CANCELLED
Experience the Mystique of the Superstition Mountains! Join Great Outdoors Palm Springs for an unforgettable 4 nights desert camping experience at the base of the Superstition Mountains 40 miles east of Phoenix. This area is rich in local history and lore, including the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. Explore these with us.
Attractions & Things to Do
Easy to Moderate Hikes
Challenging Hikes
- Siphon Draw Trail: A 4-mile (round trip) moderate hike winding into a canyon, with significant elevation gain.
Nearby Excursions (Day Trips)
- Apache Trail Drive (AZ-88): A historic, scenic drive offering stunning views of Canyon Lake and the rugged terrain (note: sections may be unpaved).
- Goldfield Ghost Town: A reconstructed 1890s gold mining town near the park entrance, featuring mine tours, a saloon, and shops.
- Canyon Lake: Located near the Apache Trail, this is a great spot for boat tours, kayaking, or simply enjoying the water views.
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum: Located approximately 30 miles from camp. This is Arizona's largest and oldest botanical garden, showcasing desert plants from around the world.
Off Roading
Directions: Lost Dutchman State Park is approximately 300 miles from Palm Spring via Interstate 10 East. Google Map.
Arrival: Check-in for campers 2pm and 3pm for cabin. Park entrance gate closes at 10:00 p.m. and reopens at 6:00 a.m. Campers can leave at any time but there is no re entry until 6:00 a.m. Please make every effort to arrive prior to 10:00 p.m. If you will not be able to arrive prior to 10:00 p.m. please call 480-982-4485 before 3:00 p.m. to make arrangements.
Campers: RV and tent will share a site. If you are second to arrive for the shared site, there will be an extra parking charge of $15 per day. Please pay it, and bring the receipt to trip leader for reimbursement. There will be 2 vehicles on the site, park accordingly to make room for second vehicle. RV will need to be parked adjacent to the hook-ups, so park accordingly. Park with all 4 wheels on the pavement. Sites are large, 75' to 100'. Restroom, free showers and dump station located nearby.
What to Bring: Name tag, camp chair, camping/cooking gear,10 essential items, warm/cool weather clothing, appetizer for meet and greet, potluck item and firewood for group fire. Consider going green! - Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils. No shade at campsites, so plan accordingly if you want to bring a shade structure.
Pets: Pets are welcome, leashed and picked up after.
Weather/Climate: Elevation of 2,074 feet. April 85° / 53° It is a dry month. Sunrise 5:54 am, Sunset 6:58 pm. Moon will be waning crescent, April 16th, new moon is 17th. Weather click here.
Payments: Pay online with a credit card.
Registration: Events are limited to members only. If not currently a GO member, you can join for $25 per person for a one (1) year membership prior to registration. Each person going must complete a separate registration. For membership: click here to join.
Cancellation/Refunds: Cancellation for RV and tent camping, minus $10 fee, must be received by April 01, 2026. Notify the trip leader to cancel. Cancellation/refund for cabin registrations, see below.
If you have any questions, contact Trip Co-Leaders: Cliff C. Click Here & Scott Click Here
RV and Tent Sites
Our sites offer electric hookups (50/30/20-amp service) and water. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire pit equipped with an adjustable grill gate. There is a dump station no extra cost.
Itinerary
Subject to change - check whiteboard for updates/details
Thursday ~ April 16
- 2:00 pm until 10 pm ~ Arrive - Gate is locked at 10 pm
- 6:30 pm ~ Meet and Greet ~ Site #75
- 7:30 pm ~ campfire
Friday ~ April 17 ~ New Moon Tonight
- 7:00 am ~ Coffee, Muffins, Bagels and Fruits
- 8:30 am ~ Day’s Activities
- Local Hiking
- 4x4 off-roading
- 6:30 pm ~ Potluck
- 7:30 pm ~ campfire
Saturday ~ April 18
- 7:00 am ~ Coffee, Muffins, Bagels and Fruits
- 8:30 am ~ Day’s Activities
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum
- Local Hiking
- 6:30 Dining in Town (Optional) ~ Time and place TBD
- 7:30 pm ~ Campfire
Sunday ~ April 19
- 7:00 am ~ Coffee, Muffins, Bagels, and Fruits
- 8:30 am ~ Day’ Actives
- Local Hike ~ on your own
- Dining in Town (Optional) ~ Time and place TBD
- 7:30 pm ~ Campfire
Monday ~ April 20
- 7:00 am ~ Coffee, Muffins, Bagels and Fruits
Cabin Details
- For cabin campers arriving between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., this will be considered a grace period, and no additional park entrance fees will be charged or applied. Cabin may not be available until 3pm.
- Upon arrival at the park the gatehouse attendant will check you in and direct you to your cabin. Each vehicle must have a permit displayed, maximum two vehicles per cabin (2nd vehicle may be assessed a $15/night fee). If arriving after the gatehouse closes, proceed to your cabin and check in at the gatehouse in the morning. Occupants of the cabin are responsible to pay for any additional parking fees ($15 per day). Extra parking for 3rd vehicle at a cabin is located at designated overflow parking.
- Your cabin access code will be sent to you in a reminder email about a week prior to the event.
- The cabins have beds with mattresses, but no linens. Please bring your own linens or sleeping bags, pillows etc.
- Smoking and open flames are not permitted in the cabins.
- Campfires are restricted to on site above ground metal fire pits with cooking grill. All fires must be kept small, attended at all times and doused thoroughly when done. No "rock" fire rings allowed. Propane cook stoves are allowed for cooking meals.
- Cooking is not permitted in the cabins or on the porch with the exception of the use of a personal crock-pot or coffee pot.
- No pets are allowed in the cabins or in the cabin area.
- Cabins have electricity, lighting, heating and cooling but, no plumbing. Restrooms and showers are located nearby. Dishes can be washed in the sinks behind the restroom building. Quiet hours are from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Please make sure to leave the cabin clean, undamaged and remove all trash (dumpsters are provided in the park).
- Maximum capacity of the cabin will be 3 or possibly 4.
- Confirmation of the cabin depends on meeting the minimum registration of 3 persons in the cabin, subject to cancellation and full refund if we do not meet minimum registration.
- No refund for cabin registration unless there is a waitlist; if a refund is issued a $10 service fee applies.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event/hike leader that may affect your ability to complete this event.
