A LITTLE HISTORY
About Apache Lake, Arizona
Apache Lake was formed in 1927 when Horse Mesa Dam was completed. Tucked into Tonto National Forest, it's more remote and less crowded than the lakes closer to Phoenix, surrounded by canyon walls, saguaros and rugged desert scenery.
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Apache Lake means quiet coves, calm stretches, hidden beaches, cliffs and side canyons where you can get away from the busier areas. It's a great lake for a day trip, kayak fishing or an overnight camping trip. Rent your kayak or paddleboard at Redline in Mesa, about 2 hours from the lake.
Where to paddle
- –North shore, near the west end
- –Beach your boat when water allows
- –Hike toward Alder Creek Falls
- –Secluded cave-like rock formation
- –Best reached by water
- –Local name, history unknown
- –Main developed campground
- –Restrooms and drinking water
- –Paddle the canyon walls
- –Primitive shoreline camping
- –No facilities, no camping fee
- –Tonto Pass required
- –Tent sites, RV sites and hotel rooms
- –Launch near the marina
- –Paddle to Crabtree, Hermit’s Cave and Alder Creek
- –Day use near Roosevelt Dam
- –No overnight camping right now
- –Tonto Pass required
PLAN YOUR TRIP
More about Apache Lake
Kayaking and paddleboarding on Apache Lake
Both motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed. The long, narrow lake has quiet coves, calm stretches, hidden beaches, cliffs and plenty of side canyons where you can get away from busier areas.
Alder Creek and Hermit’s Cave
Alder Creek is on the north shore near the west end. Depending on water levels, you may find a sandy spot to beach your boat and hike toward Alder Creek Falls.
Hermit’s Cave is a secluded, cave-like rock formation on the shoreline, best reached by water. It’s a local name and its history isn’t well documented.
Camping at Apache Lake
Burnt Corral is the main developed campground, with restrooms, drinking water and shoreline access. Crabtree Wash has primitive shoreline camping near the marina with no facilities or camping fee, but a Tonto Pass is required. Apache Lake Marina & Resort has tent sites, RV sites and lakeside hotel rooms. Three Mile Wash, near Roosevelt Dam, is day use only.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard for Apache Lake
Rent single, tandem or fishing kayaks and paddleboards for a day trip, fishing or an overnight camping trip. Rentals come in 8-hour and 24-hour blocks.
Every rental from Redline includes paddles, life jackets, foam roof blocks and tie-down straps, and we help you load up. No roof rack needed. Rent 2 days and the 3rd day is free. See rental rates or read our rental FAQs.
Good to know
RENT FOR THE LAKE
Paddleboards $35 · Kayaks $40
Per day. Rent 2 days, get the 3rd free. Pick up in Mesa and you're at Apache Lake in about 2 hours.
SALES
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