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People kayaking on a wide river with rocky cliffs in the background

Travel tips

How Do You Camp at Saguaro Lake?

Saguaro Lake offers camping exclusively at Bagley Flat Campground. You can only reach these sites by boat.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

In short

  • 10 boat-in only campsites
  • First-come, first-served access
  • Pack-in, pack-out rule with no glass allowed
In this article
  1. Where is Bagley Flat Campground located?
  2. How do you get a campsite at Bagley Flat?
  3. What amenities are at Bagley Flat?
  4. What passes do you need for overnight parking?
  5. What are the campground rules?
  6. How should you pack for Saguaro Lake camping?

Bagley Flat provides a remote overnight experience on Saguaro Lake. Since there is no road access, you must arrive by watercraft. You will find basic amenities, but you must bring everything else you need.

Where is Bagley Flat Campground located?

Bagley Flat is situated on the eastern end of Saguaro Lake. You can only reach it by watercraft.

It sits past the main open waters of the reservoir. You will need a motorized boat, kayak, or paddleboard to arrive.

A large group of kayakers lined up side-by-side on a calm lake
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How do you get a campsite at Bagley Flat?

The 10 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot make reservations.

Arrive early on Fridays to secure a spot for the weekend. During busy summer months, these sites fill up very quickly.

A group of women in kayaks gathered together in a rocky canyon
Photo: tour listing on Viator

What amenities are at Bagley Flat?

The campground provides basic features for boaters. Each site includes a grill and a picnic table.

There is also a courtesy dock to help secure your boat. You must bring all your own supplies.

Provided AmenitiesWhat to Bring
GrillsCooler with water and ice
Picnic tablesTrash bags
Courtesy dockCamping gear

What passes do you need for overnight parking?

You must purchase an $8 Tonto Daily Pass per vehicle. This allows you to park at recreation sites.

If you launch a motorized boat, you also need a $4 Watercraft Use Sticker. Buy these passes online or in town beforehand. They are not sold at the lake.

A group of people kayaking through a narrow, rocky canyon
Photo: tour listing on Viator

What are the campground rules?

Glass containers are strictly prohibited everywhere on Saguaro Lake.

There is no trash service provided at Bagley Flat. You must pack out all garbage in your own trash bags. Motorized boats must follow the counter-clockwise travel rule to reach the campground.

How should you pack for Saguaro Lake camping?

Bring plenty of drinking water, food, and ice. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat. Water shoes are helpful for navigating the rocky shorelines. If you plan to fish, bring a valid Arizona state fishing license.

Kayakers paddle through a narrow canyon on a calm river
Photo: tour listing on Viator

Questions travellers ask

Can you drive to Bagley Flat Campground?

No. The campground is accessible only by boat. There are no roads leading to Bagley Flat.

Are there reservations for camping at Saguaro Lake?

No. The 10 campsites at Bagley Flat operate entirely on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can you bring glass bottles?

No. Glass containers are strictly prohibited anywhere on Saguaro Lake and its shorelines.

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