Construction Advisory: Construction will be taking place in the main campground near both restroom/shower buildings Oct. 2024 - May 2025 to replace the lift stations at the restrooms. Be prepared for construction-related traffic and increased noise levels. Porta potties are available for toilets. Showers and sinks may be limited or closed at times due to maintenance issues. Water and electricity may be temporarily disrupted when switching over utilities for a few hours at a time.
Due to safety concerns, walk-in entry and hiker drop-off/pick-up is not permitted.
The dump station and showers are closed to anyone not camping at the park.
Facility Information
Facilities Available at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park offers unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities with clean, modern facilities nestled in the pristine Sonoran Desert, just a short drive from the Phoenix metro area. Whether you're planning a day hike, a family picnic, or a camping trip, you'll find everything you need for a successful outdoor adventure. The park’s well-maintained amenities, including restrooms, campsites, and picnic areas, are designed for comfort while allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Arizona’s rugged desert landscape.
Visitor Center/Park Store
The Lost Dutchman Visitor Center is open 365 days a year and includes a store, gift shop, and interesting natural exhibits. Books, maps, and souvenirs are available in the gift shop, as well as drinks ans limited snacks. Brochures about local attractions and maps of the park are also available. Stop by and talk with the rangers about current park events or other park related information. Our knowledgeable rangers spend every day in the park and can tell you the best ways to elevate your experience from awesome to EPIC!
Campground/RV Sites
Lost Dutchman State Park is your gateway to amazing Sonoran Desert experiences and memories. By extending your stay in our large, spacious campground, more desert experiences will be available for you to enjoy! A desert night is a soothing respite from everyday life and might be just what you need to relax before hitting the daily grind again when you return from your trip.
The campground has 135 sites and three group areas: 68 sites with electric (50/30/20 amp service) and water and the remainder non-hookup sites on paved roads for tents or RVs. Every site has a picnic table, and a fire pit with adjustable grill gate. There are no size restrictions on RVs. Well-mannered pets on leashes are welcome, but please pick after your pets.
Cabins
Five camping cabins are situated perfectly so visitors can take advantage of both the sunrise and sunset right from the porch! The Sonoran Desert surrounds these cabins and expansive Superstition Mountain views will greet you each day you awake for your adventure! Or you could use one of these cozy, air-conditioned cabins as a quick getaway close to the Phoenix Metro area. You'll notice a feeling of remoteness here in spite of the relatively close distance to the population center.
Restrooms/Showers
Two accessible bathrooms are located in the Cholla and Saguaro day use areas. There are also two restroom/showers buildings buildings located in the campground and in the cabin loop. Shower buildings are available for registered campers year-round. The park does not supply toiletries.
Dump Station
Use of dump station is free for registered campers. Not open for public use.
Picnic Areas/Shelters
Thirteen single shaded ramadas with tables, grills are available for picnics. Restrooms and drinking fountains are located nearby. Please take a look at the Group Camping and Day Use page for detailed information about ramadas and group areas.
Activities and Experiences
Hiking
There's a ton of hiking opportunities within this park for both novice and experienced hikers. Most of the trails can be accessed very easily from the campgrounds or day use areas and lead hikers off into a Superstition Mountain adventure. During fall, winter, and spring, Lost Dutchman is one of the most perfect spots to hike in the state. The weather is nice, and you might encounter a variety of desert wildlife or wildflowers while on the trail. During summer we urge hikers to start early and get off the trail before the mercury starts to rise. There's plenty of time before it gets hot, or after the sun goes down (with a headlamp) to get a hike in! Just remember to bring plenty of water. For added fun during your hike, check out these geocache experiences offered at the park.
Biking
The park has four miles of mountain bike singletrack at the base of the Superstition Mountains. A winding loop trail — rated beginner to intermediate — traverses the Sonoran Desert across rocky terrain and sandy washes. Ride between giant Saguaros, among Palo Verde and Mesquite trees, and bask in the solitude just 30 minutes from the Phoenix Metro area. Bikes can also use the multi-use trails in the Tonto National Forest which are easily accessed from the park, although bikes are not allowed beyond the Wilderness Boundary on the Siphon Draw Trail. In addition, a 1/2 mile hard-packed granite trail leads from the Campground to the Ranger Station.
Wildlife Viewing
A large variety of interesting Arizona wildlife species can be found within the park and offer year-round wildlife viewing opportunities. Mammals of interest include desert mule deer, coyote, javelina, bobcat, and jackrabbit. Most desert animals are nocturnal or crepuscular (animals most active during twilight periods), so early morning and late evening viewing are best. Any of the park trails offer good opportunities for wildlife viewing experiences.
Birding has become increasingly popular over the last several years and Lost Dutchman is a great place to watch our feathered friends in their natural habitat. This is a great park to experience an influx of interesting new species each year after birds from northern states have migrated for the winter. As a destination for migrators, this park comes alive with the color and song of new visitors each winter, and it's a sight to behold!
Take a look at Lost Dutchman’s eBird sightings list to find out which species have been using the park, then see how many you can locate during your next trip! For even more awesome Arizona birding information, we've created this handy guide to Arizona's birds.
Park Rules
- Drive and park on designated paved areas only. All tires of all vehicles must be completely on pavement.
- Limit two vehicles per site or cabin at any time, no exceptions.
- Generator hours are 8-10 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. This includes idling vehicles.
- Quiet hours are 9 p.m.-8 a.m. No loud music, public address systems or nuisance noises at any time.
- Damaging or removing plants, animals, or archeological, geologic, or historic objects is a crime.
- Littering is unlawful.
- Leash (max 6ft.) and pick up after all pets (domestic dogs and cats only! Horses, livestock, etc. not allowed). Do not leave pets unattended. Pets are not permitted in park restrooms.
- No wood gathering. Fire in rings or grills only. Do not leave fires unattended.
- Day Use hours/gates are open from 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Park fees are per vehicle, unless in-tow. Vehicles arriving before 7 a.m. (Arizona time) must pay for the previous night.
- Stay limit is 14 nights in any 30-day period.
- Camp only in designated areas with a maximum of 10 people per site. No more than six adults (14 years and older) or six kids per site.
- No site saving for others. Violators are subject to eviction.
- Leave something in your site to indicate that it is occupied or site may be forfeited.
- Obey speed limits and one-way roadways.
- Check-in time is 2 p.m. for campsites, 3 p.m. for cabins.
- Checkout time is noon (12 p.m.) for campsites, 10 a.m. for cabins.
- Campers arriving before 12 noon on the day of arrival will be charged the park entrance fee.
- Contain all gray water.
- No washing RVs or vehicles in the park.
- No repairing RVs or vehicles in park unless emergency. Park staff must prior approve incoming vendors on emergency calls; vendors required to present $1M liability insurance.
- Fireworks of any kind are not allowed.
- Discharging firearms within the park is a crime! This includes BB and pellet guns, bows and slingshots.
Trail Rules
Please use caution when hiking. Those planning to use the longer trails should carry a topographic map. Each person should carry at least one gallon of drinking water per day and wear proper footwear. Remember summer temperatures often exceed 100° F.
- Day Use hikers must park in the Day Use lots only. Cars parked on roads, campsites, by shower building or by cabins are subject to towing.
- Pack out all garbage. Littering is unlawful.
- Leash (max 6ft.) and pick up after all pets; dog bag dispensers at each Day Use parking lot area(s). Do not leave pets unattended.
- For your own safety, keep on designated trails and out of old mine shafts.
- Discharging firearms along trails is a crime! This includes BB and pellet guns, bows, and slingshots.
- Damaging or removing plants, animals, or archeological, geologic, or historic objects is a crime.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions.
- If hiking alone, let someone know where you are going.
- No motorized vehicles on trails.
- Report any problems to a park ranger.
- For emergencies, call 911.
