The lake is located along the Apache Trail and about 16 miles east of Tortilla Flat, in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Apache Lake is formed by Horse Mesa Dam impounded the Salt River, which was completed in 1927.

The resort includes 3 motels, an RV park, a gas dock house, a restaurant and bar, wet and dry boat storage slips, and a general store.

Many species of fish can be found in the lake, including largemouth, smallmouth and yellow bass, crappie, sunfish, both channel and flathead catfish, walleye and carp.

[1] Tonto National Monument, with ancient cliff dwellings, is located 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the reservoir.