White Mountains Arizona Forest Service Campgrounds

Reserve Brookchar Campground

Brookchar Campground

Location: Big Lake Recreation Area
Elevation: Approximately 9,100 feet
Best for: Tent campers, anglers and visitors who want to stay close to the lake
Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov when the campground is operating

Brookchar Campground is a small, tent-only campground tucked close to the shoreline of Big Lake. Of the five campgrounds in the Big Lake complex, Brookchar is among the closest to the water, making it an appealing choice for anglers and campers who prioritize lake access over RV conveniences.

The campground has approximately 12 walk-to campsites. Campers park nearby and carry their equipment a short distance to their site. The setting is composed of mixed conifer forest, aspen and high-elevation meadows, with cool summer nights and frequent afternoon storm activity during the monsoon season.

Brookchar Campground Amenities

Approximately 12 tent-only campsites
Walk-to campsite arrangement
Campfire rings
Restroom facilities
Campground host when staffed
Nearby boat ramp and boat rentals
Nearby dump station, store, fuel, food, firewood and showers

Good to know: Brookchar is not appropriate for RV camping. Campers must be prepared to carry equipment from the parking area and should confirm whether drinking water is available before arriving.

Reserve Cutthroat Campground

Cutthroat Campground

Location: Big Lake Recreation Area
Elevation: Approximately 9,000 feet
Best for: Tent camping, shoreline access, fishing and a quieter campground experience
Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov

Cutthroat Campground is a small tent-only campground set along the shoreline of Big Lake. Its approximately 18 sites are distributed beneath ponderosa pine, spruce, Douglas fir and aspen, providing shade and a quiet high-country setting.

Several campsites require campers to walk in from the parking area, and some are positioned particularly close to the water. The campground is a strong choice for anglers, paddlers and tent campers who want a smaller and less RV-oriented environment.

Cutthroat Campground Amenities

Approximately 18 tent-only campsites
Picnic tables
Campfire rings or grills
Restroom facilities
Seasonal drinking water
Convenient boat-ramp access
Nearby RV dump station within the Big Lake complex

Good to know: This is a tent-only campground, and some sites require carrying equipment from the parking area. Confirm water availability and any active fire restrictions before traveling.

Reserve Grayling Campground

Grayling Campground

Location: Big Lake Recreation Area
Elevation: Approximately 9,000 feet
Best for: Quiet camping, smaller RVs, tents, anglers and visitors seeking more privacy
Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov

Grayling Campground offers some of the more secluded developed campsites within the Big Lake Recreation Area. The campground occupies a mixed conifer and aspen setting near the lake and contains approximately 23 sites arranged around a single loop.

Some campsites provide lake views, although they are not positioned directly on the shoreline. Grayling accommodates tents and appropriately sized recreational vehicles, but it does not provide utility hookups. Its smaller size and forested surroundings make it attractive to campers seeking a quieter alternative to the larger Apache Trout and Rainbow campgrounds.

Grayling Campground Amenities

Approximately 23 campsites
Tent and smaller RV camping
Picnic tables
Fire rings or grills
Flush toilets when campground systems are operating
Nearby showers and RV dump station
Convenient access to Big Lake fishing and hiking

Good to know: There are no utility hookups. Check the Recreation.gov site details carefully to verify allowable equipment and maximum vehicle length.

Reserve Rainbow Campground

Rainbow Campground

Location: Big Lake Recreation Area
Elevation: Approximately 9,000 feet
Best for: Families, tent camping, moderate-size RVs, fishing and extended Big Lake stays
Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov

Rainbow Campground is a large, developed campground adjacent to Big Lake. With approximately 165 campsites distributed among six loops, it offers one of the widest selections of individual campsites in the recreation area.

The campground accommodates tents and many recreational vehicles, although sites do not generally include utility hookups. Campers have convenient access to trout fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking and the services located elsewhere in the Big Lake complex.

Rainbow Campground Amenities

Approximately 165 campsites in six loops
Tent and RV camping
Picnic tables
Campfire rings or grills
Restroom facilities
Seasonal drinking water
Access to nearby showers, dump station and recreation-area services
Convenient access to Big Lake

Good to know: Rainbow is a practical choice for families and mixed groups traveling with both tents and RVs. Select the campsite carefully because driveway length, slope and equipment restrictions differ by site.

Reserve Benny Creek Group Area

Greer, Lee Valley and Mount Baldy Campgrounds

The forests surrounding Greer, Lee Valley and Mount Baldy contain some of the highest and most scenic camping areas in Arizona. Visitors have access to the Greer Lakes, the Little Colorado River, mountain meadows, fishing streams and trails leading toward the Mount Baldy Wilderness.

Benny Creek Group Area

Location: Near Greer and the Greer Lakes
Best for: Organized groups, reunions and gatherings near fishing lakes
Reservations: Required or strongly recommended through Recreation.gov

Benny Creek Group Area is situated in a pine forest on a bench above Benny Creek and within walking distance of Bunch Reservoir and the Greer Lakes. Its forest setting and proximity to water make it suitable for family gatherings, outdoor organizations and small-to-medium group retreats.

The campsites are relatively open beneath ponderosa pine. Abert’s squirrels, chipmunks and other forest wildlife are common in the area. Site capacities and allowable equipment vary, with some areas accommodating tents, trailers and RVs up to specified lengths.

Benny Creek Group Area Amenities

Reservable group campsites
Space for tents and selected trailers or RVs
Picnic tables
Fire rings or grills
Vault toilets
Access to Greer Lakes and nearby fishing

Important: Potable water may not be available. Bring sufficient drinking, cooking and washing water. Also verify current closure orders, because portions of the Benny Creek area may be temporarily closed for resource protection or management work.

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Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground

Location: Near Greer Lakes and the Little Colorado River
Elevation: Approximately 8,300 feet
Best for: Families, seniors, anglers, tents and RVs without hookups
Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov

Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground, commonly called Hoyer Campground, is one of the most popular developed campgrounds near Greer. It sits beneath ponderosa pine and aspen less than a mile from the Greer Lakes, with the Little Colorado River also within convenient reach.

The campground contains nearly 100 campsites. Sites are generally shaded and positioned on pine needles or grass, with gravel campground roads and parking pads. Its forest setting, established facilities and proximity to fishing make Hoyer particularly popular with families and older campers.

Hoyer Campground Amenities

Nearly 100 campsites
Tent and RV camping
Picnic tables
Campfire grills
Vault toilets
Garbage service when operating
Campground hosts
Amphitheater
Shower facilities when available
Access to Greer Lakes and the Little Colorado River

Good to know: There are no utility hookups. Potable water availability can change and should be confirmed before arrival. Heavy summer rain and cold nighttime temperatures are possible.

Reserve Hoyer Campground

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Winn Campground

Location: Lee Valley, near Mount Baldy trailheads
Best for: Hikers, anglers, wildlife watchers, groups, tents and RVs
Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov

Winn Campground is situated near the East and West Forks of the Little Colorado River and the primary Mount Baldy trailhead area. Its location makes it an excellent base for hiking, fishing and exploring the high-elevation landscape between Greer and Big Lake.

The campground contains approximately 63 sites and can accommodate tents, trailers and motorhomes up to the limits assigned to individual sites. Two group areas can accommodate gatherings of up to approximately 50 people each. Some campsites border a broad meadow where elk are frequently observed near dawn and dusk.

Winn Campground Amenities

Approximately 63 individual and group campsites
Tent, trailer and RV camping
Two group camping areas
Picnic tables
Fire rings and grills
Vault toilets
Seasonal drinking water
Garbage collection when operating
Campground hosts
Access to Mount Baldy trails and Little Colorado River fishing

Good to know: Winn is one of the best campground choices for visitors primarily interested in Mount Baldy hiking. Overnight temperatures can be cold even in summer, and the campground may close during the snowy portion of the year.

Reserve Winn Campground

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Show Low, Pinedale and Heber-Area Campgrounds

These campgrounds serve visitors exploring the western portion of the White Mountains. Fool Hollow provides highly developed lakeside camping in Show Low, while Gentry and Lewis Canyon offer group camping in quieter ponderosa pine settings.

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

Location: Show Low, Arizona
Elevation: Approximately 6,300 feet
Best for: RV travelers, families, tent campers, boating and year-round access
Reservations: Through Arizona State Parks

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area offers one of the most developed campground experiences in the White Mountains. Campsites are arranged in loops among ponderosa pine, pinyon and juniper, and many sites overlook the approximately 150-acre lake and its wildlife islands.

The campground includes approximately 92 RV sites with water and electric service, with some sites providing 50-amp electrical service. Selected loops also include sewer connections. An additional group of non-hookup campsites provides concrete pads, picnic tables and fire rings beneath the pines.

Fool Hollow is particularly convenient for families because it is located within Show Low and provides access to shopping, dining, fuel, medical services and other community amenities without sacrificing a forest-and-lake atmosphere.

Fool Hollow Lake Amenities

Water-and-electric RV sites
Selected sites with sewer connections
Sites accommodating RVs up to approximately 40 feet, depending on site
Non-hookup campsites
Concrete camping pads
Picnic tables and fire rings
Restrooms and showers
Dump station
Boat access
Fishing and shoreline recreation
Playgrounds and group picnic facilities
Year-round camping, subject to availability and conditions

Good to know: Fool Hollow is managed through a partnership involving Arizona State Parks and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Reservations are made through Arizona State Parks rather than Recreation.gov.

Reserve Fool Hollow Lake Camping

View Park Camping Information

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Gentry Group Campground

Location: Near Heber-Overgaard and Black Canyon Lake
Best for: Family reunions, clubs, retreats and organized group camping
Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov

Gentry Group Campground is positioned on a ridge dividing two forested canyons near the base of Gentry Fire Lookout. The campground provides views toward Black Canyon Lake and the surrounding forested hillsides.

The campground consists of five family camping sites that can also be reserved together as a group facility accommodating up to approximately 75 people. The relatively level terrain and sandy surface can make the site practical for group activities, although visitors should review accessibility and vehicle information before booking.

Gentry is located within the Heber Wild Horse Territory, and free-roaming horses may occasionally be seen in the surrounding forest. Elk, deer and a wide variety of birds also inhabit the area.

Gentry Group Campground Amenities

Five individual family sites
Entire campground reservable as one group facility
Group capacity of up to approximately 75 people
Picnic tables
Fire rings or grills
Restroom facilities
Wildlife-viewing opportunities
Access to nearby forest roads, trails and Black Canyon Lake

Reserve Gentry Group Campground

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Lewis Canyon Group Campground

Location: Near Pinedale, west of Show Low
Elevation: Approximately 6,600 feet
Best for: Large reunions, organizations, youth groups and private group gatherings
Reservations: Group reservations through Recreation.gov

Lewis Canyon is a large, secluded group campground set among ponderosa pine with an open field near the central camping area. It can accommodate gatherings of up to approximately 150 people, making it one of the largest reservable Forest Service group camping locations in the White Mountains region.

The camping area is arranged around a large loop, providing room for group activities while maintaining a wooded mountain setting. Wild turkey, elk and deer are frequently observed in the surrounding forest.

Lewis Canyon Group Campground Amenities

Single large group-camping facility
Capacity for up to approximately 150 guests
Space for tents and approved recreational vehicles
Picnic tables
Fire rings or grills
Restroom facilities
Open recreation field
Horseshoe facilities or similar group recreation amenities
Wildlife viewing

Good to know: Lewis Canyon is available for group use rather than ordinary individual campsite reservations. Review current occupancy, vehicle and equipment limits before making plans.

Reserve Lewis Canyon Group Campground

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Alpine, Luna Lake and Southern Apache-Sitgreaves Sites

The Alpine and southern Apache-Sitgreaves area provides some of the most remote camping in eastern Arizona. Visitors can stay near Luna Lake, camp beside the East Fork of the Black River, rent a historic cabin or travel into the lower-elevation Eagle Creek country.

Luna Lake Campground

Location: Approximately five miles east of Alpine
Best for: Fishing, boating, families, group camping and high-country scenery
Reservations: Check Recreation.gov and Forest Service information for available reservable facilities

Luna Lake Campground sits in an open stand of ponderosa pine within walking distance of Luna Lake. The landscape combines open forest, lush mountain meadows, water views and surrounding high-country scenery.

Luna Lake is popular for trout fishing, paddling, boating, birding and wildlife viewing. A nearby day-use area includes a boat launch, fishing pier, accessible trail and picnic facilities.

The broader Luna Lake camping area includes individual camping and separate group areas. Group sites differ substantially in capacity, vehicle allowances and cost. Some group facilities can accommodate large gatherings, while seasonal wildlife-protection restrictions may delay availability of particular sites.

Luna Lake Campground Amenities

Individual and group camping areas
Picnic tables
Fire rings or grills
Restroom facilities
Access to Luna Lake fishing
Nearby boat launch
Fishing pier
Accessible lakeside trail
Mountain biking and hiking opportunities
Wildlife and bird viewing

Good to know: Luna Lake is exposed to wind and fast-changing weather. Campsites are near the lake but are not necessarily directly on the shoreline. Confirm seasonal water availability and current campsite reservation procedures before arrival.

Search Luna Lake Reservations

View Forest Service Campground Information

View Luna Lake Group Camping

View Buffalo Crossing Forest Service Information

Buffalo Crossing Campground

Location: East Fork of the Black River, south of Alpine and Big Lake
Best for: Stream fishing, primitive forest camping and larger campsites
Reservations: Generally not offered through Recreation.gov

Buffalo Crossing Campground lies at the southern end of the East Fork canyon along the Black River. It is a historic Civilian Conservation Corps-era recreation site and is known for having some of the largest campsites along this portion of the river.

The East Fork meanders through a forested valley shaded by ponderosa pine and bordered by grass, alder, cottonwood and other riparian vegetation. Campsites are set back a short distance from the water to protect the sensitive streamside environment, although river access remains convenient.

Buffalo Crossing Campground Features

Streamside forest camping
Large campsites
Access to the East Fork of the Black River
River and stream fishing
Picnic tables and fire rings where provided
Primitive or limited campground services
Historic Civilian Conservation Corps-era setting

Good to know: Buffalo Crossing generally does not accept reservations through Recreation.gov. Road conditions, seasonal access and fire limitations should be checked directly with the Alpine Ranger District before traveling.

View Recreation.gov Area Information

Caldwell Cabin

Location: Approximately 30 miles southwest of Alpine
Best for: Historic cabin stays, families, small groups and travelers seeking a more sheltered forest experience
Capacity: Up to approximately six visitors
Reservations: Required through Recreation.gov

Caldwell Cabin allows visitors to experience a rustic piece of White Mountains history. The original one-room homestead was constructed during the 1920s and was expanded around 1940 to include a bathroom, small bedroom and living room with a fireplace.

The cabin accommodates up to six guests and provides a more enclosed alternative to tent or RV camping. Visitors can relax on the porch, explore surrounding forest roads and enjoy the solitude of the southern Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

Caldwell Cabin Features

Historic Forest Service cabin
Maximum occupancy of approximately six guests
Small bedroom
Living room with fireplace
Bathroom
Front porch
Outdoor picnic and fire area
Parking for a limited number of vehicles
Remote forest setting

Important: Guests should read the entire Recreation.gov listing before reserving. Furnishings, water, electricity, cooking equipment, bedding and seasonal access requirements can change. Visitors are responsible for leaving the cabin clean and may need to bring drinking water, linens, food, lighting and other supplies.

Reserve Caldwell Cabin

View Honeymoon Campground Forest Service Information

Honeymoon Campground

Location: Eagle Creek area near Clifton
Best for: Remote camping, fishing, wildlife viewing and visitors seeking solitude
Reservations: Generally non-reservable; confirm with the Forest Service

Honeymoon Campground is a quiet, remote camping area beside Eagle Creek in the southern portion of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Shade is provided by sycamore, cottonwood, pinyon and juniper trees, creating a markedly different environment from the high-elevation spruce and fir forests around Big Lake and Mount Baldy.

The site is well suited to camping, picnicking, stream fishing and wildlife viewing. Its remote location makes it appealing to experienced campers who are prepared for limited services and potentially rough access roads.

Honeymoon Campground Features

Remote creekside camping
Fishing access
Picnicking
Wildlife viewing
Shade from riparian and woodland trees
Primitive or limited services
Quiet, low-traffic setting

Important: Honeymoon Campground is considerably farther south than the central White Mountains resort communities. Confirm road conditions, weather, water availability and current access with the Clifton Ranger District before traveling.