Reef Townsite Group Area, near Hereford, Arizona, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into the beauty of the Coronado National Forest. This campground offers a unique blend of stunning mountain views and a chance to connect with nature, all while being surrounded by tall pines and the remnants of a historic mining area.

The campground is known for its clean and well-maintained sites, which are perfect for both tent and RV camping. Visitors have highlighted the interpretive trails that provide insight into the area's mining history, along with a short hike leading to breathtaking cliff views over the desert valley. As one camper noted, “The campground itself was absolutely amazing,” making it a great choice for those who appreciate a bit of solitude and natural beauty.

Getting to Reef Townsite can be an adventure in itself, with a winding dirt road that some describe as a thrilling drive. While it may not be for the faint of heart, those who make the journey are rewarded with a pristine camping experience. Wildlife sightings, including antelope and bears, add to the allure of this remote location. Just remember, if you're planning to visit, a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended to tackle the rugged terrain.

With its combination of history, natural beauty, and a peaceful atmosphere, Reef Townsite Group Area is a solid pick for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

## Overview

 This high-mountain group campground and day use area is located on a site that was once occupied by the old mining town of Reef. Many relics of Reef's mining history, including the remains of the town's old water system, are still visible in and around the campground. Groups of up to 50 people can enjoy walking an interpretive history trail, hiking, horseback riding and watching wildlife in this cool mountain setting.
## Recreation

 Reef Townsite Loop Trail, an interpretive trail that highlights the mining history of this area and showcases beautiful views, begins and ends at the northeastern edge of the campground. The national forest has a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails for those who wish to leave the facility for a day trip.
## Natural Features

 This site rests on the \"Reef\" rock formations in the in the Huachuca Mountains. At an elevation of 7,200 feet, it provides a cool respite from the heat of surrounding lower deserts in summer. The Coronado National Forest covers 1.78 million acres of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. Elevations range from 3,000 to 10,720 feet in 12 widely scattered mountain ranges, or \"sky islands,\" that rise dramatically from the desert floor, supporting biologically diverse plant communities.

Reef Townsite Group Area

Looking for the best campgrounds near Fort Huachuca, AZ? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Fort Huachuca and user-submitted reviews.

Fort Huachuca

The Best Camping Near Fort Huachuca, Arizona

This spot is high in the pines which makes it a great get away from the desert below! The camp site itself was well maintained but didn't seem to be utilized for camping all that much. We had our pick of the spots and selected one an the northeastern most corner which ended up being a great selection. If you hike to the northeast right out of the back of the campground you will end up in this amazing canyon which had some great pools of cool water to dip your feet in. The interpretive trail heads out the northwestern corner of the campground and is very nice and has interesting signs about the history of the area. Overall it's a great Ponderosa getaway and worth the windy drive up the mountain.

Great History - Fantastic Canyon View

Dry camping in Carr Canyon. Beautiful surroundings. True primative camping but extremely close to home!

Family camping trip

The only downside to this campground is the road up, I would definitely recommend a higher clearance vehicle. My small car made it, but it was rough and I do not recommend taking a low clearance car, it’s pretty rocky and steep at times! 
However, the campground itself was absolutely amazing, not a ton of sites but I don’t mind that. There are trails near by, one by the group area that has signs throughout explaining the landscape and the remains of the mining town. Other more interpretive trails lead out to the edge of the mountain, with a killer view and small climbing opportunities.

Gorgeous and great escape! 

You could not ask for more beautiful or isolated place to camp in the Southeastern Arizona mountains. Amazing views, and wildlife that includes antelopes, bear, lions, and javelina. Campground itself is very clean and seems pretty pristine.

One of the reasons for that, doubtless, is the road up there, which is not for the faint of heart. It is unpaved dirt &amp; rock, and one-lane with the occasional turnout. There are times when you are traveling within two or three feet of sheer drops off the mountain face for hundreds of feet. If your heart, your transmission, and your tires can stand it, it is an amazing and gorgeous drive. Those last four miles of road will take you approximately 45 minutes, as long as you don't meet too many cars coming down or up.

I had intended to stay there overnight, but knowing that I couldn't get down the hill quickly, with a friend telling me that the (human) coyotes can be problematic in that area, and finding that I had no cell service about the last mile of road, I decided that, as a woman traveling alone, discretion was the better part of valor. I'm going to see if I can get my friend to come up with me later this month, in which case I will amend this review. But I thoroughly enjoyed the drive up, a brief stay at the campground relaxing, and the drive down.

Gorgeous, isolated, wild!

Ventured up the narrow dirt/rock road to this fantastic site in the Huachuca Mins during spring bird migration. Campsites are among tall pines, nicely spaced. A short trail leads to the edge of a cliff overlooking the desert valley. Loop trail with interpretative signs tell the story of the area's short-lived mining operations. Across the road find the Old Sawmill Sprin4g Trail 3/4 mile up to a spring (on the left) before the intersection of Carr Peak Trail.  The 5-mike road up was in good condition -- my Dodge Caravan handled it slow-but-sure. However, rain / snow could quickly change the road. 

Photos of Reef Townsite Group Area

Real photos from real campers