Motorboating, fishing, water-skiing, and paddlesports are very popular because of the developed and undeveloped lake access from within the campground. Others may enjoy hiking nearby trails, being challenged by local jeep trails, or practicing their landscape photography, or simply relaxing with a good book.Facilities Burnt Corral Campground includes 76 camp units, vault toilets, potable water hydrants, 6 day-use picnic units, paved boat launch, boat boarding dock; Each campsite includes a parking spur, fire ring with grill, a shade ramada, and a picnic table. This campground provides access to visitors who are mobility impaired. Natural Features Burnt Corral Campground is situated in what may be the most stunning Sonoran Desert landscape in Arizona. The contrast of sunshine, clear blue water, and saguaro's surrounded by the Four Peaks and Superstition Wilderness' is a magnificant sight to see. While shade is scarce in the desert, campsites are situated amongst mature mesquite and palo verde trees, and desert chaparral. Apache Lake is 17 miles long making it the longest in the chain of reservoirs on the lower Salt River below Roosevelt Dam. Nearby Attractions Roosevelt Dam, Apache Lake Marina, Tortilla Flats, Tonto National Monument (Cliff Dwellings), Roosevelt Lake, Apache Trail Scenic Byway (AZ Hwy 88), Spines to Pines Scenic Byway (AZ Hwy 288). The City of Globe and Town of Payson are only an hour away.
How to Get There
Access to Burnt Corral from Tortilla Flat HWY88E/Apache Trail is currently closed, please use an alternative route. From the Mesa area: Head to AZ-87N for approximately 59 miles. Turns right onto AZ-188S for 31.6 miles. Turn right onto AZ-88W for 6 miles and Burnt Corral Recreation Site will be on your right. From the Globe area: Take AZ-188 west for 30 miles to its junction with AZ-88. Turn left onto AZ-88, and continue past historic Roosevelt Dam (unpaved) for 5 miles to Forest Road FR 183/ Burnt Corral Recreation Site. Turn right and continue to site.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Burnt Corral Campground
Heading to Burnt Corral Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Burnt Corral Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Burnt Corral Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/249254) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Burnt Corral Campground?
Access to Burnt Corral from Tortilla Flat HWY88E/Apache Trail is currently closed, please use an alternative route. From the Mesa area: Head to AZ-87N for approximately 59 miles. Turns right onto AZ-188S for 31.6 miles. Turn right onto AZ-88W for 6 miles and Burnt Corral Recreation Site will be on your right. From the Globe area: Take AZ-188 west for 30 miles to its junction with AZ-88. Turn left …
How do I contact Burnt Corral Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: TONTO BASIN RANGER DISTRICT (602) 225-5395.
References & Official Resources
