Lost Dutchman State Park
Apache Junction, AZ
Trails lead from saguaro desert toward the cliffs of the Superstition Mountains, named after a legendary lost gold mine. The park has a campground with electric sites; best from November to April.
Lost Dutchman State Park lies near Apache Junction, Arizona, at the foot of the Superstition Mountains on AZ 88 (the Apache Trail), about 5 miles (roughly 8 km) northeast of the junction with US 60. Lonely Planet puts it about 40 miles east of Phoenix and gives its size as 320 acres (around 130 hectares). The park is run by Arizona State Parks.
It is named after the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine, said to have been worked by an immigrant “Dutchman”; Jacob Waltz left no records of its location. Nothing has been found, and the gold is thought to lie near Weaver's Needle. The Discovery Trail is a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) nature trail, and the Treasure Loop (2.4 miles, 3.9 km) climbs about 500 feet (150 m) into the foothills. The Siphon Draw Trail is considered the best hike. The route to the Flatiron is a strenuous all-day hike and not recommended in summer. In total, Lonely Planet gives trails of 0.5 to 5.8 miles.
The campground has 69 sites, and cabins are available. Winter, spring and autumn are the best seasons because summers are very hot. Check fees and reservations beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Apache Junction, AZ
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 33.4600, -111.4800
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually February–March and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January, April and October. Hot in May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- VIP RV ResortMotorhome stopover6 mi from Lost Dutchman State ParkMotorhomes
- Tortilla Recreation SiteCampsite7 mi from Lost Dutchman State Park · 77 pitchesCaravans
- Eagle View RV Resort At FortMotorhome stopover14 mi from Lost Dutchman State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Burnt Corral CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Lost Dutchman State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking water
- E. I. Rowland CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Lost Dutchman State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Cholla CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Lost Dutchman State Park · 206 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lost Dutchman State Park?
Lost Dutchman State Park is in Apache Junction, AZ, at GPS 33.4600, -111.4800. It is about 7 mi from Tortilla Flat.
Can you camp near Lost Dutchman State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lost Dutchman Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 55 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Lost Dutchman State Park?
Lost Dutchman State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Superstition Mountains, the Apache Trail and Tonto Basin.
What is there to see near Lost Dutchman State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Canyon Lake (6 mi), Boyce Thompson Arboretum (22 mi), Theodore Roosevelt Dam (23 mi) and Tonto National Monument (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Lost Dutchman State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually February–March and November–December. Still fine, with some compromises, in January, April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)