Burnt Corral Campground

Star4.45
461 reviews
28079 N. AZ HWY 188, ROOSEVELT, AZ 85545, US
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,914 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

76 campsites

Season

Open May–December. J...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tonto National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Burnt Corral Campground
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites range from $20 to $40 depending on season and reservation type. First-come, first-served applies during certain periods....
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Standard Site Fee$40.00
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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Provider
(602) 225-5395
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 461 reviews

281 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanspaciouslake

Some mention

crowded

"Burnt Corral Campground is praised for its scenic beauty, proximity to Apache Lake, and range of outdoor activities. However, some visitors have noted issues such as overcrowding, noise from rowdy campers, and poorly maintained vault toilets. Common highlights include the spectacular sunsets and water access, while overcrowding and noise during peak times are frequent complaints."

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Campground Map

28079 N. AZ HWY 188, ROOSEVELT, AZ 85545, US

Burnt Corral Campground

28079 N. AZ HWY 188, ROOSEVELT, AZ 85545, US

Driving directionsFrom Mesa: Head to AZ-87N for approximately 59 miles. Turn 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 Globe: Take AZ-188 west for 30 miles to its junction with AZ-88. Turn left onto AZ-88, continue past historic Roosevelt Dam (unpaved) for 5 miles to Forest Road FR 183/Burnt Corral Recreation Site. Turn right and continue to site.
Access is via the unpaved AZ Hwy 88, narrow and steep in spots, with washboard conditions. Max vehicle length: 40'; max trailer length: 22'. Apache Trail via Tortilla Flat is closed. Cell phone connectivity is limited to unavailable.
Nearby places
Mesa (90 miles, ~2 hrs)
Globe (30 miles, ~40 mins)
Payson (~1 hr)
Phoenix (~2 hrs)
Nearby supplies
Nearest groceries and fuel in Globe (~30 miles). Sewage dump facilities located across from Cholla campground (~5 miles north of AZ Hwy 88 and AZ Hwy 188 junction). Nearest gas stations also located at both ends of Apache Lake.

Best Time to Camp at Burnt Corral Campground

The desert's dramatic personality shines through every season at Burnt Corral. Summer brings the authentic Arizona experience with temperatures soaring past 100°F, creating shimmering heat waves across the landscape and making Apache Lake's cool waters irresistible. Spring and fall unveil the desert's gentler side, with comfortable days perfect for hiking and star-filled nights ideal for campfire stories. Winter transforms the campground into a refreshing retreat, where crisp evening breezes carry the scent of creosote and occasional rain showers paint the desert in vibrant greens.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summer temps often exceed 100°F; still open but less ideal for many campers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Pleasant weather and strong boating/fishing season; fall is a busy, popular time.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers pleasant desert bloom, good boating and is a busy season for families and groups.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in AZ

Mild winter climate and good lake access; noted as part of peak season though visitation varies.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: November 1–March 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May–December. June–October is first-come, first-served; peak season November–March with reservable sites.
  • Current Alerts: Apache Trail via Tortilla Flats is closed due to rockfall and road damage. Access only via Roosevelt Dam. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

About Burnt Corral Campground

Escape to Burnt Corral Campground, where the raw beauty of the Sonoran Desert meets the sparkling waters of Apache Lake. This 76-site desert oasis invites adventurers to pitch their tents beneath towering saguaros and wake to panoramic views across the water. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the rugged landscape, offering vault toilets, fresh potable water, and a convenient boat launch for aquatic explorations. Accessible facilities ensure everyone can experience this slice of Arizona paradise, while thoughtfully placed picnic areas provide perfect spots to savor sunset meals with loved ones.
Burnt Corral Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent camping and RV-friendly sites. While there are no hookups, sites can accommodate different types of campers.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in not explicitly stated
  • assumes afternoon from common practices.
Check-out
  • Check-out typically noon
  • exact time not specified.
Stay Limit
  • 14 nights maximum during a visit
  • rolling 30-day window applies.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Burnt Corral Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities. Popular options include motorboating, fishing, water-skiing, paddlesports, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground provides both developed and undeveloped lake access, making it suitable for anglers and water enthusiasts. "Some reviewers specifically highlight the area's suitability for paddleboarding, kayaking, and water skiing." In addition, visitors enjoy birdwatching, landscape photography, and relaxing with scenic views.
HikingHiking trails are available nearby, offering opportunities to explore the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. The Vineyard Trail near the dam provides great views of Apache and Roosevelt Lakes and surrounding peaks. However, some reviews mention limited trail options.
FishingFishing is permitted at Apache Lake, which is accessible from the campground. While many users enjoy fishing, some note challenges such as rocky conditions along the shoreline. "Fishing from the shore can be difficult."
SwimmingSwimming is permitted, and there is a designated beach area for campers. "The water temp was so enjoyable for swimming," one reviewer commented, although another noted dead minnows along the shoreline as a downside.
BikingBiking is possible in the surrounding area, although specific details about trails for biking are limited in the sources.
BoatingBoating is a major attraction, with a paved boat launch and dock available. Campers engage in motorboating, paddle sports, and water skiing. Apache Lake is particularly popular for these activities.
Wildlife viewingThe campground offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors have spotted eagles, vermillion flycatchers, and other birds. "The variety of birds is amazing."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife includes raccoons and skunks. Vault toilets may emit ammonia smells. Rough roads with sharp turns and limited railings present driving challenges.
Active AlertsApache Trail via Tortilla Flats is closed due to rockfall and road damage. Access only via Roosevelt Dam. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Burnt Corral Campground

Reviews

4.5
461 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Burnt Corral Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Burnt Corral Campground is praised for its scenic beauty, proximity to Apache Lake, and range of outdoor activities. However, some visitors have noted issues such as overcrowding, noise from rowdy campers, and poorly maintained vault toilets. Common highlights include the spectacular sunsets and water access, while overcrowding and noise during peak times are frequent complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 461 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful scenery, clean campsites, and access to Apache Lake." Reviewers also highlight helpful camp hosts and spacious sites for group camping. "Great place to fish, kayak, and stargaze."
Based on 461 reviews

Common Concerns

Overcrowding during peak seasons, rowdy groups ignoring quiet hours, and the poor condition of vault toilets are recurring issues. "The bathrooms were disgusting" and "No quiet hours enforced" were...
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Based on 461 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visit during weekdays or off-peak seasons for a quieter experience. Bring your own water and firewood. Sites near the water offer stunning views but may lack privacy. "Site 37 is highly recommended...
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Based on 461 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during spring and fall, attracting families and large groups. Summer temperatures exceed 100°F, making it less ideal for some visitors. Winter sees fewer crowds but remains...
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Based on 461 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views are stunning, and it's a paddler's dream," "Great for families, but expect noise on weekends," "Vault toilets need more maintenance," "Camp hosts are wonderful and make the experience...
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Based on 461 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 37: Spectacular views, spacious, and near water. Site 21: Small, steep, and lacked shade. Site 69: Close to lake with beautiful views. However, some reviewers mention issues with cleanliness and...
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Based on 461 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's accessibility features include vault toilets and generally flat terrain. However, some sites may not be ideal for individuals with mobility issues due to steep or uneven ground.
Based on 461 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and most campers are respectful of leash rules. However, a few incidents of unleashed dogs causing trouble were noted.
Based on 461 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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