Camping at San Carlos - Bad Idea?

[OneBlade]

All of the San Carlos reports tell me that's where I need to be fishing.  I'm taking the kids and parents camping Thur, March 15 through Sat, March 17.  I was going to go to Apache Burnt Corral, but tempted to do San Carlos for the crappie.  Has anyone ever camped there lately?  Do I need any special passes?  I know I need fishing and boat reservation license but wanted to know if I needed anything else.  I also wanted to know where to camp.  I'm imagining a barren shore with not a tree in site near where everyone is docking at, which doesn't sound that appealing. 

Also, boat launch is via dirt road east of the normal Soda Canyon ramp, correct?  Last report said it was a little tough.  I need to rent a 4-wheel drive for sure.

[on the rocks]

Matt,

When we were there Saturday I launched and retrieved Marvins boat with my 2 wheel drive Chevy Trailblazer with no problem at all. Take it for what is worth. Have not camped at S/C ever so not sure about permits. If I did camp I would not seclude myself but camp fairly close to other campers and be sure to secure everything. I have heard some horror stories of theft out there but can not verify.

[AZ-Mn.ANGLER]

"Ditto"  to "on the rocks"
When we came off the lakes Sun. Aft. there were at least 50 shore fishermen  with many of them near the Soda Canyon ramp and the dirt ramps to the East.  Most appeared to be "locals."  I don't think you'll find any wooded areas around the lake.  It is so low that there were no shore fisherman who had their vehicles any where near except at the landings. 
BE SAFE!!
AZ-Mn.ANGLER

[Halibut Warrior]

Matt,

when you pick up your permit tell them how many days you're staying. the permit includes camping but ends at midnight. I think you'll only need one boat launch pemit though. I'd camp there. Seems to be lots of friendly company last time we were there.

[cousinlll]

Matt:

Camped there twice without any issues.  Just need to be very conscious of your surroundings & secure your camp at night and while out fishing.  When we camped at Soda Canyon, we setup camp along a point just to the north of the concrete ramp.  One time it was just Joe & I and the other time it was with Dave & 3 other friends in another camper.  Like Joe mentioned, tell the clerk issuing your permits of your plans.  Just be careful & there is something to be said about safety in numbers.

There is an "official" picnic/camp area at Soda Canyon.  While driving down the paved road to Soda Canyon, off to your right you can see a few camp spots with picnic tables under a metal car port thing for shade (just like the spots at Roosevelt).  Right turn onto the gravel road is the access road - it's not too far after turning onto the road to Soda Canyon.  And there are no facilities!

Not sure if others are camping at New Government now or not.  Never been there myself but it use to be a popular camp area in da past.  Maybe somebody out there knows what's happening there now & will give you more info.

Another option would be to camp/stay at the casino ( http://www.apachegoldcasinoresort.com/ ) or I'm sure Rats will give you a recommendation of a good hotel in Globe 

LLL

[timbo]

If your camping there to fish then it's OK. If not everybody into fishing I wouldn't go there.
I've camp there many times but would never bring my wife or I'd be paying for it for yrs.

[jdmej1]

As timbo stated for fishing and staying overnight is ok. We camped out last sat. Night and it was ok but make sure to bring your own firewoods as there isnt any aound.

[menrats]

yes indeed cuz motel 6 is the place. 46 bucks including rat terriers. 20 bucks for pizza and beer. thats livin baby!
matt dont bother with a four wheeler youl be good. the landing is hard pack dirt.clearance is your only issue and you should be fine there.  want to go there tom and check it out we can take my unit. only prob is i have to get my tm hooked up at 9 at superstition marine expect to be out of there by 10 globe 12 sc or rosey 1230.