Bagley Flat Campground And Boat Dock
4.2314 reviewsBagley Flat Campground and Courtesy Dock, Saguaro Lake, Tonto National Forest, Arizona
Bagley Flat Campground And Boat Dock
$0.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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, $4 for a watercraft sticker (if required), $12 for Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Annual passes are available for $80 (regular annual), $60 (senior/access).
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information is available regarding specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are standard in size, designed primarily for tent camping and accommodating small groups.
Sites PrivacySites are moderately private, with a grove of mesquite trees providing shade and some natural barriers between sites.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites under the mesquite trees are recommended for shade during summer months.
Best CampsitesNot specifically mentioned.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are boat-access-only, distributed in a shaded area under mesquite trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served for the 10 designated sites.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified.
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.'
Fishing
Fishing 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.'Boating
Boating 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
Fishing may be less productive in winter months as noted by one reviewer. No other winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are implied but not explicitly described.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned; campfires likely allowed when consistent with broader forest rules.
- Quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
100
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Mesa Ranger Station, 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205. Phone: (480) 610-3300. Open Mon-Fri 8 AM - 4:30 PM.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated; summer months are popular due to shade and recreational opportunities.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers may need to pack out what they bring in.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Saguaro Lake with a courtesy dock for fishing and boating access.
Common complaintsBathrooms described as rough and unpleasant; reported presence of wasps and wildlife disturbances. Some confusion among visitors regarding overnight camping policies based on older information.
HostNo host information specified.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
14 reviews
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 14 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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsShow more
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 14 reviewsCamper 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 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews of campsites were not provided, though several users mentioned that all sites were equipped with grills and picnic tables.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and one reviewer noted stopping at the campground to let their dogs walk around.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025