Hannagan Meadow and Coronado Trail Campgrounds

The high country along U.S. Route 191 south of Alpine includes small, primitive campgrounds surrounded by spruce, fir, aspen and mountain meadows. These sites are better suited to tents and compact camping vehicles than to large RVs.

Article on Hannagan Meadow

Hannagan Meadow Campground

Location: Along U.S. Route 191, approximately 22 miles south of Alpine
Elevation: Approximately 9,120 feet
Best for: Tents, camper vans, truck campers, very small trailers, hiking and wildlife viewing
Reservations: First-come, first-served

Hannagan Meadow Campground is a small high-elevation campground near Hannagan Meadow and Hannagan Meadow Lodge. Its compact sites provide access to cool summer temperatures, elk habitat and nearby trails, including the route toward Aker Lake.

Hannagan Meadow Campground Amenities

• Approximately 8 single-unit campsites
• Tent camping
• Very small trailers and motorhomes, historically limited to about 16 feet
• Picnic tables
• Fire rings or grills where provided
• Vault toilet
• Seasonal potable-water hydrants when operating
• Nearby lodge and restaurant
• Trail access and wildlife viewing

Water and RV services: There are no hookups, showers or dump station. Water availability can change seasonally; carry backup water.

Good to know: The campground is small and may fill quickly. It is not appropriate for large RVs or long trailers, despite its paved-highway access.

View Forest Service Information

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KP Cienega Campground

Location: Off U.S. Route 191 south of Hannagan Meadow
Elevation: Approximately 8,500 feet
Best for: Tent camping, solitude, meadow scenery and wildlife watching
Reservations: First-come, first-served

KP Cienega is a very small, primitive campground overlooking a broad mountain meadow. Deer and elk are often seen in the surrounding forest and cienega. The campground’s limited space and compact parking areas make it primarily a tent-camping destination.

KP Cienega Campground Amenities

• Approximately 5 campsites
• Tent camping
• Only limited room for one or more very small RVs or trailers, generally no longer than about 16 feet
• Picnic tables where provided
• Fire rings
• Vault toilet
• Meadow and wildlife-viewing opportunities

Water and RV services: No potable water, hookups, showers, trash service or dump station. Bring all water and pack out all waste.

Good to know: KP Cienega is not recommended for large RVs or long trailers. The dirt access road may be muddy or difficult during wet weather.

View Forest Service Information

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Campgrounds on White Mountain Apache Tribal Lands

The campgrounds in this section are located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation and are managed under White Mountain Apache Tribe laws and recreation regulations. They are not Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest campgrounds.

Hawley Lake Campground

Hawley Lake Article
Location: Hawley Lake on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands, south of Arizona 260 via Hawley Lake Road
Elevation: Approximately 8,500 feet
Best for: Tents, RVs, travel trailers, families, fishing and visitors seeking the most developed tribal-lake camping option
Permits and reservations: Tribal camping permit required; campsite and cabin procedures should be confirmed with WMAT Game & Fish or Hawley Lake facilities

Hawley Lake is one of the most popular trout-fishing and camping destinations on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands. The large lake is surrounded by spruce, pine and aspen, with cool summer weather and cold nights. Camping ranges from rustic lakeside sites to selected RV areas, while cabin rentals and seasonal visitor services may also be available.

Hawley Lake Campground Amenities

• Numerous tent and RV campsites
• Travel-trailer and motorhome access in designated areas
• Picnic tables at many established sites
• Vault toilets or portable toilet facilities
• Seasonal potable-water faucets when operating
• Boat launch and fishing access
• Seasonal store, permits, limited supplies and boat rentals when operating
• Nearby cabin rentals
• Selected RV utility sites may be available, but current hookup status must be confirmed

Water, hookups and dump service: Hawley Lake has historically offered more services than most tribal campgrounds, but online listings conflict regarding full hookups and current availability. Do not assume a specific campsite has electric, water or sewer service. Confirm hookup type, potable water and dump-station availability directly before bringing an RV.

Required permits: A tribal camping permit is required. Anglers need the applicable tribal fishing permit, and boats may require a tribal watercraft permit. An Arizona state fishing license does not replace the tribal permit requirement on reservation waters.

Review and Purchase Tribal Permits

View WMAT Camping Regulations

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Horseshoe Cienega Lake Campground

Location: Horseshoe Cienega Lake on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands near McNary
Elevation: Approximately 8,170 feet
Best for: Tent camping, small RVs or trailers, fishing and a more primitive lakeside experience
Permits and reservations: Tribal camping permit required; designated sites are generally first-come, first-served

Horseshoe Cienega Lake offers a quieter, more primitive alternative to Hawley Lake. Established camping areas provide access to the lake and surrounding high-country forest, but visitors should expect fewer services and should arrive fully self-contained.

Horseshoe Cienega Lake Campground Amenities

• Designated primitive campsites
• Tent camping
• Limited accommodation for appropriately sized trailers and RVs
• Fishing and shoreline access
• Basic toilet facilities may be available seasonally
• Primitive dirt or gravel parking areas
• Boat rentals

Water and RV services: Do not rely on potable water, electrical hookups, sewer hookups, showers or dump facilities. Bring drinking water and plan for dry camping. Road and site conditions should be checked before bringing a large RV or trailer.

Required permits: A White Mountain Apache Tribe camping permit is required. Fishing requires the appropriate tribal fishing permit, and other activities may require additional permits.

Review and Purchase Tribal Permits

View WMAT Camping Regulations

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Drift Fence Lake Campground

Location: Drift Fence Lake on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands, south of the Big Lake area
Elevation: Approximately 8,950 feet
Best for: Tent camping, small self-contained camping vehicles, fishing and remote high-country scenery
Permits and reservations: Tribal camping permit required; established sites are generally first-come, first-served

Drift Fence Lake Campground is a remote tribal campground near a small high-elevation fishing lake. It should not be confused with similarly named Forest Service campgrounds in other states. The setting is primitive, and visitors should be prepared for limited facilities, changing road conditions and little or no cellular service.

Drift Fence Lake Campground Amenities

• Designated primitive campsites
• Tent camping
• Potential access for small RVs, truck campers or short trailers when road conditions permit
• Fishing and lake access
• Basic campground facilities only

Water and RV services: Assume there is no potable water, no hookups, no showers and no dump station unless the Tribe confirms otherwise. Bring all drinking water and be prepared to pack out waste.

Required permits: A White Mountain Apache Tribe camping permit is required. Fishing and watercraft use require the applicable tribal permits. Camping is restricted to established designated sites.

Review and Purchase Tribal Permits

View WMAT Camping Regulations

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Reservation Lake Campground

Location: Reservation Lake on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands, in the remote southeastern high country of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation
Elevation: Approximately 9,000 feet
Best for: Trout fishing, tent camping, truck campers, small self-contained RVs or trailers and visitors seeking a remote high-country lake
Permits and reservations: Tribal camping permit required; designated campsites are first-come, first-served

Reservation Lake is a favored fishing destination on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands and one of the most scenic remote lakes in the Arizona White Mountains. The high-elevation lake is surrounded by conifer forest and open mountain country and is known primarily for trout fishing, quiet camping, wildlife viewing and cool summer temperatures.

The campground is much more primitive than a commercial RV park. Tent campers, truck campers and self-contained visitors with smaller trailers or motorhomes are generally the best fit. Larger RVs should not attempt the trip without first confirming current road conditions, campsite dimensions and turning space with WMAT Game & Fish.

Reservation Lake Campground Amenities

• Established primitive campsites
• Tent camping
• Dry camping for appropriately sized trailers, truck campers and self-contained RVs
• Picnic tables and fire rings at established sites
• Vault toilets
• Potable water may be available seasonally, but should not be relied upon without confirmation
• Lake access and high-country trout fishing
• Remote forest setting with limited or no cellular service

Water, hookups and dump service: There are no electric, water or sewer hookups and no dependable on-site RV dump station. Bring sufficient drinking and washing water even when seasonal campground water is reported available. Campers should be prepared to pack out trash and manage all wastewater responsibly.

Road and equipment considerations: Access involves remote mountain roads that may be rough, muddy or temporarily impassable after storms. Conditions can change quickly. Small trailers and compact RVs are more practical than large motorhomes or long fifth wheels. Scout uncertain roads and verify current access before towing.

Required permits: A White Mountain Apache Tribe camping permit is required for overnight camping. Anglers must also obtain the applicable tribal fishing permit. A State of Arizona fishing license is not required or valid as a substitute on Reservation waters. Boats or other watercraft require the appropriate tribal watercraft permit.

Review and Purchase Tribal Permits

View WMAT Camping Regulations

View WMAT Camping and Fishing FAQs

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How to Choose the Right White Mountains Campground

Best Big Lake Campground for Large RVs

Apache Trout Campground generally provides the broadest range of RV accommodations at Big Lake, including selected sites with hookups. Confirm the maximum vehicle length and hookups for the exact site before reserving.

Best Big Lake Campgrounds for Tent Camping

Brookchar and Cutthroat are the principal tent-only choices. Brookchar offers a small walk-in camping environment very close to the water, while Cutthroat provides shaded tent sites along the shoreline.

Best Big Lake Campground for More Privacy

Grayling is smaller and is often preferred by visitors seeking a quieter campground while retaining access to Big Lake.

Best Campground Near Greer

Hoyer Campground is a strong all-around option for families and anglers because of its established facilities and proximity to Greer Lakes and the Little Colorado River.

Best Campground for Mount Baldy Hiking

Winn Campground provides convenient access to the Mount Baldy trailheads and the East and West Forks of the Little Colorado River.

Best Developed RV Campground Near Show Low

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area offers water-and-electric sites, selected sewer connections, showers, lake recreation and convenient access to Show Low services.

Best White Mountains Group Campgrounds

Benny Creek is appropriate for gatherings near Greer, Gentry provides a more secluded group setting near Heber-Overgaard, and Lewis Canyon can accommodate particularly large groups near Pinedale.

Best Camping Near Alpine

Luna Lake is the most convenient developed lake campground near Alpine. Horse Springs is the largest campground along the East Fork of the Black River, Diamond Rock is best for tents and compact camping vehicles, and Buffalo Crossing offers a more remote streamside experience. Caldwell Cabin provides a reservable historic lodging alternative.

Best Small Campgrounds Along the Coronado Trail

Hannagan Meadow Campground offers paved-highway access and limited seasonal water, while KP Cienega is a smaller and more primitive tent-oriented campground overlooking a meadow.

Best Campground on White Mountain Apache Tribal Lands

Hawley Lake generally provides the broadest range of camping and visitor services. Reservation Lake is especially attractive to anglers seeking remote high-country trout fishing, while Horseshoe Cienega and Drift Fence Lake are better suited to self-contained campers seeking a more primitive setting. Tribal camping permits are required, and fishing or boating requires the appropriate additional tribal permits.

White Mountains Arizona Camping Safety and Planning

Prepare for High Elevation

Many White Mountains campgrounds sit between 8,000 and 9,100 feet. Visitors arriving from lower elevations should allow time to adjust, drink plenty of water and avoid overexertion during the first day.

Expect Cold Nights

Nighttime temperatures can fall sharply, even during summer. Campers should bring layered clothing, adequate sleeping bags and protection from rain and wind.

Watch for Summer Thunderstorms

Afternoon storms can develop quickly during the summer monsoon. Avoid exposed ridges, open water and isolated tall trees when lightning is nearby.

Check Fire Restrictions

Campfires may be limited or prohibited during periods of high fire danger. Confirm current Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest alerts before traveling and never leave a permitted fire unattended.

Do Not Assume Drinking Water Is Available

Seasonal systems may be shut down because of freezing weather, maintenance problems or water-quality concerns. Carry enough drinking water for every person and pet unless current availability has been confirmed.

Store Food Securely

Black bears, raccoons, skunks and other wildlife may enter developed campgrounds. Store food, trash, scented toiletries and cooking equipment in a secure vehicle or approved wildlife-resistant container.

Download Directions Before Leaving

Mobile service is unreliable in much of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Download maps, reservation confirmations and driving directions before entering remote areas.

Check Apache-Sitgreaves Alerts and Closures

Frequently Asked Questions About White Mountains Campgrounds

Do White Mountains campgrounds require reservations?

Many developed campgrounds accept reservations through Recreation.gov, while others contain first-come, first-served sites or do not accept reservations. Group campgrounds and Caldwell Cabin should generally be reserved in advance.

Are Big Lake campgrounds open all year?

No. Big Lake is a high-elevation recreation area affected by snow and freezing weather. Campground operating dates vary by season, road accessibility and weather conditions.

Which Big Lake campgrounds are tent-only?

Brookchar and Cutthroat are primarily tent-only campgrounds. Several campsites require campers to walk a short distance from their vehicles.

Which Big Lake campground has RV hookups?

Apache Trout contains selected hookup sites. Rainbow and Grayling accommodate appropriately sized RVs but generally do not provide utility hookups.

Can I camp near Greer Lakes?

Yes. Hoyer Campground and Benny Creek Group Area provide access to the Greer Lakes area. Hoyer serves individual campers, while Benny Creek is oriented toward group camping.

Where can I camp near Mount Baldy?

Winn Campground is conveniently located near the principal Mount Baldy trailheads and the East and West Forks of the Little Colorado River.

Is Fool Hollow Lake a Forest Service campground?

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area is located within the broader national forest landscape and is managed through a partnership with Arizona State Parks. Camping reservations are handled through Arizona State Parks.

Are dogs permitted in White Mountains campgrounds?

Pets are generally permitted at many developed campsites but must be controlled and comply with campground-specific rules. Verify the current policy for your particular campground and campsite.

Is cellular service available?

Cellular service is weak or nonexistent in many areas, particularly around Big Lake, Mount Baldy, the Black River and southern forest roads. Do not depend on a mobile phone for navigation or emergencies.

Do I need a permit to camp on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands?

Yes. Non-members must obtain the appropriate White Mountain Apache Tribe camping permit before camping on tribal lands. Fishing, boating, hiking and other activities may require additional tribal permits. Current regulations and closures should be checked directly with WMAT Game & Fish.

Are Hawley Lake, Horseshoe Cienega and Drift Fence Lake Forest Service campgrounds?

No. These campgrounds are on White Mountain Apache Tribal lands and operate under tribal laws, permits and regulations rather than Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rules.

Which Black River campground is best for an RV?

Horse Springs generally provides the broadest range of sites for trailers and moderate-size motorhomes. Diamond Rock is best for tents and compact vehicles, while Buffalo Crossing requires careful review of road and site conditions. None of these campgrounds provides campsite hookups.

Can I have a campfire?

Campfires are allowed only when current regulations and fire restrictions permit them and generally only within provided fire rings or grills. Restrictions can change quickly during dry or windy conditions.