Last night we dry camped at the Lost Dutchman State Park Campground in Apache Junction, AZ. We’ve been here several times before in the past for hikes and cookouts, but never with the camper. As most of you know, I’m not a huge fan of campgrounds, but the location of this particular campground is hard to beat as it is nestled at the base of the Superstition Mountains. The views are breathtaking.
With our solar powered camper, we opted to dry camp. Who needs hookups when you have everything you need? The cost to dry camp at the Lost Dutchman State Park Campground was $15 with a $5 online registration fee. Pretty expensive for dry camping, to be sure, since you can dry camp in the nearby Tonto National Forest campgrounds for only $7. I suppose I can feel good about contributing to an Arizona State Park system that was failing only two years ago.
The campground was pretty full this morning, though the overflow section was nearly empty, so if you’re thinking about stopping by, I would do so. The temperatures yesterday were pleasant with a high of 90 degrees F and a low of 63 degrees F. For me, the low 60s is perfect sleeping weather. And speaking of sleeping, our new memory foam mattress was a joy to sleep on. I slept for nine hours and woke up this morning with zero soreness. Quite a change from the OEM mattress.
Our campsite with the Superstitions in the background.
Our site, #35, was a pull through with no hookups.
Saguaros can be seen everywhere including at our site.
A view of our campsite. Fires are allowed in the pit only.
We were treated to beautiful weather and light clouds to the west yesterday at sunset, nearly perfect conditions for taking pictures of what I call Saguaro Sunsets. Here are a few pics.
Chollas are beautiful but I wouldn’t want to fall in one.
I almost missed these small violet-colored wildflowers.
Wildflowers close up.
Clusters of wildflowers can be seen everywhere in the park.
This Saguaro has short, stubby arms…
…and this one has long ones.
And this one had arms that were just right.
I love the streaks in the background of this shot.
Look! A six-fingered hand telling us what to do!
Snapped this pic of Goldfield on the way home.
I highly recommend the Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. The facilities, cleanliness, and site spacing of the campground are first-rate and provides a perfect location to do further exploring of the world renowned Apache Trail. How would I rate this campground? I’d give this campground a rating of 4.5-stars.
Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure. He's been RV'ing since 2002, is a certified RVIA Level 1 RV Technician, and has restored several Airstream travel trailers. A communications expert and licensed ham radio operator (KK7TCA), he retired from the U.S. Navy in 2004 as a CWO3 after 24 years, holds a BS degree, and now runs Truck Camper Adventure full-time. He also does some RV consulting, repairs, and inspections on the side. He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top.
For some people, money is everything, but not for 30-year-old Phil Kockerbeck who worked as a financial advisor and made a fine living doing it. Phil enjoyed helping others achieve their retirement goals, but he [read more]
After a successful volunteer event in 2022, Four Wheel Campers returned to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (BANWR) last month for two days of volunteering and camping. Located an hour south of Tucson, Arizona in [read more]
Did you know that it’s possible to drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in a truck camper or a Jeep? It’s true. Located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, we first heard about 4×4 [read more]
real nice. wow, 90 degrees out. its balmy in the high 40s low 50s up here in the north right now. my view has always been….i can put more clothes on but can only strip so far before the cops show up.
What a beautiful place Mike! It is nice to see the flowers particularly because it was snowing here the day before yesterday! (Spring is slow getting started this year here on Prince Edward Island).
Thanks Mike. It is snowing again now. Its okay though as eventually this 'spring' stuff always becomes a wonderful summer here. My wife and I are planning a trip to Newfoundland. Check out their tourism site here: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/
Wow what a sunset! Your pictures are beautiful. I love the Saguaro…such magnificent presence they have! Have you seen any with blooms? I am so on a mission to find them…did find one and got a good picture.
What a nice campsite! I'm glad the flowers are starting to bloom again, and love the saguaros.
real nice. wow, 90 degrees out. its balmy in the high 40s low 50s up here in the north right now.
my view has always been….i can put more clothes on but can only strip so far before the cops show up.
What a beautiful place Mike! It is nice to see the flowers particularly because it was snowing here the day before yesterday! (Spring is slow getting started this year here on Prince Edward Island).
I feel for you, Ross. Hope you can get on the road soon.
Thanks Mike. It is snowing again now. Its okay though as eventually this 'spring' stuff always becomes a wonderful summer here. My wife and I are planning a trip to Newfoundland. Check out their tourism site here: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/
Wow what a sunset! Your pictures are beautiful. I love the Saguaro…such magnificent presence they have! Have you seen any with blooms? I am so on a mission to find them…did find one and got a good picture.
Your spot looks so cozy….enjoy!
Thanks. No blooms today. They typically come out in June/July.
Looks beautiful Mike, we have sure been enjoying our time at McDowell Mountain Park!
Thanks, KC. I've heard some nice things about that Park. We'll have to make it out there soon.