Bagley Flat Campground And Boat Dock

4.22

48 reviews

Bagley Flat Campground and Courtesy Dock, Saguaro Lake, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Summer Destination

Featured in:Winter Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

1,539 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,539 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Bagley Flat Campground And Boat Dock

$0.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for camping at Bagley Flat itself. Parking at Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site boat launch requires fees: $8/day per vehicle,...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(480) 610-3300

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 48 reviews

45 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadesites

"User experiences at Bagley Flat Campground are mixed. Positive aspects often highlight the campground's scenic beauty, courtesy dock, and shaded campsites, while negative reviews focus on the lack of available water, rough restroom facilities, and occasional noise disturbances from nearby visitors. Some users also caution about the prevalence of wasps and the absence of easily accessible trash and recycling facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bagley Flat Campground and Courtesy Dock, Saguaro Lake, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Bagley Flat Campground And Boat Dock

Bagley Flat Campground and Courtesy Dock, Saguaro Lake, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Driving directionsThis site is 35 miles east of Mesa. From Mesa, travel 27 miles north on State Hwy. 87 to Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn right. Follow FR 204 for 4 miles to the lake. The last 4 miles are by boat. The entire route to the lake is paved.

Accessible by paved roads up to the Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site boat launch; the campground itself is accessible only by boat.

Nearby places

Mesa (35 miles, approximately 45-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site offers boat launch facilities

retail vendors for passes and permits are located near the Tonto National Forest offices in Mesa.

Best Time to Camp at Bagley Flat Campground And Boat Dock

Experience the Sonoran Desert's dramatic seasonal personality at Bagley Flat, where winter brings perfect camping weather with daytime temperatures dancing between a comfortable 60°F and 80°F, while nights cool to a crisp 40°F—ideal for campfire gatherings. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures soar above 100°F, making those mesquite-shaded sites and refreshing lake dips absolutely essential. Throughout the year, expect brilliantly clear skies and minimal rainfall, creating an outdoor photographer's dream with endless blue horizons and spectacular stargazing opportunities.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer popular due to shade from mesquite; recreation opportunities on the lake draw visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mild fall weather and lake access make fall attractive though not specifically detailed.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers pleasant desert-lake conditions though specifics (wildflowers etc.) aren't provided.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in AZ

Overview notes winter daytime temps 60–80°F and 'perfect camping weather'; fishing may be poorer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly stated; summer months are popular due to shade and recreational opportunities.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: None currently specified.

About Bagley Flat Campground And Boat Dock

Escape to Bagley Flat Campground, a hidden waterfront sanctuary where adventure begins with a boat ride across the shimmering waters of Saguaro Lake. Nestled within the vast Tonto National Forest, this intimate retreat features 10 thoughtfully placed campsites, each furnished with grills and picnic tables beneath a natural canopy of mesquite trees. The cooling shade these desert sentinels provide has made this spot a coveted summer refuge for those in the know. While you'll need to bring your own water, the campground offers modern restrooms and a convenient courtesy dock perfect for casting a line at sunrise or sunset. This boat-access-only destination promises an authentic wilderness experience where the gentle lapping of lake waters provides nature's soundtrack.

Bagley Flat Campground is a rustic, boat-access-only camping destination on Saguaro Lake, primarily designed for tent camping. Group sites and RV accommodations are not available.

Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records remain uncharted, this secluded spot carries the timeless spirit of the American Southwest, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have sought refuge from desert heat and urban life along these pristine shores.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the Sonoran Desert's dramatic seasonal personality at Bagley Flat, where winter brings perfect camping weather with daytime temperatures dancing between a comfortable 60°F and 80°F, while nights cool to a crisp 40°F—ideal for campfire gatherings. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures soar above 100°F, making those mesquite-shaded sites and refreshing lake dips absolutely essential. Throughout the year, expect brilliantly clear skies and minimal rainfall, creating an outdoor photographer's dream with endless blue horizons and spectacular stargazing opportunities.

ElevationPositioned along the sparkling shores of Saguaro Lake, Bagley Flat rests within the distinctive desert ecosystem of the Tonto National Forest, where ancient geological forces have carved a landscape that perfectly balances rugged beauty with lakeside tranquility.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a desert oasis where gnarled mesquite trees create natural pavilions of dappled shade, their twisted branches framing stunning views of Saguaro Lake's azure waters. This unique marriage of desert and lake ecosystems paints an ever-changing canvas—watch morning mist rise from the water as desert birds awaken, observe the play of light on red rock formations across the lake, and witness spectacular sunsets that set the entire landscape ablaze with color. The surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape offers a masterclass in adaptation and beauty, where every vista tells the story of life thriving in an arid paradise.

Geological RegionBagley Flat occupies a remarkable position within the Tonto National Forest's diverse geological tapestry, where ancient desert terrain meets the human-made wonder of Saguaro Lake. This unique convergence creates a microclimate where hardy mesquite groves thrive, their deep roots tapping into hidden moisture while providing essential shade in this sun-baked landscape. The surrounding terrain showcases classic Sonoran Desert geology, with weathered rock formations and sandy washes that speak to millions of years of natural sculpting by wind, water, and time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampsites are boat-access-only, distributed in a shaded area under mesquite trees.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served for the 10 designated sites.

Cancellation PolicyNot specified.

AccessibilityNo information is available regarding specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are standard in size, designed primarily for tent camping and accommodating small groups.

PrivacySites are moderately private, with a grove of mesquite trees providing shade and some natural barriers between sites.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites under the mesquite trees are recommended for shade during summer months.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bagley Flat Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating (motorized and non-motorized), fishing, and picnicking on-site. The courtesy dock facilitates easy fishing access, and the shaded grove provides a pleasant setting for relaxation. However, swimming opportunities are not highlighted, and fishing may be seasonal or weather-dependent as one reviewer noted, 'Fishing was non-existent in February.'

FishingFishing is supported, with the courtesy dock serving as a convenient spot for anglers. However, reports on fishing success are mixed, with one user noting, 'Fishing was non-existent in February.'

BoatingBoating is a key activity, with both motorized and non-motorized boating allowed. A paved boat launch is available at the nearby Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Site for accessing the campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards including javelinas, wasps, and occasional late-night disturbances caused by shooting across the lake. Flies are reported to have been a nuisance in the past but not recently.

Active AlertsNone currently specified.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned; campfires likely allowed when consistent with broader forest rules.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesMesa Ranger Station, 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205. Phone: (480) 610-3300. Open Mon-Fri 8 AM - 4:30 PM.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers may need to pack out what they bring in.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Saguaro Lake with a courtesy dock for fishing and boating access.

Camp HostNo host information specified.

Weather at Bagley Flat Campground And Boat Dock

Reviews

4.2

48 reviews

Satisfactory

Bagley Flat Campground And Boat Dock is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User experiences at Bagley Flat Campground are mixed. Positive aspects often highlight the campground's scenic beauty, courtesy dock, and shaded campsites, while negative reviews focus on the lack of available water, rough restroom facilities, and occasional noise disturbances from nearby visitors. Some users also caution about the prevalence of wasps and the absence of easily accessible trash and recycling facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is appreciated for its natural beauty, shaded sites, and boat-access-only feature. 'This is such a beautiful place to camp,' one user remarked. The courtesy dock is another standout...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes rough restroom conditions ('scary bathrooms'), a lack of potable water, and occasional wasp infestations. Some users were also disturbed by late-night noise, such as 'guns...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water and take precautions against wasps. 'Take your normal precautions' when using the latrines, and consider visiting during quieter weekdays to avoid...

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is particularly popular due to the shade provided by mesquite trees, but fishing may be challenging in winter. One reviewer noted, 'Fishing was non-existent in February.'

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bagley Flat is notable for its boat access only camping on Saguaro Lake.' 2. 'There is a bathroom there. The original one burned down and they finally replaced it.' 3. 'Fishing was non-existent...

Based on 48 reviews