Site Open

Saguaro Del Norte Day Use & Motorized Boat Launch

This area is a wonderful example of the Sonoran Desert habitat along a desert lake. Saguaro Del Norte allows for all types of outdoor activities close to the major cities in Arizona. Users can camp, picnic, fish, hike and use both motorized and non-motorized boats at Saguaro Del Norte. Families enjoy staying here all day as an easy escape from the hot summer heat. There are 38 picnic units with tables and grills, ramadas, sheriff's aid station.

Additional photos are available here.

General Information

Open Season: Year Round

Day use only; no overnight camping allowed

The links below provide additional information on pricing and purchasing information.

Tonto Daily Pass (and Watercraft Sticker, if required). Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and retail vendors (please call for availability).
Tonto Discovery Pass. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices.
America the Beautiful Interagency Passes. Available at Tonto National Forest Offices and online at USGS.gov. Does not covered fees associated with launching motorized watercraft.
Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Fee machine is on site.

Restrictions

No overnight camping.
Only boat trailers under 28'
Glass containers are not allowed in Saguaro Lake area.
PACK IN PACK OUT.

Please Note: On most weekends and holidays, April through October, Saguaro Lake reaches its maximum boating capacity early in the day and additional boats are not allowed in.

Be prepared for delays in boat access during summer weekends.
Many of the Valley's radio stations carry advisories concerning crowding conditions.
Come early in the day during the summer.

Day Use:
$8 per vehicle per day (purchased at Tonto NF Office or Retail Vendor)
$12 per vehicle per day (purchased on-site at Tonto Fee Machine)
$80 per annual
$60 per senior & access annual
Tonto Watercraft Sticker: $4 per motorized watercraft, if required

Front view of the Mesa Ranger Station building with a clear sky in the background.

Address: 5140 E Ingram St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 610-3300
Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 12:30 p.m.) Passes, permits and products not sold after 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 33.5765521

Longitude: -111.5382178

Elevation

1,500 Feet

Directions

This site is 31 miles northeast of Mesa. From Mesa, travel 27 miles north on State Hwy. 87 to Bush Highway/Forest Road (FR) 204 and turn right. Follow Bush Highway for 4 miles to FR 206 and turn left. Follow FR 206 to the site. The entire route is on a busy paved road. View and download a map.