If you love water sports, like to fish and enjoy the great outdoors, make your next vacation a lake vacation, and spend it at Apache Lake. Located in Tonto National Forest, the Apache is 17 miles long. It’s one of four artificial lakes in Arizona that are situated on the Salt River.

Whether you stay for a day or a week, you won’t run out of things to do at Apache Lake. Windsurf, water-ski or take a leisurely cruise on the lake. However you spend your time on the water, you’ll appreciate the lake’s full- service marina. There, pontoons as well as fishing boats are available to rent. And if you forgot to pack fishing tackle or water-ski ropes, no problem! These, as well as fuel and many other miscellaneous items, are available for purchase at the Apache Lake Boat Dock.

Enjoy angling for warm water fish? You’re in luck! The Apache is filled with many species, including walleye, yellow bass, sunfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, flathead catfish and carp. And if you navigate your boat along one of the lake’s numerous out-of-the-way coves, you could turn your boat ride into a nature tour. Eagle, deer, big horn sheep and javelina (wild pigs) frequent the desert edges of the lake.

After a day of boating, skiing, or fishing on the lake, why not take a hike? A number of hiking trails lie nearby. Or you could enjoy a meal al fresco at one of Apache Lake’s many picnic areas.

Camping facilities at the Apache are open year round. Burnt Corral Campground sits at the upper end of the lake, just off Apache Trail. Because the road to Burnt Corral has many switchbacks, it’s not RV friendly. It has a paved boat ramp as well as a fish cleaning station. Apache Lake Resort, on the other hand, does offer RV sites. It also has camper sites with full hookups and lake views. Or, you could stay at the Apache Lake Motel.