The Point Boat Dock, Campground And Picnic Area
01 review5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Quick Facts
1,700 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
1,700 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
The Point Boat Dock, Campground And Picnic Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee information is explicitly provided for camping at The Point Boat Dock, Campground and Picnic Area.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(480) 610-3300
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 1 reviews
23 Google reviews
Most mentioned
location
"User reviews are sparse but highlight the remote and boat-access-only nature of the campground. One user expressed difficulty returning home after camping."
Fees & Passes at The Point Boat Dock, Campground And Picnic Area
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 14-day stay limit.
Cancellation: No information provided about cancellation policies.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at The Point Boat Dock, Campground And Picnic Area
The Point transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. From late fall through early spring, crisp mornings give way to pleasantly warm afternoons under brilliant blue skies, creating ideal conditions for camping and water activities. Summer brings the intense heat of the Sonoran Desert, with temperatures regularly soaring above 100°F, making early morning and evening adventures the most comfortable times to explore while the midday heat invites lazy hours of swimming and shade-seeking.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: No specific peak season dates provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
About The Point Boat Dock, Campground And Picnic Area
Tucked away in the Mesa Ranger District, The Point offers an exclusive boat-in camping experience that feels like discovering your own private island on Canyon Lake. With just three intimate camp units that double as day-use picnic areas, this hidden gem attracts summer boaters and anglers who appreciate the convenience of the courtesy dock and the serenity of a less-crowded destination. As a pack-in, pack-out site without garbage collection, The Point appeals to conscientious outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic wilderness experience where pristine conditions are preserved through visitor stewardship.
The Point Boat Dock offers unique camping accommodation accessible only by watercraft. It has three designated camp units that are also used for picnicking.
Historical SignificanceCamping at The Point connects modern adventurers to Arizona's storied past along the legendary Apache Trail. This historic route, once traveled by Apache peoples and later by prospectors seeking fortune in the Superstition Mountains, now serves as a scenic gateway that weaves together centuries of cultural heritage with breathtaking natural beauty, allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of those who shaped the American Southwest.
Weather and SeasonsThe Point transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. From late fall through early spring, crisp mornings give way to pleasantly warm afternoons under brilliant blue skies, creating ideal conditions for camping and water activities. Summer brings the intense heat of the Sonoran Desert, with temperatures regularly soaring above 100°F, making early morning and evening adventures the most comfortable times to explore while the midday heat invites lazy hours of swimming and shade-seeking.
ElevationPerched at 1,700 feet above sea level, The Point occupies a sweet spot in Arizona's diverse topography where the low desert begins its gradual climb toward the mountains, creating a unique microclimate that balances accessibility with just enough elevation to provide stunning panoramic views and slightly cooler temperatures than the valley floor below.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Point showcases the dramatic beauty of Canyon Lake's azure waters set against a backdrop of towering canyon walls and rugged desert peaks. This waterfront sanctuary serves as a front-row seat to nature's theater, where golden eagles soar overhead, bighorn sheep navigate rocky outcrops, and the desert comes alive with blooming cacti and wildflowers. The interplay of water and desert creates a unique ecosystem where saguaro cacti stand sentinel near the shoreline while fish jump in the sparkling lake waters.
Geological RegionSet within the geological wonderland of the Mesa Ranger District, The Point occupies a fascinating convergence where ancient volcanic activity and centuries of water erosion have carved out Canyon Lake's dramatic landscape. This rugged terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, where jagged cliffs plunge into deep blue waters, creating a water-based oasis amid the weathered rocks and desert mountains that define this remarkable corner of Arizona.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is accessible only by boat, limiting accessibility for individuals without watercraft access.
Sites SizeThe campground has three designated camp units. Specific information regarding their size is not available.
Sites PrivacyDetails about privacy levels of the campsites are not explicitly stated.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo details provided about recommendations for choosing specific campsites.
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Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guest limit per site is not specified.
Groups
No group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of three designated camp units that can also be used as picnic sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms specified; this campground is boat-access only and likely first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis site does not require reservations; it is boat-access-only and likely operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo information provided about cancellation policies.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at The Point Boat Dock focuses on water-based activities. Boating and fishing are popular due to the courtesy dock and the lake's features. The three camp units can also serve as picnic sites.
Fishing
Fishing is a common activity at Canyon Lake and is popular among campers and visitors.Boating
Boating is one of the primary activities, supported by a courtesy dock at the site. This location is boat-access-only.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Boating activities are supported, but no specific mention of non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No information provided about fire policies.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include narrow, sharp curves on the road leading to the lake, risk of fuel leaks into water from boats, and extreme temperatures during summer months.
Weather at The Point Boat Dock, Campground And Picnic Area
71
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are located in Mesa, AZ, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates provided.
Trash and recyclingNo garbage collection is available. Campers must pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly on Canyon Lake, with a courtesy dock available for boaters.
Common complaints"No garbage collection. Pack it in, Pack it out."
HostNo information provided about campground hosts.
Campground Map
5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Driving directionsThis site is 17 miles northeast of Apache Junction on Arizona State Hwy. 88, (historic “Apache Trail”). From Mesa, take US 60 to the Idaho Road exit. Go north on Idaho Road to State Hwy. 88 and turn right. After crossing the first bridge at the lake, watch for Palo Verde Recreation Site sign and turn left into site. The entire route to the lake is paved with narrow, sharp curves; traffic is heavy. The last 3 miles are by boat.
The route to the lake is paved but includes narrow, sharp curves and heavy traffic. Access to the campground itself requires traveling the last 3 miles by boat.Nearby places
Mesa (approx. 17 miles away)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can likely be obtained in Mesa, AZ.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 reviews
The Point Boat Dock, Campground And Picnic Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are sparse but highlight the remote and boat-access-only nature of the campground. One user expressed difficulty returning home after camping.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The courtesy dock and remote location appeal to fisherman and boaters.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users find the site difficult to access, as indicated by a review mentioning a near-death experience during return.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should ensure they have adequate boating skills and supplies due to the site's remote, boat-access-only nature.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews highlight summer months as being popular for boating and fishing; however, there is limited data on seasonal differences beyond this.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Went here for camp out but almost died coming back" (Review by Caleb Thomas)
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
There are only three designated camp units, but no user reviews provide specific details about individual sites.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews discuss pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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