Recreation area

Palo Verde

Arizona — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

Palo Verde is a boat launching site near the beautiful Canyon Lake. Palo Verde allows users to picnic, fish, and enjoy general boating activities in one of Arizona’s most scenic reservoirs. Recreationalists can enjoy the day around the water during a hot summer to cool off, photograph the gorgeous surrounding mountains, or try to catch some of our native Arizona fish at the water’s edge.

Getting there

This site is 14 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 the Palo Verde sign and turn left into the site. The entire route is paved with narrow, sharp curves and traffic is heavy. View and download a map.

Activities

  • PICNICKING
  • BOATING
  • FISHING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Arizona camping

Palo Verde doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Arizona campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.