Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Burnt Corral Campground, Apache Lake, Arizona

I'd heard good things about Roosevelt Lake, north east of Phoenix, and figured it was time to go. The weather forecast was good. And I needed to go someplace new.

My research informed me that the "Roosevelt Lake" area also includes Apache Lake, which is downstream of the dam that forms Roosevelt Lake. Roosevelt Lake is big and ideal if you want to tear around on your boat. Apache Lake is more intimate, tucked into a gorge with the mountains rising right out of the water. It's also down a dirt road that's rough in spots, narrow in others, sometimes both at once. It's not a very pleasant drive, but it filters out the less intrepid, and most RVers.

Hubcaps and washboard roads don't mix well

Burnt Corral Campground is right on the shore and, at the moment, not at all crowded. I got a very nice spot with no trouble, and no close neighbors. There are the usual National Forest campground amenities: tables, fire rings, shelters at some sites, vault toilets, dumpsters. Alas, no showers or cell service. (I'm posting this from elsewhere.)

The view outside my van door

You can tell from the ripply water that there is a bit of a breeze. It changed direction and got a little stronger after sunset. I was afraid the wind would cool things down too much, but I was comfortable all night.

Apache and Roosevelt lakes are in the Tonto National Forest and require a special pass, available at various retailers in Arizona and at the ranger station (where I bought mine). Passes are good for only 24 hours. So you need to buy as many passes as days you plan on staying, or keep going back to the ranger station for more. You scratch off the date and time you pull into the campground and display it your windshield. It's kind of a weird setup. But since I have an Interagency Senior Pass, I get the Tonto passes for half price. Hurray for old age. I think.

Spring is starting already

1 comment:

  1. Hooray for watefront homes! That in one hour can be converted either into a mountaintop retreat, parkside pad or urban abode!

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