Apache Maid Cabin

We stayed for two nights around August 24, 2022. Yes the cabin is rustic. Which is a nice way of saying very simple. There are solar powered ceiling lights. The outside motion detector light did not work nor did the similar light in the latrine located outside the cabin. Laterns were provided but we used our own. There were several daddy long leg spiders in the cabin which we picked up and moved to the outside. There were plenty of pots, pans, plates, utensils and dish soap. There is an outside sink for washing dishes with a drain to a below ground tank. The stove and oven are propane powered. The stove required matches to light so bring a lighter or matches. There are two large picnic tables outside but only a small, worn table inside. This arrangement is fine unless it is raining. The upper bunkbed in one room has side rails to climb up but this climb may not be appropriate for an adult. The futon was comfortable to sleep on in a sleeping bag. The lower bunk bed was also comfortable. The area is very quiet, secluded, and well forested. There is a creek to the south of the cabin that was flowing due to recent rains. This worked out perfect for us as a monsoon-season alternative to tent camping. There was wood for a campfire (which would require some splitting). The drive to the cabin is passible with a standard passenger car in dry weather. Due to recent rains, about a mile of the four-mile dirt road segment was particularly slick and difficult. For us, there was no cell phone service once we got off the paved road (pavement extends eight miles from I-17). Stoneman Lake is now non-existant. It is full of reeds and grass. We saw elk near sunset a couple miles from the cabin. There is room for a parked camper or RV near the cabin. In dry weather, this would be a great place for a family or group of friends. But if there is rain, the quarters could be a little tight in an hours-long rain. We had rain for several hours one day.

Late September turned out to be the perfect temperature to enjoy the outdoors and the wildflowers seemed to be at their peak. Glad we brought a couple of camp chairs for lounging and a big jug of water for dish washing and hand washing. The night sky was spectacular. Had a small tarp and sleeping pad to lay on the ground for easier star gazing. Bring your own lantern or good flashlight if you need to make a trip to the outhouse at night--it's very dark. Will plan to come back to the Apache Maid Cabin next year!

Rustic historic cabin with everything we needed. Beautiful location, private surroundings. Good hiking in the area. We loved it. Hope to return!

The cabin was fantastic and the area was beautiful. It would be helpful to include that there is no water available at or near the cabin. It did state that there was no drinking water, but didn't say there was no water for washing or putting out campfires.

AWESOME

Great place BUT.......they need to tell you it's 5 mi off pavement. They hint to it but never say the distance. Really? It mentions its passable etc. but never says how far. We chased daylight to get there, and the signage is not great. A few simple signs to tell you the way. Not hard to do. Get there in the daylight that's all I can say. Disappointing for us. Nice way off the beaten path place however no question. Whoever runs the recreation.gov site should honestly be forthcoming about the ride in and improve the signage to the cabin. Especially at the end when you are so close but at the same time have no idea.

If you’re expecting a 5 star resort this isn’t it, and that’s what makes it great!

LOVED IT!!! Such a beautiful and amazing area! We want to go back and spend more time out there exploring. It's definitely secluded and quiet. Below is a list of things to keep in mind when visiting.

1. The road is ROUGH! It's not just a gravel road.. it's rocks, bumps, dips/holes, etc. It took almost an hour to drive 17 mi (interstate to the cabin)
2. Pay attention to the signs and not the GPS! The GPS will get you there but it is slightly off
3. The gate has a TINY sign on it that we didn't even notice at first
4. ZERO phone service! If you are out there and want to have some connectivity to the world... turn around and go somewhere else
5. They have so much more in the cabin than we expected. Pots, pans, Silverware, cooking Utensils of all sorts, books, just about everything you need expect running water and electricity
6. Bring a small token with you when you go and leave for others to admire. It's great to see all the people before us who have enjoyed it

This cabin is AWESOME! The space is very private, people can not see you. Very well maintained, the folks prior to us cleaned up very well. The bathroom was very clean as well. Overall the experience was amazing and we already booked again in November of this year! New favorite forestry cabin to rent.

Very quite and peaceful. Would stay there again.