Photo: cogdogblog / CC BY 2.0

Campgrounds 1,975 ft Bortle 5 Solitude: 70/100 (secluded)

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 Burnt Corral Campground offers something for almost everyone. 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.

Near Tortilla Flat, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

Based on the terrain, climate, and wildlife at Burnt Corral Campground, here's what to bring.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Climate Gear

Extra water (1L/hr) — In high-heat conditions, your body can sweat 1-2 liters per hour; matching that rate prevents the dangerous spiral of dehydration.
Electrolytes — Sweating depletes sodium and potassium that plain water can't replace; electrolyte tablets prevent the muscle cramps and fatigue of hyponatremia.
Cooling towel — A wet towel on your neck cools blood flowing to your brain, providing immediate relief from heat stress.
Layering system (wide temp swings) — Desert and mountain environments can swing 40+ degrees between dawn and midday; layers let you adapt without overheating or freezing.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)

Activities & Best Time to Visit Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa

The Grassland terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Burnt Corral Campground supports 17 outdoor activities, with backpacking being the most popular draw.

Photographers rate this area 45/100, with Decent dark sky (Bortle 5) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

backpacking — Carry your gear into the backcountry for multi-day hiking adventures.
boating — Explore lakes, rivers, or coastal waters by motorboat or sailboat.
camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
cross_country_skiing — Glide across snowy fields and forest trails using narrow skis and poles.
fishing — Cast a line in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters in pursuit of local fish species.
horseback_riding — Explore trails and open landscapes from the saddle.
kayaking — Paddle through calm lakes, winding rivers, or coastal inlets in a small, maneuverable craft.
off_roading — Navigate rugged trails and backcountry routes with high-clearance vehicles.
paddleboarding — Stand or kneel on a board while paddling across calm water.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
skiing — Glide downhill on groomed slopes or natural snow-covered terrain.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Terrain: Grassland — Grasslands are open landscapes dominated by grasses with few trees.

Wildlife Safety at Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

With a danger score of 25/10, Burnt Corral Campground has a few wildlife hazards worth preparing for.

Danger rating: 25/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) moderate

Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Far from city (52mi)

UV risk: high (Southern latitude (34N))

Photo score: 45/100

Decent dark sky (Bortle 5)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder, Arizona Coral Snake. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Arizona Coral Snake

A small slender snake with red, yellow, and black rings around the body.

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa

The Grassland terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

Burnt Corral Campground sits within a Grassland ecosystem home to 1 documented mammal species and 30 bird species.

Trees (1)

Arizona sycamore — It grows along streams in desert and canyon environments.

Wildflowers (4)

purple owl's-clover — Dense spikes of purple-tipped bracts.
pinkflower hedgehog cactus — Clumping cylindrical stems with dense spines.
California poppy — Bright orange cup-shaped flowers with silky petals.
Coulter's lupine — The plant grows in open disturbed soils.

Shrubs (3)

Brittlebush — A rounded desert shrub with silvery fuzzy leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — The plant rarely exceeds a foot tall but can spread outward in mounded colonies. Its vivid blooms contrast sharply against arid landscapes.
Sonoran scrub oak — Acorns are small and mature in a single season.

Other Plants (5)

saguaro
Buckhorn Cholla
jojoba
Panamint liveforever
ocotillo

Mammals (1)

White-tailed Deer — Reddish-brown in summer and grayish in winter with a bright white underside to the tail.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Male black with red and yellow shoulder patch
House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib
European Starling — Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Pale gray-beige body
Dark-eyed Junco — Slate-gray form with white belly

Reptiles (7)

Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.
Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake — A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped dorsal blotches.
Common Side-blotched Lizard — A small slender lizard with mottled brown or gray coloration.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.

Amphibians (3)

Canyon Tree Frog
Red-spotted Toad
Lowland Leopard Frog

Insects (6)

Pipevine Swallowtail
Queen
Marine Blue
Gray Buckeye
Dainty Sulphur

Other Wildlife (1)

Desert Blonde Tarantula

Nature Bingo at Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Black-throated Gray Warbler (bird)
White-tailed Deer (mammal)
Ornate Tree Lizard (reptile)
Canyon Tree Frog (amphibian)
saguaro (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The climate at Burnt Corral Campground averages °F annually, with Mediterranean conditions.

Climate type: Mediterranean

Best months to visit: Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov. Consider avoiding: Jul.

Winter 50°

1.9"

Spring 68°

0.4"

Summer 90°

1.9"

Fall 72°

0.9"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	50°F	1.9 in
Feb	53°F	1.1 in
Mar	61°F	1.2 in
Apr	68°F	0.4 in
May	76°F	0.4 in
Jun	87°F	0.2 in
Jul	90°F	1.9 in
Aug	89°F	2.1 in
Sep	83°F	1.5 in
Oct	72°F	0.9 in
Nov	60°F	1.0 in
Dec	49°F	2.0 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.9 hours in winter to 14.4 hours in summer — a difference of 4.5 hours.

Summer: 5:13 AM – 7:35 PM

Winter: 7:21 AM – 5:18 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:21 AM, Sunset 5:18 PM Golden hour from 4:40 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:13 AM, Sunset 7:35 PM Golden hour from 6:59 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:36 AM, Sunset 6:31 PM Golden hour from 5:59 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:07 AM, Sunset 6:33 PM Golden hour from 6:00 PM

Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Burnt Corral Campground — here's the practical information you'll need.

The nearest major city to Burnt Corral Campground is Phoenix, about 52 miles away.

Nearest city: Phoenix (52 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $12.91 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 41.7 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

There are 16 outdoor destinations within easy reach of Burnt Corral Campground.

Stargazing & Night Sky at Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

The skies above Burnt Corral Campground register a Bortle class 5, making this a Suburban sky location for stargazing.

Bortle 5 Suburban sky

Constellations

From Burnt Corral Campground, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Burnt Corral Campground.

The seasons shape the experience at Burnt Corral Campground — here's what each one brings.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: October 15 – November 5

Best trees for color: Maple, Oak, Aspen

Higher elevations peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: March - April

Fall peak: October - November

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa

This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.

Burnt Corral Campground sits on the traditional lands of Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache), Hohokam.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include San Carlos.

San Carlos

Data from Native Land Digital

Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Burnt Corral Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Early Proterozoic metamorphic rocks
Lithology: Major:{metasedimentary,metavolcanic,gneiss}
Age: Statherian

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 58
Richness: Exceptional
Minerals Found: Asbestos, Tungsten, Iron, Manganese, Zeolites, Copper, Sand and Gravel, Construction

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 120°F (1995-07-28)
Record Low: 18°F (1908-12-18)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 80
Largest Fire: Bush (193,603.9 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Watershed

Watershed: Pine Creek
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0.201%

Reported Phenomena

Haunted Places: 2 (Shadowlands)
Eeriness Score: 10/100

Burnt Corral Campground (N, 0mi), Maricopa Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check current conditions at Burnt Corral Campground before heading out using these official sources.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: ROOSEVELT 1 S, AZ US (5.64 mi)