High Country

Arizona’s High Country is a camping and outdoor recreation paradise. It’s somewhat misnamed, because it includes nearly 2 vertical miles of elevation, ranging from 2,000 feet in the Sonoran Desert country in the Tonto Basin to 11,403-foot Mount Baldy in the White Mountains. The High Country contains the ruggedly beautiful country south of the Mogollon Rim around Payson, includes the central Mogollon Rim around Show Low, and encompasses the fir and spruce forests of the White Mountains around Alpine. Three national forests, the Tonto, the Apache, and the Sitgreaves, are responsible for managing most of the area. The White Mountain and San Carlos Apache Tribes manage much of the land south of the central Mogollon Rim. Dozens of mountain lakes provide diverse fishing, boating, paddling, and other water sports. Spectacular Salt River Canyon is one of the premier whitewater rivers in the state.

260 77 260 260 260 377 277 288 188 61 87 88 87 191 70 191 60 60 60 60 180 Show Low Springerville A PAC H E F O R E S T Alpine COCONINO NATIONAL FOREST TONTO NATIONAL FOREST NAT I O NA L SAN CARLOS INDIAN RESERVATION SITGREAVES NATIONAL FOREST FORT INDIAN APACHE RESERVATION Payson Apache Junction Miami Heber Clifton Safford St. Johns Pinetop- Lakeside Superior Globe 0 80 0 80 Kilometers Miles High Country

Payson

Payson is in the center of the mountain country made famous by western writer Zane Grey, who often wrote from a small cabin close beneath the 2,000-foot escarpment of the Mogollon Rim. Just a ninety-minute drive from Phoenix, the Payson area is a popular summer retreat. The Mazatzal Wilderness, one of the largest in the state, bounds the area on the west. Containing the northern half of the Mazatzal Mountains, this craggy range has miles of trails for the backcountry hiker. The smaller Hellsgate Wilderness contains Tonto and Haigler Creeks, which form deep, rugged canyons. Miles of forest roads and trails are open to mountain bikers. Probably the best-known trail is the Highline National Recreation Trail, which winds under the Mogollon Rim for miles. And, yes, there are campgrounds! In addition to the standard USDA Forest Service campgrounds listed here, the Tonto National Forest has a number of small, primitive campsites scattered through the forest. You can camp dispersed nearly anywhere in the forest.

74 82 76 75 77 78 79 80 81 83 84 751 3 95 96 137 295 300 300 289 188 260 87 87 87 260 260 Leonard Canyon Tonto Creek Haigler Cr eek East Verde River East Clear Creek COCONINO NATIONAL FOREST SITGREAVES NATIONAL FOREST TONTO NATIONAL FOREST Payson Clints Well Pine 0 10 0 10 Kilometers Miles Payson

In Payson, check out the Zane Grey and Rim Country Museums to learn more about the history of the region. North of Payson you can visit the world’s largest travertine natural bridge at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Visit the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery to see how trout and other fish are raised and stocked.

For more information:

Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce
100 W. Main St.
PO Box 1380
Payson, AZ 85547
(928) 474-4515; (800) 672-9766
www.rimcountrychamber.com

chpt_fig_042.jpg

Buck Springs Cabin is one of several historic sites to explore on the Mogollon Rim.

Number Name Elevation Season RV/Trailer Sites Water RV dump Fishing Hiking trails Boating Boat launch Wheelchair access Fee Stay limit, days
74 ClintsWell 7,000 Year-round ■ 7 14
75 Blue Ridge 7,300 Apr-Sept ■ 10 ■ ■ ■ 14
76 Rock Crossing 7,500 Apr-Sept ■ 34 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
77 Kehl Springs 7,500 Year-round ■ 8 14
78 Knoll Lake 7,400 May-Sept ■ 33 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
79 Houston Mesa 5,100 Year-round ■ 75 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
80 Upper Tonto Creek 5,600 Apr-Oct ■ 9 ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
81 Ponderosa 5,600 Apr-Oct ■ 61 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
82 Christopher Creek 5,800 Apr-Oct ■ 43 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
83 Sharp Creek 6,000 Apr-Oct ■ 28 ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
84 Valentine Ridge 6,700 May-Oct ■ 9 14

74 Clints Well

Location: About 52 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on the Mogollon Plateau
Sites: 7 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 51 miles south on Lake Mary Road, CR 3. The campground is on the right, just before the junction with AZ 87.
About the campground: Located in tall, old-growth ponderosa pines, Clints Well Campground is a convenient base for exploring the Mogollon Rim country, easily accessible from numerous forest roads leading off CR 3 and AZ 87. Unlimited mountain biking is possible on the forest roads, many of which are winding, unimproved tracks. There are several hiking areas in the vicinity, including the historic Cabin Loop trail system, the Arizona Trail, and the West Clear Creek Wilderness. Trails also lead into East Clear Creek. Limited services are available at Clints Well; the nearest full services are in Payson and Winslow.

75 Blue Ridge

Location: About 60 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on the Mogollon Plateau
Sites: 10 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: All-weather dirt
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 51 miles south on Lake Mary Road, CR 3, then turn left on AZ 87. Continue 8 miles; turn right onto FR 138 and go 1 mile.
About the campground: This small campground is located in a stately pine forest. It’s a good base for exploring the Mogollon Plateau and its canyons and streams. The 800-mile Arizona Trail passes through this campground on its way from Utah to Mexico, and there are other hiking trails in the area. Miles of two-track forest roads provide good mountain biking. Fishing and boating are popular on Blue Ridge Reservoir, a small lake in a deep canyon. Limited services are available in Clints Well; the nearest full services are in Winslow.

76 Rock Crossing

Location: About 59 miles southeast of Flagstaff, near Blue Ridge Reservoir
Sites: 34 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: All-weather dirt
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 51 miles south on Lake Mary Road, CR 3, then turn left on AZ 87. Continue 5 miles; turn right onto FR 751 and go 3 miles to the campground on the right.
About the campground: Located in the pine forest near Blue Ridge Reservoir, the campground is named for a nearby crossing of East Clear Creek. Many canyons cut through the Mogollon Plateau, and crossing points are limited. Rock Crossing is usually submerged under Blue Ridge Reservoir, but other historic crossings are still in use. The reservoir is 3 miles away and is a popular fishing lake. It’s also a good lake for paddlers—the narrow canyons are the next best thing to a river trip. Limited services are available in Clints Well; the nearest full services are in Winslow and Payson.

chpt_fig_043.jpg

Blue Ridge Reservoir near Rock Crossing Campground

77 Kehl Springs

Location: About 66 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on the Mogollon Rim
Sites: 8 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Dirt
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 51 miles south on Lake Mary Road, CR 3, then turn right onto AZ 87. Continue 9 miles, and turn left onto FR 300 (this turnoff is 27 miles north of Payson). Go 6 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This small campground is near the edge of the Mogollon Rim in a stand of shady ponderosa pines. It’s also right on the Rim Road, a scenic drive along the top of the Mogollon Rim, and near the historic Crook Trail. During the Apache Wars, General Crook built a military wagon road along the rim to connect a number of US Army forts. The approximate route of the wagon road is followed by FR 300; the exact route has been marked by the USDA Forest Service. Hiking and mountain biking are virtually unlimited on the many trails and roads on the plateau north of the rim. Limited services are available at Clints Well; the nearest full services are in Payson.

78 Knoll Lake

Location: About 90 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on the Mogollon Rim
Sites: 33 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Dirt
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 51 miles south on Lake Mary Road, CR 3, then turn right onto AZ 87. Continue 9 miles, and turn left onto FR 300 (this turnoff is 27 miles north of Payson). Go 23 miles, and turn left onto FR 295E and go 4 miles to the campground.
About the campground: The campground and lake are several miles north of the Mogollon Rim, in ponderosa pine forest. Fishing and boating are popular on this small but scenic lake. The surrounding rim country offers many opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and exploring. The nearest full services are in Payson.

79 Houston Mesa

Location: North side of Payson
Sites: 75 tent and RV up to 30 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Payson, drive to the north end of town on AZ 87, and turn left onto FR 199.
About the campground: This campground is conveniently located just north of Payson. A great starting point for exploring the Payson area and the rim country, the campground also has a nature trail. The nearest full services are in Payson.

80 Upper Tonto Creek

Location: About 16 miles northeast of Payson, on Tonto Creek
Sites: 9 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Payson, drive 15 miles northeast on AZ 260, and turn left onto FR 289. Continue about 1 mile to the campground.
About the campground: The campground is on Tonto Creek below the Mogollon Rim. There are many hiking trails in the area, including the Highline National Recreation Trail, which runs for more than 25 miles under the ramparts of the Mogollon Rim. Fishing is popular in the creek. Limited services are available at Christopher Creek; the nearest full services are in Payson.

81 Ponderosa

Location: About 12 miles northeast of Payson, below the Mogollon Rim
Sites: 61 tent and RV up to 60 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Payson, drive 12 miles northeast on AZ 260; turn right into the campground.
About the campground: The campground features a self-guided nature trail. Additional hikes include trails into the nearby Hellsgate Wilderness and the Highline National Recreation Trail and its side trails. Group camping is available. Some services are available in Christopher Creek; the nearest full services are in Payson.

82 Christopher Creek

Location: About 19 miles northeast of Payson, on Christopher Creek
Sites: 43 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Payson, drive 19 miles northeast on AZ 260; turn right into the campground.
About the campground: Fishing is popular in Christopher Creek, a cold trout stream that issues from springs below the Mogollon Rim. Limited services are available in Christopher Creek; the nearest full services are in Payson.

83 Sharp Creek

Location: About 23 miles east of Payson, near AZ 260
Sites: 28 tent and RV up to 45 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Payson, go 23 miles east on AZ 260; turn right into the campground.
About the campground: This campground is a good base for exploring the rugged country below the Mogollon Rim. The 260 trailhead, 3 miles east on AZ 260, provides access to the east end of the Highline National Recreation Trail. Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lakes are located off AZ 260 on the Mogollon Rim. Limited services are available in Christopher Creek; there are full services in Payson.

84 Valentine Ridge

Location: About 41 miles east of Payson, below the Mogollon Rim
Sites: 9 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Payson, go 33 miles east on AZ 260, and turn right onto FR 512. Continue 6 miles; turn left onto FR 188 and go 2 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This is a small campground in an isolated setting below the Mogollon Rim. It’s a good base for exploring the central Mogollon Rim country and the Sierra Ancha to the south. A 4-mile mountain bike trail starts in the campground. Limited services are available in Christopher Creek; there are full services in Payson.

Globe

North and west of the small city of Globe is an incredible variety of country, ranging from Sonoran Desert to pine-forested mountains. The Four Peaks, Superstition, Sierra Ancha, Salome, and Salt River Canyon Wildernesses provide backcountry opportunities for hikers and river runners. Miles of forest roads and trails outside the wildernesses offer some great mountain biking. Several large lakes on the Salt River are very popular with boaters and anglers. The largest of these, Theodore Roosevelt Lake, was the first federal reclamation project in the West. The original masonry dam was built from local stone quarried at the site.

Tonto National Monument, near Theodore Roosevelt Lake, preserves a fine example of a cliff dwelling from the Salado people, who occupied the area during the thirteenth through fifteenth centuries. The monument was proclaimed by Theodore Roosevelt, who used the new presidential authority granted by the American Antiquities Act of 1906 to create the nation’s first national monuments and national wildlife refuges, starting a presidential tradition that continues to this day. Just outside the town of Superior, you’ll find Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a popular birding destination with a variety of habitats. The wildflower displays are exquisite here, and the arboretum provides a special picnic area.

chpt_fig_044.jpg

Camping on Theodore Roosevelt Lake

86 92-94 87 88 89 90 85 95 91 112 651 188 88 88 288 288 60 60 70 Theodore Roosevelt Lake Apache Lake Salt River TONTO NATIONAL FOREST FORT APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION SAN CARLOS INDIAN RESERVATION TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT Superior Miami Globe 0 20 0 20 Kilometers Miles Globe

For more information:

Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce
1360 N. Broad St.
Globe, AZ 85501
(928) 425-4495; (800) 804-5623
www.globemiamichamber.com

Superior Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 95
Superior, AZ 85173
(520) 689-0200
www.superiorazchamber.net

Number Name Elevation Season RV/Trailer Sites Water RV dump Fishing Hiking trails Boating Boat launch Wheelchair access Fee Stay limit, days
85 Rose Creek 5,400 May-Oct ■ 5 14
86 Indian Point 2,200 Year-round ■ 54 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
87 Cholla 2,200 Year-round ■ 206 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
88 Burnt Corral 1,900 Year-round ■ 82 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
89 Windy Hill 2,200 Year-round ■ 347 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
90 Schoolhouse 2,200 Year-round ■ 211 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
91 Oak Flat 4,200 Year-round ■ 16 ■ 14
92 Pinal 7,500 May-Nov ■ 16 ■ 14
93 Pioneer Pass 6,000 May-Nov ■ 23 ■ 14
94 Sulphide del Rey 4,500 Year-round ■ 10 14
95 Jones Water 4,500 Year-round ■ 12 14

85 Rose Creek

Location: About 41 miles north of Globe, in the Sierra Ancha
Sites: 5 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, go about 4 miles west on US 60 and turn right onto AZ 88. Continue 13 miles, and then turn right onto AZ 288. Continue 24 miles; turn left onto FR 152 and go 0.25 mile to the campground.
About the campground: This small, remote campground is a fine base for exploring the nearby Sierra Ancha and Salome Wildernesses, which have a number of hiking trails. The nearest services are in Young; the nearest full services are in Globe.

86 Indian Point

Location: About 46 miles northwest of Globe, on Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Sites: 54 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive about 4 miles west on US 60 and turn right onto AZ 88. Continue 28 miles to Roosevelt Dam; turn right and continue 10 miles on AZ 188. Turn right onto FR 60 and go 2 miles; turn right onto FR 661 and continue 2 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This campground is on the northwest end of Roosevelt Lake. It’s a low-elevation desert campground, popular with anglers, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts during the fall, winter, and spring. The nearest services are in Roosevelt; the nearest full services are in Globe.

87 Cholla

Location: About 38 miles northwest of Globe, on Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Sites: 206 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive about 4 miles west on US 60 and turn right onto AZ 88. Continue 28 miles to Roosevelt Dam and continue across Roosevelt Lake Bridge on AZ 188. Go 6 miles to the campground, which is on the right.
About the campground: This desert campground on the shore of Roosevelt Lake is the largest completely solar-operated campground in the country. Open year-round, it is hot in summer. A public boat launch provides ready access to the huge reservoir for anglers, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts. Nearby Tonto National Monument preserves a fine set of Native American ruins, and the Superstition Wilderness to the south has an extensive network of backcountry trails. The nearest services are in Roosevelt; the nearest full services are in Globe.

88 Burnt Corral

Location: About 38 miles northwest of Globe, on Apache Lake
Sites: 82 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive about 4 miles west on US 60 and turn right onto AZ 88. Continue 28 miles to Roosevelt Dam; turn left and continue 6 miles. Turn right onto FR 183 and go less than a mile to the campground.
About the campground: Located right on the shore of Apache Lake, this low-elevation desert campground has a boat launch and is popular with anglers, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts. The nearest services are in Roosevelt; the nearest full services are in Globe.

89 Windy Hill

Location: About 30 miles northwest of Globe, on Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Sites: 347 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive about 4 miles west on US 60, and turn right onto AZ 88. Continue 25 miles to FR 82; turn right and go about 1.5 miles to the campground.
About the campground: Another desert campground on the shore of Roosevelt Lake, this is the largest USDA Forest Service campground in the country. Though it is open year-round, it is hot in summer. There is a public boat launch. The campground is also a possible base for exploring the nearby Superstition Wilderness. The nearest services are in Roosevelt; the nearest full services are in Globe.

chpt_fig_046.jpg

Four Peaks towers above Tonto Basin

90 Schoolhouse

Location: About 20 miles west of Globe, on the east end of Theodore Roosevelt Lake
Sites: 211 tent and RV; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive about 4 miles west on US 60, and turn right onto AZ 88. Continue 20 miles to FR 447, turn right, and go 4 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This desert campground is on the eastern shore of Roosevelt Lake. Normally open year-round, the campground closes when Roosevelt Lake drops below 2,110 feet. There is a public boat launch. The campground is also a river access point for the Salt River, which enters the lake from the east. The nearest services are in Roosevelt; the nearest full services are in Globe.

91 Oak Flat

Location: About 18 miles southwest of Globe
Sites: 16 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive about 18 miles west on US 60, then right onto FR 469, and then turn left into the campground. (This turnoff is about 4 miles east of Superior.)
About the campground: This campground is pleasant year-round because of its moderate elevation in an oak and piñon pine–juniper flat. Its main attraction is its convenient location for the traveler. Devils Canyon and Apache Leap are nearby attractions for the backcountry explorer. Limited services are in Superior; full services are available in Globe.

92 Pinal

Location: 15 miles south of Globe, in the Pinal Mountains
Sites: 16 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive south on Jess Hayes Road to the junction of FR 112 and FR 222. Continue on FR 112 for 2.5 miles; turn right onto FR 55 and go 2.5 miles. At the junction of FR 55 and FR 651, turn left and drive 9.0 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This pair of small campgrounds is located high on the pine- and fir-forested slopes of Pinal Mountain, a popular cool mountain escape in the Globe area. A network of forest roads offers mountain bikers a chance to explore. Full services are available in Globe.

93 Pioneer Pass

Location: 9 miles south of Globe, in the Pinal Mountains
Sites: 23 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive south on Jess Hayes Road to the junction of FR 112 and FR 222. Continue on FR 112 for 9 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This campground is located high on the pine- and fir-forested slopes of Pinal Mountain, a popular mountain escape in the Globe area. A network of forest roads offers mountain bikers a chance to explore the scenic mountains. Full services are available in Globe.

94 Sulphide del Rey

Location: 10 miles south of Globe, in the Pinal Mountains
Sites: 10 tent and RV under 20 feet, no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive south on Jess Hayes Road to the junction of FR 112 and FR 222. Continue on FR 112 for 2.5 miles; turn right onto FR 55 and go 2.5 miles. At the junction of FR 55 and FR 651, turn left and drive 5.0 miles to the campground.
About the campground: Set in a fine stand of ponderosa pine, this area was the site of an old mining community. The miners lived here to escape of the heat of the lower elevations, where the mine was located. Full services are available in Globe.

95 Jones Water

Location: 18 miles northeast of Globe
Sites: 12 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Tonto National Forest, (602) 225-5200, www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
Finding the campground: From Globe, drive 18 miles northeast on US 60; the campground is on the right.
About the campground: The main attraction of this small campground is its convenient location right along the highway, although the surrounding country would be interesting to explore. The nearest services are in Globe.

Show Low

Show Low and its close neighbor, Pinetop-Lakeside, are located at the eastern end of the central Mogollon Rim in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Both towns have become very popular summer retreats for the desert dwellers of Phoenix and Tucson. The small town of Heber is near the western end. Stretching for miles, the Mogollon Plateau country, just north of the rim itself, is a pine-forested plateau cut by numerous canyons that drain northward. Dozens of small, man-made lakes dot these canyons and provide both angling and boating. Many of the lakes are limited to small gas or electric motors, so they are enjoyable for canoeists and other paddlers. Many of the campgrounds in the area are located at or near the lakes. Mountain bikers can enjoy great cruises on miles of cool, shady forest roads.

North of Show Low you can get an idea of what it was like to settle this country by touring some of the one hundred pioneer homes preserved in the town of Snowflake. Visit Fort Apache Historic Park near Whiteriver for a perspective on the history of Apache country. Fort Apache was an important post for the army troops led by General George Crook during the Apache wars of the nineteenth century. The Apache Cultural Center preserves the rich heritage of the Apache people.

chpt_fig_047.jpg

Boating is popular on Woods Canyon Lake and several other lakes along the central Mogollon Rim.

103 97-102 96 110 108 109 107 106 104 105 300 300 504 224 260 260 260 277 77 61 60 60 SITGREAVES NATIONAL FOREST TONTO NATIONAL FOREST FORT APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION Pinetop- Lakeside Show Low Taylor McNary Snowake Overgaard Heber 0 20 0 20 Kilometers Miles Show Low

For more information:

Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
102-C W. White Mountain Blvd.
Lakeside, AZ 85935
(928) 367-4290; (800) 573-4031
www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com

Show Low Chamber of Commerce
81 E. Deuce of Clubs
Show Low, AZ 85901
(928) 537-2326
www.showlowchamber.com

Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce
www.snowflaketaylorchamber.com

Number Name Elevation Season RV/Trailer Sites Water RV dump Fishing Hiking trails Boating Boat launch Wheelchair access Fee Stay limit, days
96 Chevelon Crossing 6,500 Mar-Dec. ■ 7 ■ 14
97 Spillway 7,500 May-Sep. ■ 26 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
98 Crook 7,500 May-Oct ■ 26 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
99 Aspen 7,500 May-Oct ■ 136 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
100 Mogollon 7,500 May-Oct ■ 26 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
101 Rim 7,500 May-Sep. ■ 26 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
102 Sinkhole 7,500 May-Oct ■ 26 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
103 Canyon Point 7,600 May-Oct ■ 106 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
104 Black Canyon Rim 7,600 May-Nov. ■ 21 ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
105 Gentry 7,700 May-Nov. 5 14
106 Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area 6,300 Year-round ■ 123 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
107 Show Low Lake 7,000 Year-round ■ 75 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
108 Lakeside 7,000 May-Sep. ■ 83 ■ ■ ■ 14
109 Scott Reservoir 6,740 Year-round 12 ■ ■ ■ 14
110 Los Burros 7,900 May-Oct ■ 10 ■ 14
chpt_fig_049.jpg

Chevelon Lake

96 Chevelon Crossing

Location: About 19 miles northwest of Heber, in Chevelon Canyon
Sites: 7 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 1 mile west on AZ 260 and turn right onto FR 504. Continue 18 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This small, remote campground is a good choice if you want to get away from the crowds. It’s also a good base for exploring Chevelon Canyon with its permanent stream and the Mogollon Plateau country. Limited services are available in Heber; the nearest full services are in Winslow.

97 Spillway

Location: About 26 miles west of Heber, near Woods Canyon Lake
Sites: 26 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 22 miles west on AZ 260 and turn right onto FR 300. Go 3 miles and turn right onto FR 105. Bear right to reach the campground in about 1 mile.
About the campground: One of several campgrounds in the pines near Woods Canyon Lake, this campground is popular with anglers. It’s also near the Mogollon Rim and the historic General Crook Trail, so it makes a good base for exploring the rim country. Easy accessibility from the highway means the campground will fill up early on summer weekends. A group campground is also available. Limited supplies are available nearby. The nearest full services are in Heber.

98 Crook

Location: About 25 miles west of Heber, near Woods Canyon Lake
Sites: 26 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 22 miles west on AZ 260 and turn right onto FR 300. Go 3 miles and turn right onto FR 105.
About the campground: Another campground in the pines near Woods Canyon Lake, this campground is popular with anglers. Easy accessibility from the highway means the campground fills up early on summer weekends. The nearest full services are in Heber.

99 Aspen

Location: About 25 miles west of Heber, near Woods Canyon Lake
Sites: 136 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 22 miles west on AZ 260 and turn right onto FR 300. Go 3 miles and turn right onto FR 105.
About the campground: This is the largest campground near Woods Canyon Lake. Easy accessibility from the highway means the campground fills up early on summer weekends. It also makes a great base for exploring the rim country by mountain bike, vehicle, or on foot. The nearest full services are in Heber.

100 Mogollon

Location: About 26 miles west of Heber, near Woods Canyon Lake
Sites: 26 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 22 miles west on AZ 260 and turn right onto FR 300. Go 4 miles to the campground, which is on the left.
About the campground: Another campground in the pines near Woods Canyon Lake, this campground is popular with anglers and boaters. Easy accessibility from the highway means the campground fills up early on summer weekends. The nearest full services are in Heber.

101 Rim

Location: About 23 miles west of Heber, near Willow Springs Lake
Sites: 26 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 22 miles west on AZ 260 and turn right onto FR 300. Go less than a mile to the campground, which is on the left.
About the campground: This campground is near Willow Springs Lake, so it’s popular with anglers and boaters. It’s also near the Mogollon Rim and several historic trails, including the General Crook Historic Trail. The nearest full services are in Heber.

102 Sinkhole

Location: About 21 miles southwest of Heber, near Willow Springs Lake
Sites: 26 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 21 miles west on AZ 260 and turn right onto FR 149.
About the campground: This campground is near Willow Springs Lake, so it’s popular with anglers and boaters. It’s also near the Mogollon Rim and several historic trails. The nearest full services are in Heber.

chpt_fig_050.jpg

Mogollon Rim near Canyon Point Campground

103 Canyon Point

Location: About 18 miles southwest of Heber, near the Mogollon Rim
Sites: 106 tent and RV up to 32 feet; 32 with electric hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 18 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left into the campground.
About the campground: This large campground is near the highway and makes a convenient base for exploring the Mogollon Rim country and the numerous canyons and historic trails in the area. A group campsite is available, as are showers. The nearest full services are in Heber.

104 Black Canyon Rim

Location: About 15 miles southwest of Heber, near the Mogollon Rim
Sites: 21 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 12 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left onto FR 300. Continue 3 miles to the campground.
About the campground: Located on the historic General Crook Trail not far from the Mogollon Rim, the campground is a good base for exploring the rim country. A network of forest roads provides plenty of riding for mountain bikers. The nearest full services are in Heber.

105 Gentry

Location: About 16 miles southwest of Heber, near the Mogollon Rim
Sites: 5 tent
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Heber, drive 12 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left onto FR 300. Continue 4 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This small campground is about a mile down the road from the Black Canyon Rim campground. The nearest full services are in Heber.

106 Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area

Location: About 2 miles east of Show Low, on Fool Hollow Lake
Sites: 123 tent and RV; 31 electric
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, (928) 537-3680, azstateparks.com/Parks/FOHO; reservations (520) 586-2283, azstateparks.itinio.com
Finding the campground: From the intersection of US 60 and White Mountain Boulevard (AZ 260 east) in Show Low, drive 1.9 miles west on US 60, then turn right on AZ 260 west (toward Payson). Drive 1.9 miles; turn right onto West Old Linden Road. Continue 0.6 mile, then turn left at the sign for Fool Hollow Lake State Park.
About the campground: This large recreation complex in the pines and junipers on the shore of Fool Hollow Lake features a visitor center and hiking trails. The campground has showers and partial hookups. The scenic lake is popular with anglers and boaters. Full services are available in Show Low.

107 Show Low Lake

Location: About 5 miles south of Show Low, on Show Low Lake
Sites: 75 tent and RV; some electric hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Show Low Lake County Park, (928) 537-4126, www.campshowlowlake.com; reservations (888) 537-7762, www.campshowlowlake.com
Finding the campground: From East Deuce of Clubs (US 60) and South White Mountain Boulevard (AZ 260 east) in Show Low, drive 3.9 miles south on South White Mountain Boulevard (AZ 260 east), then turn left on Show Low Lake Road and drive 1.0 mile to the campground.
About the campground: Located in the middle of the Show Low–Pinetop–Lakeside community, this campground could hardly be more convenient. Fishing and boating are both available on the lake. Full services are available in Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside.

108 Lakeside

Location: In Pinetop-Lakeside
Sites: 83 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: The campground is south of AZ 260, about 9 miles south of Show Low, in the middle of Pinetop-Lakeside.
About the campground: The campground is in the midst of the busy summer resort area of Pinetop-Lakeside, which stretches for miles along the highway. Full services are available in Pinetop-Lakeside.

109 Scott Reservoir

Location: In Pinetop-Lakeside, on Scott Reservoir
Sites: 12 tent
Road conditions: All-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Pinetop-Lakeside, drive about 2 miles north on FR 45 to the campground.
About the campground: This small campground is on the west shore of Scott Reservoir on the north side of Pinetop-Lakeside. Full services are available in Pinetop-Lakeside.

110 Los Burros

Location: 25 miles east of Show Low, on the Mogollon Plateau
Sites: 10 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Show Low, drive 18 miles east on AZ 260 to McNary and turn left onto FR 224. Go 7 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This small, out-of-the-way campground is a good base for exploring the eastern Mogollon Rim country. Mountain bikers can check out the many forest roads. The nearest full services are in Pinetop-Lakeside.

Alpine

The highest of the High Country stretches across the White Mountains, from the town of Springerville to the hamlet of Alpine near the New Mexico boarder and south along the famous Coronado Trail to the old mining towns of Clifton and Morenci. The fir-, spruce-, and aspen-forested mountains are drained by the headwaters of several rivers, including the Little Colorado, the Black, the White, the Blue, and the San Francisco Rivers. These rivers and smaller streams provide some of the state’s best stream fishing. And of course there are many mountain lakes, large and small, for boaters and anglers.

Wilderness enthusiasts have much to choose from, including Mount Baldy, Bear Wallow, and Escudilla Wildernesses and the vast Blue Range Primitive Area. Escudilla Mountain was one of the favorite places of Aldo Leopold, the USDA Forest Service ranger who did much to establish the National Wilderness System. And the Blue Range is the site of an experiment to restore the Mexican gray wolf to its native habitat. If you want to explore the White Mountains by vehicle or mountain bike, you have an extensive network of forest roads to choose from—some maintained, some primitive.

Visit Casa Malpais Museum north of Springerville to learn about the mysterious Mogollon people who once lived here. You can trace the route of Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado by driving the Coronado Trail, US 191, from Spring-erville to Morenci. During the mid-sixteenth century, Coronado led an expedition from Mexico City to explore the northern reaches of what was then New Spain.

For more information:

Greenlee County Chamber of Commerce
66 N. Coronado Blvd.
Clifton, AZ 85523
(928) 965-8154
www.facebook.com/pages/Greenlee-County-Chamber-of-Commerce/125478777523286

Springerville–Eagar Round Valley Chamber of Commerce
418 E. Main St.
Springerville, AZ 85938
(928) 333-2123
www.springerville-eagarchamber.com

114 117-120 123-126 111 113 115 116 127 128 121 122 112 129 130 131 133 132 134 135 136 137 139 138 475 217 281 276 249 26 25 68 260 77 260 273 261 78 180 60 60 60 180 180 191 191 W H I T E M O U N T A I N S WHIT E MOUNTAINS APACHE NATIONAL FOREST FORT APACHE INDIAN RESERVATION APACHE NATIONAL FOREST Greer Springerville Eagar Alpine Hannagan Meadow Morenci Clifton Pinetop-Lakeside Show Low 0 20 0 20 Kilometers Miles Alpine
Number Name Elevation Season RV/Trailer Sites Water RV dump Fishing Hiking trails Boating Boat launch Wheelchair access Fee Stay limit, days
111 Lyman Lake State Park 6,000 Year-round ■ 61 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
112 Benney Creek 8,300 May-Sept ■ 24 ■ ■ ■ 14
113 Rolfe C. Hoyer 8,300 May-Sept ■ 91 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
114 South Fork 7,600 Year-round ■ 12 ■ ■ ■ 14
115 Winn 9,300 May-Oct ■ 63 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
116 Gabaldon 9,400 June-Sept ■ 5 ■ 14
117 Brookchar 9,100 May-Sept 13 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
118 Cutthroat 9,100 May-Sept 18 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
119 Grayling 9,100 May-Sept ■ 23 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
120 Rainbow 9,100 May-Sept ■ 152 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
121 Buffalo Crossing 7,600 May-Oct ■ 16 ■ ■ ■ 14
122 Horse Spring 7,680 May-Oct ■ 27 ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
123 Raccoon 7,600 May-Oct ■ 10 ■ ■ ■ 14
124 Deer Creek 7,645 May-Oct ■ 6 ■ ■ ■ 14
125 Aspen 7,780 May-Oct 6 ■ ■ ■ 14
126 Diamond Rock 7,900 May-Oct ■ 12 ■ ■ ■ 14
127 Alpine Divide 8,500 May-Sept ■ 12 ■ ■ ■ 14
128 Luna Lake 8,000 May-Sept ■ 50 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 14
129 Upper Blue 6,200 Year-round ■ 3 ■ 14
130 Blue Crossing 6,200 Year-round ■ 4 ■ 14
131 Hannagan 9,100 May-Oct ■ 8 ■ ■ 14
132 KP Cienega 9,000 May-Sept ■ 5 ■ 14
133 Strayhorse 8,200 Apr-Nov ■ 7 ■ ■ 14
134 Honeymoon 5,600 May-Sept ■ 4 ■ ■ 14
135 Upper Juan Miller 5,800 Year-round 4 14
136 Lower Juan Miller 5,700 Year-round ■ 4 14
137 Granville 6,600 Apr-Nov ■ 11 ■ 14
138 Black Jack 6,300 Year-round ■ 10 14
139 Coal Creek 5,900 Year-round ■ 5 14

111 Lyman Lake State Park

Location: About 14 miles north of Springerville, on Lyman Lake
Sites: 61 tent and RV; 38 water and electric hookups, some with sewer
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Lyman Lake State Park, (928) 337-4441, azstateparks.com/Parks/LYLA; reservations (520) 586-2283, azstateparks.itinio.com
Finding the campground: From Springerville, go 13 miles north on US 180; turn right and continue 1 mile to the park.
About the campground: Lyman Lake is a reservoir on the Little Colorado River in the high-desert grasslands of eastern Arizona. It’s popular with anglers and boaters. Partial hookups are available, as are showers and a group camping area. Due to the elevation, temperatures are tolerable in summer, although summer weekends are busy. Winter is cold and windy; the best seasons are spring and fall. The nearest full services are in St. Johns and Springerville.

112 Benney Creek

Location: About 15 miles southwest of Springerville, in the White Mountains
Sites: 24 tent and RV up to 24 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Springerville, drive 12 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left onto AZ 273. Continue 2.5 miles to the campground on the left.
About the campground: This medium-size campground in the alpine forest near Greer is popular with anglers, who fish nearby Greer Lakes. The campground is a great base for exploring the White Mountains, which has many lakes and streams as well as hiking trails. Limited supplies are available in Greer; the nearest full services are in Eagar and Springerville.

113 Rolfe C. Hoyer

Location: 15 miles southwest of Springerville, in the White Mountains
Sites: 91 tent and RV up to 45 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Springerville, drive 12 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left onto AZ 273. Continue 3 miles to the campground on the right.
About the campground: This is the main campground at Greer Lakes. Limited supplies are available in Greer; the nearest full services are in Eagar and Springerville.

114 South Fork

Location: About 10 miles southwest of Springerville, in the White Mountains
Sites: 12 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Springerville, drive 7 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left onto FR 560. Continue 2.5 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This small, out-of-the-way campground is located on the South Fork Little Colorado River just inside the forest boundary. Trout fishing is popular on the river. The nearest full services are in Eagar and Springerville.

115 Winn

Location: About 30 miles southwest of Springerville, in the White Mountains
Sites: 63 tent and RV up to 40 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt

chpt_fig_052.jpg

Along the West Fork of the Little Colorado River, near Winn Campground

Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Springerville, drive 5 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left onto AZ 261. Continue 18 miles; turn right onto AZ 273. Go 6 miles and turn right onto FR 554; continue 1 mile to the campground.
About the campground: This large campground in the White Mountains makes a good base to explore the nearby Mount Baldy Wilderness, which has a network of trails. It’s also popular with anglers, who fish for trout in the mountain streams and lakes. A group campground is available. The nearest full services are in Eagar and Springerville.

116 Gabaldon

Location: About 27 miles southwest of Springerville, in the White Mountains
Sites: 5 tent and RV up to 16 feet, with horse corrals
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Springerville, drive 5 miles west on AZ 260 and then turn left onto AZ 261. Continue 18 miles; turn right to remain on AZ 273. Go 4 miles to the campground, which is on the left.
About the campground: This small campground is close to several trailheads at the edge of the Mount Baldy Wilderness, so it’s popular with hikers and equestrians. The nearest full services are in Eagar and Springerville.

117 Brookchar

Location: 26 miles southwest of Springerville, in the White Mountains at Big Lake
Sites: 13 tent
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Springerville, drive 5 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left onto AZ 261. Continue 18 miles and turn left onto FR 113. Go 2 miles; turn right onto FR 115 and continue 1 mile to the campground.
About the campground: This is one of several small to medium-size campgrounds on the shore of Big Lake. As the name implies, Big Lake is the largest in the White Mountains. This beautiful alpine lake, set in rolling meadows scattered with patches of fir and spruce forests, is understandably popular with boaters and anglers. These campgrounds are best avoided on summer weekends. Fall can be perfect, as the mountainsides are slashed with golden color as the quaking aspens change. Hiking, mountain bike, and nature trails are in the area. Showers are available. The area is closed by large amounts of snow during winter and spring. Limited supplies are available at the lake; the nearest full services are in Eagar and Springerville.

118 Cutthroat

Location: 26 miles southwest of Springerville, in the White Mountains at Big Lake
Sites: 18 tent
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Springerville, drive 5 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left on AZ 261. Continue 18 miles and turn left onto FR 113. Go 2 miles; turn right onto FR 115 and continue 1 mile to the campground.
About the campground: This is another of the small to medium-size campgrounds at Big Lake. Limited supplies are available at the lake; the nearest full services are in Eagar and Springerville.

119 Grayling

Location: 26 miles southwest of Springerville, in the White Mountains at Big Lake
Sites: 23 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Springerville, drive 5 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left onto AZ 261. Continue 18 miles and turn left onto FR 113. Go 2 miles; turn right onto FR 115 and continue 1 mile to the campground.
About the campground: Yet another of several small to medium-size campgrounds on the shore of Big Lake. Limited supplies are available at the lake; the nearest full services are in Eagar and Springerville.

120 Rainbow

Location: 26 miles southwest of Springerville, in the White Mountains at Big Lake
Sites: 152 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Springerville, drive 5 miles west on AZ 260 and turn left onto AZ 261. Continue 18 miles and turn left onto FR 113. Go 2 miles; turn right onto FR 115 and continue 1 mile to the campground.
About the campground: This is the largest campground on the shore of Big Lake. This campground features a nature trail and a seasonal visitor center. The lake is popular with anglers and boaters but also makes a good base for exploring the White Mountains. Limited supplies are available at the lake; the nearest full services are in Eagar and Springerville.

121 Buffalo Crossing

Location: 26 miles southwest of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 16 tent and RV up to 20 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 14 miles south on US 191 and turn right onto FR 26. Continue 9 miles; turn right onto FR 24 and go 3 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This small campground is very popular with anglers because of its location on the East Fork Black River, a trout stream. It’s also a good base for exploring the southern part of the White Mountains. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

122 Horse Spring

Location: About 28 miles southwest of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 27 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 2.0 miles north on US 191 to FR 249. Turn left and go 5.0 miles to FR 276. Turn left and follow FR 276 for 6.0 miles to the East Fork Recreation Area.
About the campground: This is a medium-size campground near the Black River. It’s a good base for exploring the southern part of the White Mountains, as well as fishing. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

123 Raccoon

Location: About 26 miles southwest of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 10 tent and RV; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 2.0 miles north on US 191 to FR 249. Turn left and go 5.0 miles to FR 276. Turn left and follow FR 276 for 6.0 miles to the East Fork Recreation Area.
About the campground: This is a small campground on the East Fork Black River. It’s also a good base for exploring the southern part of the White Mountains and for fishing. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

124 Deer Creek

Location: About 26 miles southwest of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 6 tent and RV; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 2.0 miles north on US 191 to FR 249. Turn left and go 5.0 miles to FR 276. Turn left and follow FR 276 for 6.0 miles to the East Fork Recreation Area.
About the campground: This is another small campground on the East Fork Black River. It’s also a good base for fishing and exploring the southern part of the White Mountains on foot or by vehicle. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

125 Aspen

Location: About 26 miles southwest of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 6 tent
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 2.0 miles north on US 191 to FR 249. Turn left and go 5.0 miles to FR 276. Turn left and follow FR 276 for 6.0 miles to the East Fork Recreation Area.
About the campground: This is yet another small campground on the East Fork Black River. It’s also a good base for exploring the southern part of the White Mountains. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

126 Diamond Rock

Location: About 26 miles southwest of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 12 tent and RV up to 10 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 2.0 miles north on US 191 to FR 249. Turn left and go 5.0 miles to FR 276. Turn left and follow FR 276 for 6.0 miles to the East Fork Recreation Area.
About the campground: This is another small campground on the East Fork Black River. It’s a good base for exploring the southern part of the White Mountains. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

chpt_fig_053.jpg

Escudilla Mountain, near Alpine Divide Campground

127 Alpine Divide

Location: About 4 miles north of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 12 tent and RV up to 12 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 4 miles north on US 191. The campground is on the right.
About the campground: This small campground is set in the alpine forest right next to the highway, so it’s not only in a beautiful setting, it’s convenient as well—but don’t expect to find space on a summer weekend. It’s a good base for exploring the trails on nearby Escudilla Mountain, the second-highest summit in the White Mountains and one of the highest in the state. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

128 Luna Lake

Location: About 6 miles east of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 50 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 4 miles east on US 180 and turn left onto FR 570. Continue 2 miles to the campground.
About the campground: Luna Lake is a reservoir on the San Francisco River, and the campground is pleasantly located on its northeast shore. A group campground is available by reservation. A wheelchair-accessible fishing dock, picnic area, and restroom are located adjacent to the public boat launch ramp on the south shore of the lake. This is also a good base for exploring the Blue Range Primitive Area to the south. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

129 Upper Blue

Location: About 15 miles south of Alpine, on the Blue River
Sites: 3 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 3 miles east on US 180 and turn right onto FR 281. Continue 14 miles to the campground, which is on the right.
About the campground: This tiny campground will mainly be of interest to hikers headed into the nearby Blue Range Primitive Area. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

130 Blue Crossing

Location: About 21 miles south of Alpine, on the Blue River
Sites: 4 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 3 miles east on US 180 and turn right on FR 281. Continue 20 miles; turn right onto FR 567 and go 0.1 mile to the campground. During high-water events, which are common in spring, the campground may not be accessible.
About the campground: This small campground is mainly of interest to anglers who wish to fish the Blue River as well as backpackers headed into the nearby Blue Range Primitive Area. Limited services are available in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

131 Hannagan

Location: About 22 miles south of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 8 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 23 miles south on US 191. The campground is on the right.
About the campground: This small campground will appeal mainly to backpackers and equestrians headed into the backcountry—either the Bear Wallow Wilderness to the west or the Blue Range Primitive Area just to the east. A livestock corral is available at Hannagan trailhead, 0.5 mile east of the campground. Limited services are available in Hannagan Meadow and in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

132 KP Cienega

Location: About 26 miles south of Alpine, in the White Mountains
Sites: 5 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 28 miles south on US 191and turn left onto FR 155. Continue about 2 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This small campground is set at the edge of an alpine meadow at the head of KP Creek. Trails lead into the Blue Range Primitive Area. Limited services are available in Hannagan Meadow and in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

133 Strayhorse

Location: About 31 miles south of Alpine, along the Coronado Trail, US 191
Sites: 7 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Alpine, drive 31 miles south on US 191 to the campground on the left.
About the campground: This small campground appeals mainly to those who wish to explore the many trails on foot or horse, including routes into the Blue Range Primitive Area and Bear Wallow Wilderness. It’s also a convenient stop for those who drive the historic Coronado Trail. Horse corrals are available. Limited services are available in Hannagan Meadow and in Alpine; full services are available in Eagar and Springerville.

134 Honeymoon

Location: About 45 miles north of Clifton, along Eagle Creek
Sites: 4 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Clifton, drive 25 miles north on US 191 and turn left onto FR 217. Continue 20 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This tiny and remote campground appeals mainly to those who wish to fish and explore the Eagle Creek area. Limited services are available in Clifton; full services are available in Safford.

135 Upper Juan Miller

Location: About 27 miles north of Clifton, near the Coronado Trail, US 191
Sites: 4 tent
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Clifton, drive 26 miles north on US 191 and turn right onto FR 475. Continue less than a mile to the campground.
About the campground: This is one of two small campgrounds located together near the Coronado Trail. It’s a convenient stop for those who drive the historic route and also a good base for those exploring the backcountry. Limited services are available in Clifton; full services are available in Safford.

136 Lower Juan Miller

Location: About 28 miles north of Clifton, near the Coronado Trail, US 191
Sites: 4 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Clifton, drive 26 miles north on US 191 and turn right onto FR 475. Continue about 1.5 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This is one of two small campgrounds located together near the Coronado Trail. Limited services are available in Clifton; full services are available in Safford.

137 Granville

Location: 18 miles north of Clifton, along the Coronado Trail, US 191
Sites: 11 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Clifton, drive 18 miles north on US 191 to the campground on the right.
About the campground: This is another convenient stop for those exploring the historic Coronado Trail and also a good base for exploring the backcountry. Horse corrals are available. Limited services are available in Clifton; full services are available in Safford.

138 Black Jack

Location: About 23 miles southeast of Clifton, in the Big Lue Mountains
Sites: 10 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Clifton, drive 9 miles south on US 191 and turn left onto AZ 78. Continue about 14 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This small campground appeals mainly to campers passing through on the highway. It can also serve as a base for exploring the Big Lue Mountains. Limited services are available in Clifton; full services are available in Safford.

139 Coal Creek

Location: About 27 miles southeast of Clifton, in the Big Lue Mountains
Sites: 5 tent and RV up to 16 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, (928) 333-4301, www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
Finding the campground: From Clifton, drive 9 miles south on US 191 and turn left onto AZ 78. Continue about 18 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This small campground appeals mainly to campers passing through on the highway. It can also serve as a base for exploring the Big Lue Mountains. There are limited services in Clifton; full services are available in Safford.