Map showing campground location near Alpine, Arizona

Camper submitted image from Aspen Campground

Aspen Campground

Anglers and lake enthusiasts find Woods Canyon Lake just a short walk from Aspen Campground, where paved roads lead to spacious sites scattered through Apache National Forest. This established Forest Service campground sits at elevation, providing summer relief from Arizona's desert heat without requiring air conditioning.

The campground features large sites with paved parking, picnic tables, and fire rings, plus forest land between spots for privacy. James C. found "so many sites to chose from" during his visit, noting the mix of shaded spots under pines and sunnier areas near the meadow. A dump station serves this and adjacent campgrounds for $7, while drinking water and vault toilets provide basic amenities.

Woods Canyon Lake offers fishing, kayak rentals, and swimming opportunities for dogs and families. Elk commonly wander through campsites, and weekend programming includes Movies in the Meadow and ranger-led activities for children. The East Fork Black River runs alongside the campground, accessible through nearby bushes for additional water access.

Sites cost $25 per night with no hookups, and reservations are available during busy summer months. Campers seeking different experiences can explore campgrounds near Alpine or check out Raccoon Campground for an alternative forest setting.

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Location

Public Campground

Aspen Campground is located in Arizona

Coordinates

33.80700048 N
109.31400018 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

3 hrs 28 min from Flagstaff, AZ
4 hrs 38 min from Phoenix, AZ
4 hrs 44 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
4 hrs 46 min from Tucson, AZ

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5 Stars

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the large, well-maintained sites with paved access and good spacing between campsites. Multiple campers commented on the cool mountain elevation and proximity to Woods Canyon Lake for recreation.

James C.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2022

Awesome Campground

We decided to take a last minute trip up to the Aspen campground between Payson and Heber AZ. We were hoping for a first come first serve site. Well there were so many sites to chose from that we circled the grounds to pick the perfect one for us. We have solar on the roof so wanted one that was not too shaded. All the roads are paved getting to the site and each individual spot has paved parking, table, and fire pit. The sites are huge with plenty of forest land between sites. There is a lake just a short walk away that has all forms or water sports for rent. Many folks were fishing. We brought the dogs there to swim and have fun. There is a store there as well that has whatever it is you need.

Site87

Month of VisitJune

(11) View All

Jose R.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 30, 2020

River side camp site

Cozy campground with (I believe) 6 camp sites. Fire rings at each site. River runs next to campground and may be accessed walking through bushes. Separate M & F vault toilets available.

(8) View All

Christine S.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 24, 2020

Nice and cool in the summer heat

Beautiful and well maintained campground that is high enough in elevation on the summer to camp without a.c. No hookups but that didn't matter to us. There is one dump station to serve this and a few other adjacent campgrounds. Not a deal breaker but it's $7.00 to use said dump station even though we paid $25.00 a night for a spot with no hookups. I do understand though because this place is very busy in the summer with peeps escaping the heat. A short walk away is Woods Canyon Lake that you can hike all the way around, fish and rent kayaks

Trace P.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2018

Very Nice

I wouldn't say this is an awe inspiring getaway, but it is a refreshing place to escape the heat of the Valley of the Sun in Phoenix. It is a very large campground near Woods Canyon Lake. Some spots are very shady, in the pines, and some spots are not so shady, near the meadow. The campground hosts are very friendly and host Movies in the Meadow and "Ranger" classes for the kids on the weekends. It is very, very common, to have Elk wander through your campsite daily. Good for either tents or trailers.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there photos available of Aspen Campground facilities?

Yes, photos of Aspen Campground facilities are available online through various camping websites and forums. These photos typically showcase the campground's pine-shaded sites, fire rings, the nearby East Fork Black River, and the male and female vault toilets on site. Viewing these images can help you visualize the camping area, understand the terrain, and plan your trip accordingly.

What are the current fire restrictions at Aspen Campground?

Aspen Campground provides fire rings at each of its campsites for controlled campfires. However, fire restrictions may vary seasonally based on drought conditions and fire danger levels. Always check with the local Forest Service office before your trip for the most up-to-date fire restrictions. During your stay, practice responsible fire management by keeping fires contained within designated rings and ensuring they are completely extinguished before leaving.

What do reviews say about camping at Aspen Campground?

Campers describe Aspen Campground as a beautiful, well-maintained site with a refreshing high-elevation climate that provides relief from summer heat. The campground features both shady pine-covered sites and areas near a meadow with more sun exposure. Each site includes fire rings, and separate male and female vault toilets are available. The East Fork Black River runs alongside the campground and is accessible by foot. For RV campers, there are no hookups, but the campground is solar-friendly with some open sites perfect for solar panels. A dump station is available for a fee nearby.

Where is Aspen Campground located on the East Fork Black River in Arizona?

Aspen Campground is located in Arizona between Payson and Heber at a higher elevation, making it a perfect escape from the Phoenix heat. The campground sits adjacent to the East Fork Black River, with the river accessible through a short walk through some brush. It's a small, cozy campground with approximately 6 campsites nestled among pine trees, providing a refreshing mountain experience.

Do I need reservations for Aspen Campground near the East Fork Black River?

Aspen Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations are required. The campground has approximately 6 sites available, and even during busy times, visitors have reported being able to find suitable camping spots. For the best selection of sites, arriving early, especially on weekends or holidays, is recommended.

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