The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
at Saguaro Lake Marina
14011 N Bush Hwy
Mesa, AZ 58215
September 20, 2022

Saguaro Lake is located within the Tonto National Forest just 20 minutes from Mesa, Arizona.

Located in the Tonto National Forest, not far from Apache Junction, Saguaro Lake is full of activities like swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing. Originally part of the aforementioned Salt River, the lake was formed in the ‘30s when the construction of Steward Mountain Dam was completed. The lake has nearly 23 miles of shoreline and includes a marina, multiple picnic and designated swimming areas, and overnight camping sites with restrooms. There is a fee to enter the park.

The two RV Gypsies enjoyed the amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the lake.

Below: Views from the pier looking left, then right

Saguaro Lake was formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam, which was completed in 1930. It was the last of the reservoirs to be built on the Salt River. The lake is named for the Saguaro Cactus, which stand majestically in the surrounding desert landscape. Saguaro Lake has more than 22 miles of shoreline, creating a great environment for boating, kayaking, sailing, skiing, jet skiing, fishing and camping.

Below: Panorama from the pier

Below: A different angle - panorama from the pier

Below: Scenery leaving Saquaro Lake and heading towards Butcher Jones Beach

Below: Butcher Jones Beach, which can be reached by a road a few miles north of Saguaro del Norte, features swimming, picnic and restroom facilities. Then the two RV Gypsies drove to Butcher Jones Beach so Karen Duquette could cool down in the water. Lee Duquette relaxed on a bench that was located in the lower right-hand corner of the panorama photo shown below.

Below: Lee Duquette took a photo of the area behind where he was relaxing.

Below: Karen Duquette enjoying the cold water at Saquaro Lake.

Below: Karen Duquette enjoying the scenery at Saquaro Lake

Below: A view of the area just beyond the swimming area.

Below: Although Karen Duquette was thankful that Lee Duquette did not mind hanging out while she enjoyed the water, she also knew that he wanted to go to the nearby restaurant and have a nice meal to celebrate his birthday, so she decided that it was time to dry off, put on her cover-up and head to the restaurant.

Below: Approaching the raised, outside seating behind the restaurant, Karen Duquette photographed two very large Saguaro cacti (that almost appeared as if it was one cactus). Compare the height of it to the walking path and boats below, where the bottom of the cacti was grounded.

Below: Views from the two RV Gypsies table.

Below: While Lee Duquette studied the food menu, Karen Duquette studied the drink menu. The restaurant would not acknowledge Lee's birthday as some restaurants do.

The food here was not bad, but it was seriously overpriced for what you got. Given it is located in a secluded location, this was not much of a surprise. There are no other food options anywhere nearby. The place was clean, but the decor was dated and worn.

However,what this place has is FANTASTIC views. Situated on a rise above the lake, it commands views of the entire lake and surrounding hills, mountains, and desert. Beautiful!!