Greatest RV Parks & Campgrounds

There are such a lot of locations to go tenting in Arizona, it really is a state for year-round outside actions. With summit elevations towering over 11,000 ft above sea degree, it’s no surprise that White Mountain Arizona tenting is so in style with tent and RV campers who wish to escape blistering summer time temperatures in decrease altitudes.

Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.

Location Of The White Mountains Of Japanese Arizona

The White Mountains of Arizona are additionally known as the Colorado Plateau in Arizona’s Excessive Nation. The mountainous area begins at a spot referred to as the Mogollon Rim and extents over northeast Arizona, jap Utah, northwestern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado.

Arizona Highway & Recreation Atlas

 

This a part of Arizona is crammed with leisure alternatives on Federal Land, State Land, Indian Reservation Tribal Land and privately owned property.

Lengthy-Time period & Brief Time period Tenting Choices

Though tenting alternatives are plentiful, this area of the Grand Canyon state is extraordinarily in style in the course of the summer time months. Brief- and long-term tenting prospects might be onerous to seek out with out some superior planning, so we’ll be discussing quite a lot of selections.

Massive Lake Recreation Space

Instructions: From Pinetop, Arizona, journey east on Freeway 260 for roughly 25 miles, then flip south onto Freeway 273. Journey southbound on Freeway 273 for roughly 19 miles to Forest Highway 8115 (Massive Lake Entrance). Flip proper and comply with the indicators to your required location throughout the recreation space.

Right here’s a hyperlink to a Google Map.

Closest City: Springerville, Arizona

Apache-Sitgreaves Nationwide Forests, Springerville Ranger District: (928) 333-6200, TTY: (928) 333-5397. Massive Lake Recreation Space Web site.

Elevation: Roughly 9,000 ft MSL

Situated throughout the Apache-Sitgreaves Nationwide Forest, the 450-acre huge lake rec space has the most tenting choices obtainable in a single location. There are 3 mixture tent and RV campgrounds … 2 extra choices are tent-only campgrounds.

There’s a 14-day restrict on tenting. You may make tenting reservations at Recreation.gov. There are additionally websites which are put aside for first-come, first serve tenting. In case you are not acquainted, we’ve obtained an incredible submit that solutions the query: What are “walk-up solely campsites”?

• Massive Lake is identified for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache trout being probably the most sought-after species. It’s one in every of Arizona’s prime fishing lakes.
• The panorama is crammed with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Spruce and Aspen timber in addition to sprawling excessive elevation meadows.
• Along with fishing, different in style actions embody climbing, mountain biking, hen watching and wildlife viewing.
• The campground areas common round 9,100 ft elevation so take precautions till you get acclimated so that you don’t have well being issues … particularly throughout strenuous actions.
• Bears frequent the realm so you want to obey all meals storage guidelines and laws. The camp hosts have extra particulars.
• Be ready for afternoon thunderstorms and cool nighttime temperatures when visiting in the summertime.
• A small retailer close by sells fuel, meals, boat leases and firewood.

Massive Lake’s 5 Campgrounds

There are 5 primary campgrounds that exist within the Massive Lake complicated along with alternatives for dispersed tenting. Solely one campground presents full hookups however there’s a dump station that’s conveniently positioned close to the principle entrance for the campgrounds that don’t have sewer hookups in them.

Ship me FREE tenting suggestions!

I would like “5 Secrets and techniques To Profitable Tenting Journeys” plus weekly tenting suggestions & recipes.

Count on to pay a payment when tenting right here in the course of the excessive season starting Mid-Could via September. There’s No Charge tenting after mid-October when snowfall might be substantial and in a single day temperatures are usually beneath freezing.

1. Rainbow Campground: RV & Tent Tenting

• The power options six paved-road loops with a complete of 165 camp websites. 4 double websites can be found that may accommodate as much as 16 individuals every. These are in style with bigger households and teams. Two single unit accessible websites are additionally obtainable. There are campground hosts.
• Some websites can accommodate motorhomes as much as 32 ft.
• Websites have hearth rings, grills and picnic tables.
• Water, sewer and electrical hookups are usually not obtainable at this campground.
• Restrooms and contemporary water spigots can be found at a number of areas at this campground.
• The dump station is positioned close to the Massive Lake entrance.
• This campground isn’t positioned on Massive Lake however is inside strolling, bicycling and driving distance.
• Reservations for Rainbow Campground might be made on-line.

2. Apache Trout Campground: RV & Tent Tenting

• Apache Trout is the one campground throughout the Massive Lake Recreation Space that provides full hookups and 50 amp energy. Flush bathrooms and bathe amenities supply further comfort.
• The Apache Trout facility has 124 camp websites and 24 accessible websites. There are 22 double websites. One group tenting website that may accommodate 50 individuals, one other that may accommodate 100 individuals.
• There are 41 electrical full hook up websites and 81 non-electrical websites.
• Some websites can accommodate motorhomes as much as 82 ft.
• Some websites can accommodate trailers as much as 20 ft large and 82 ft lengthy.
• This campground isn’t positioned on Massive Lake however it’s a quick stroll to succeed in it.
• All reservations have to be made at the very least 4 days forward of arrival. You’ll be able to attempt for a walk-up website with no superior discover. For the group websites, reservations might be made as much as 12 months prematurely. For traditional websites, reservations might be made as much as 6 months prematurely.
• Reservations for Apache Trout Campground might be made on-line.

3. Grayling Campground: RV & Tent Tenting

• Some websites at Grayling Campground have a view of the lake, although none are immediately on the waterfront.
• This small campground solely has one loop that accommodates all 23 campsites.
• There isn’t any water, sewer or electrical obtainable at this campsite however there’s a dump station with potable water roughly one mile away close to the Massive Lake entrance.
• Some websites can accommodate motorhomes as much as 22 ft.
• Websites have hearth rings, grills and picnic tables.
• A retailer can also be close by with fuel, meals, boat leases and firewood on the market.
• Reservations for Grayling Campground might be made on-line.

4. Brookchar Campground: Tent Tenting

• Brookchar Campground is on the banks of Massive Lake and is the closest campground to the water.
• No RVs are allowed, it is a small 12 campsite tent-only, walk-in facility. So in case you are keen to hold your entire gear to one in every of these walk-to campsites, it is a nice possibility to essentially expertise the lake.
• Websites have campfire rings.
• There are restrooms proper on the campground however showers are roughly 1 mile away.
• A retailer can also be close by with fuel, meals, boat leases and firewood on the market.
• Reservations for Brookchar Campground might be made on-line.

5. Cutthroat Campground: Tent Tenting

• Cutthroat Campground sits on the shoreline of Massive Lake with some websites immediately on the waterfront.
• No RVs are allowed, it is a small 18 campsite tent-only campground, most websites are walk-in and supply no parking immediately on the campsite.
• This campground presents fundamental facilities together with restrooms, picnic tables and ingesting water.
• A retailer can also be close by with fuel, meals, boat leases and firewood on the market.
• Reservations for Cutthroat Campground might be made on-line.

Surrounding Space Experiences & Close by Lakes

The Massive Lake Recreation Space has heaps to supply however in case you are keen to journey a brief distance you’ll be able to expertise different attention-grabbing locations within the neighborhood.

Mount Baldy

One of many premier climbing spots within the space is the Mount Baldy Wilderness space with a powerful 11,409 foot summit. Keep in mind, when you find yourself in a protected wilderness space you can’t use motorized autos, mountain bicycles or energy gear in any respect. You’ll be able to attain the East Baldy Path #95 from two completely different trailheads which are positioned alongside Arizona Freeway 273.

The primary one is on the north aspect of the East Fork of the Little Colorado. The lesser used trailhead is positioned at Gabaldon Campground. CAUTION: In case you are climbing within the space, be ready for fast-changing climate … hail and snow are doable whilst late as June.

Dawn Ski Park

The White Mountain Apache Tribe owns and operates the Dawn Park Resort which is a well-liked place for snow snowboarding and different winter actions however additionally it is an incredible place to go to in the summertime to expertise the breathtaking mountain surroundings via a scenic ski elevate journey or the mountain bike trails. You’ll discover the Dawn Ski Park on AZ State Hwy 260 between Pinetop/Lakeside and the Massive Lake Recreation Space.

The Becker Lake Wildlife Space is managed by Arizona’s Sport & Fish Division. This lake is about 28 miles northeast of Massive Lake simply previous the city of Keen off of HWY 60. There’s no tenting right here however there may be A LOT of fishing occurring. It’s the right place to get critical about dropping a line within the water … it’s categorized as a blue ribbon Rainbow Trout lake. The trout is catch-and-release solely.

Annually the lake is stocked with sub-catchable Rainbow Trout and Tiger Trout. You’ll additionally discover a number of wild Brown Trout that entered from the Little Colorado River. Non-native Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, and Inexperienced Sunfish have been illegally launched into the lake.

Fishermen are not allowed to make use of stay bait … they’re solely permitted to make use of synthetic flies and lures with single level barbless hooks. Boats and float tubes are beneficial for the finest outcomes on this lake which is open for fishing all year long.

Idiot Hole Lake Recreation Space

Instructions: From Present Low, Arizona on the intersection of Arizona HWY 260 (South Clark Rd) & Deuce of Golf equipment Ave, journey northwest for roughly 2 miles, flip east onto W Previous Linden Rd., in about .6 miles flip north onto Fools Hole Rd and proceed straight to the Idiot Hole Lake Recreation Space entrance.

Right here’s a hyperlink to a Google Map.

Closest City: Present Low, Arizona

Idiot Hole Lake Recreation Space, Arizona State Park, 1500 N. Idiot Hole Lake, Present Low, AZ 85901, (928) 537-3680. Idiot Hole Lake Recreation Space Web site.

Elevation: Roughly 6,300 ft MSL

Within the area of White Mountains lakes, one of the crucial in style leisure areas with a extra average temperature vary is throughout the Arizona State Parks system. Idiot Hole Lake sits at a cool 6,300 ft in elevation which is not excessive sufficient for excessive climate circumstances but a pleasant respite from the warmth of decrease deserts.

This space of the White Mountains area of Arizona is a bit extra on the city aspect with quick access to the small city of Present Low.

Along with the water-based leisure actions on the lake, if you wish to take a quick drive, you’ll discover 9 close by golf programs, quaint eating places, metropolis parks and picnic areas which are bustling in the course of the summer time holidays of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. The small-town parades, celebratory fireworks shows and artwork and craft reveals are charming.

Whereas on the lake, guests can take pleasure in small motorized boats with most 10 H.P. gasoline engines whereas fishing for bass, trout, pike and walleye. There are tons of non-motorized watercraft actions to take pleasure in too like canoeing and kayaking. And, don’t neglect to carry your bathing go well with for a fast dip within the cool water.

There are a number of choices for tenting at Idiot Hole Lake. You may make reservations over the telephone by calling 1-877-MY PARKS (697-2757) or on-line. Within the summer time, reservations are booked months, if not a 12 months prematurely. So, reserve early or maintain making an attempt for a cancellation.

Hon-Dah RV Park

Instructions: From Pinetop, Arizona the Hon-Dah RV park and on line casino are positioned on the intersection of HWY 260 and State Route 73.

Right here’s a hyperlink to a Google Map.

Closest City: Pinetop, Arizona

Hon-Dah On line casino & Resort, 777 Freeway 260, Pinetop, AZ 85935 800-WAY-UP-HI 928-369-7400. Hon-Dah RV Park Web site.

Elevation: Roughly 7,200 ft MSL

The Hon-Dah On line casino & RV Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe and is conveniently positioned simply exterior the boundary the place the Apache Reservation Tribal Land meets with the city of Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona.

This can be a actually in style, long-term RV park that brings in seasonal guests from the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Individuals who keep usually park for a whole stretch of the 12 months as a result of this a part of Arizona is a good place to escape the sweltering warmth of the valleys.

That is extra of an RV dwelling expertise than it’s an RV tenting expertise. The power presents each day, weekly and month-to-month charges. It additionally presents low season storage of RVs so the house owners can simply go away their rigs parked there for the entire 12 months.

Water, TV, electrical and sewer hook-ups can be found on the RV websites. The on line casino, showroom, restaurant, fuel station and comfort retailer are positioned inside an simple stroll, simply throughout the SR 73.

Name 800-WAY-UP-HI 928-369-7400 for detailed data and to make reservations.

Hawley Lake Recreation Space

Instructions: From Pinetop, Arizona journey southeast on HWY 260 for about 17 miles and switch south on AZ 473, comply with the highway via the curves and in about 10 miles, you’ll arrive at Hawley Lake.

Right here’s a hyperlink to a Google Map.

Closest City: Pinetop, Arizona

White Mountain Apache Tribe Sport And Fish, (928) 338-4385 and Fort Apache Reservation Hawley Lake Retailer, (928) 335-7511. White Mountain Apache Tribe Recreation Web site.

Elevation: Roughly 8,200 ft MSL

Should you choose pure magnificence and loads of open area on the Fort Apache Reservation, it is best to think about going to Hawley Lake. Take your time as you journey the 10 mile meandering highway that results in this fantastic wilderness space … it’s crammed with spectacular forest surroundings filled with spruce, pine and aspen timber.

This place has one of the best of each worlds … you’ll be able to take pleasure in short-term camp journeys however you even have the possibility of getting month-to-month permits. The campsites are first-come, first-served. You want the identical allow to camp in designated areas in addition to primitive areas.

To keep away from continuous issues, the Tribe is superb about reminding guests that primitive tenting areas are usually not serviced … there aren’t any bathroom or rubbish amenities. All campers are required to pack in/pack out all tenting and fishing refuse and particles … together with trash and human waste.

You will get extra data on completely different White Mountain Apache Tribe tenting and leisure permits for Hawley Lake in addition to these in style distant and secluded primitive tenting areas together with:

• Black And Salt River (the complete stretch from the jap boundary of the Reservation to the western boundary. Particular Use Allow Required.), Bonito Prairie Inventory Tanks, Massive Bonito Creek (1/4 mile downstream of route Y55 to the Black River confluence. Particular Use Allow Required.)

Horse-Pleasant U.S. Forest Service Primitive Tenting Areas

The Apache-Sitgreaves Nationwide Forests have campgrounds which are outfitted with corals and troughs. These are often primitive websites that don’t have any water or restroom amenities. You might discover a vault bathroom however most horseback using campers usually have dwelling quarters inside their horse trailers and don’t want a lot in the way in which of campground facilities.

You could find extra data on a number of the in style horse tenting spots in Apache-Sitgreaves together with:

• Blue Vary Primitive Space – Alpine District Parcel
• Fr 9350 Campground
• Willow Springs Loop Path
• Ghost Of The Coyote Trailhead
• Juniper Ridge Path #640
• Los Caballos Path #638
• Los Caballos Trailhead
• Springerville Ranger District
• Gabaldon Horse Camp

Wildlife In Arizona’s White Mountains

The wildlife is plentiful so be sure to comply with these security suggestions whereas tenting in bear nation.

Should you take pleasure in watching hummers, you’ll discover tons of them right here within the summertime. The Arizona Sport and Fish Division places on the Excessive Nation Hummingbird Pageant within the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Space in Keen, Arizona which is a enjoyable and academic occasion.

We love the little critters and share our recommendations on easy methods to entice hummingbirds to your campsite which features a VIDEO that you want to flip up the VOLUME so you’ll be able to HEAR the BIRDS!

Elk, deer and a various group of smaller mammals, birds and reptiles are additionally frequent to the realm. The plentiful lakes are crammed with a big selection of fish together with the endangered Apache Trout.

FREE Printable Tenting Journey Planner

Meals For Your Camp Journey In The White Mountains

In case your camp journey takes you to the White Mountains in cooler climate, attempt a few of our superior winter tenting recipes however we even have fantastic recipes for each meal and each season too.