Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, Arizona offers a laid-back setting that’s relaxing any time of year. Though located less than 40 miles from Phoenix, Apache Junction is an oasis of calm, and many RVers use the 138-site state park as a home base while exploring the area.
Half of the sites offer 20/30/50 amp electrical service and water, while the remaining non-hookup sites are set on paved roads for tents or RVs.
Camping at Lost Dutchman State Park. Photo via RagTopDay on CampgroundReviews.com
Other amenities at Lost Dutchman State Park include restrooms, showers, a water spigot, picnic shelter, dump station, and numerous recreational trails. Regardless of your fitness level, there is a trail to fit everyone’s skill level.
The variety of Lost Dutchman trails range from a quarter-mile to four miles, roundtrip. To get your feet wet (not literally!) try the Discovery Trail. This short hike connects the campground and day-use areas where you’ll find various information signs, a wildlife pond, bird feeder, and a viewing bench.
Before heading out on any trail, no matter the distance, don’t forget to bring water, wear proper footgear, and the trail map that is provided with your entrance fee.
Other area attractions worth exploring include Superstition Mountain Museum or nearby Goldfield Ghost Town.
Roughly eight miles from Lost Dutchman State Park is an excellent golf course—Apache Creek Golf Club. This desert course recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The 18-hole, par 72 track measures 6,541 yards and is completely devoid of homes. The well-manicured Apache Creek Golf Club, nestled at the foot of the majestic Superstition Mountains, also offers a large driving range, putting green, pro shop, and The Grill at Apache Creek.
For more information on area activities and other things to explore, visit the Apache Junction Chamber website. You can also learn more about camping at Lost Dutchman State Park on CampgroundReviews.com.
Rick Stedman is an avid golfer, RVer, and writer who lives in Olympia, Washington. Rick writes a golf column, “The RV Golfer,” which is published every month in rvlife.com. He can be reached at rstedman@gmail.com.
Love it Love it Love it !!!
Spent a few days there and the view, surrounding attractions and the whole RV park were wonderful.
Unfortunately, this local gem is overtaken by snowbirds in the late fall through the middle of March or so. Yes, us locals can go there once the temps get up to the triple digits, but good luck trying to find an open site here between October and March when the temperatures are favorable for hiking.
Yes, snowbirds love this park along with the terrific Maricopa County Parks. The key to visiting in the cooler months is to make reservations early! As soon as the reservations open get online ad just do it! Be sure you have your dates lined up!
This is a good review of Lost Dutchman but had the writer traveled 15 miles north on The Old Apache Trail , he may have discovered the real gem of the desert, Tortilla Campground.. This National Forest campground has about 50 sites with water and dumps at each site. No electricity. Limited cell service. Nestled in a steep canyon, it is meticulously maintained by volunteer hosts. Gravel sites with fire pits. Because of extreme summer heat, this campground is open on October through March. Only 5 sites are reservable. All others are first come first served. Standard rates are $20.00 per night, $10.00 with valid discount cards. 14 day stay allowed.
This state park is indeed located in a lovely setting. But you must love crowds, traffic and noise. This is a huge state park with over 400 sites. The sites are close together and there is a lot of traffic and noise. There isn’t enough bathrooms or showers for all these people. We had a trail running right behind our site with people walking next to our dining room window all day long. We had booked 10 days but left after one night.