Brandi S.
Guide
GuideFish Creek Camp
Flat and shady!
We stopped for a night and we were almost totally alone! Hand built fire pits, no tables. No trash or bathrooms. No cell service.
Camping near Alpine, AZ
122 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Alpine, Arizona provides campers with a range of options in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at elevations averaging above 8,000 feet. The area features established campgrounds like Alpine Divide Campground, Luna Lake Campground, and Big Lake Recreation Area alongside dispersed camping opportunities. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with select locations like Coronado Trail RV Park offering cabin rentals. Campgrounds are generally situated among tall ponderosa pines, providing natural shade and scenic mountain views, with several options located near fishing lakes or along hiking trails.
Camping season in the Alpine region typically runs from May through October, with most campgrounds closed during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures. The higher elevation ensures cooler summer temperatures compared to lower desert areas, making it a popular destination for escaping Arizona's summer heat. Developed campgrounds like Luna Lake and Big Lake provide amenities such as drinking water, vault toilets, and picnic tables, while dispersed sites offer more primitive experiences. Road conditions can deteriorate after rain, particularly on forest service roads leading to remote sites. As one camper noted, "Clean areas easy to see even at 1030pm. Canon areas well spaced out for nice privacy."
Campers frequently mention wildlife encounters as a highlight of staying in the Alpine area. Elk sightings are common, particularly at dawn and dusk when herds move through campgrounds and meadows. Luna Lake Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its peaceful setting and accessibility to fishing opportunities. According to visitor feedback, "The spaces are large and nestled in a pine forest near the lake. Clean restrooms and water available. You can walk to the lake." Sites along Highway 191 (the Coronado Trail) may experience some road noise but offer the convenience of quick access. Head of the Ditch Campground across the New Mexico border provides a free alternative with vault toilets and ample space, though amenities are minimal. Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, with reservations recommended for developed sites when available.
Best Campgrounds near Alpine (122)
1. Head Of The Ditch Campground
"Easy to locate right off the high way. Just needed easy access to campground and was amazed at this place. Clean areas easy to see even at 1030pm. Canon areas well spaced out for nice privacy."
"Lovely place and pretty quiet at night even though it's close to the hwy."
2. Apache National Forest Luna Lake Campground
"The spaces are large and nestled in a pine forest near the lake. Clean restrooms and water available. You can walk to the lake. A nice place to kayak, bird watch and the sunsets are amazing. "
"Even though it is relatively close to the highway, we didn’t hear any road noise. Highly recommended!!"
from $26 - $200 / night
Check Availability3. Big Lake Campground
"Like my title implies, this is where you go if you really want to “get away” from It all! This gorgeous campground is remote, very remote."
"Hubs and I took a trip up to Big Lake, AZ (near Alpine, AZ) and stayed in site 20 at Grayling Campground (one of 5 or 6 campgrounds within the Big Lake Recreation Area.)"
4. Rainbow (AZ)
"The squirrels are voracious and chewed through my stuff sack with sealed food that I left on the picnic table when I went for a bike ride around the lake."
"Big Lake is a good fishing lake too. The sites have plenty of space, shade, and privacy. Roads are paved and in good shape."
from $34 - $110 / night
Check Availability5. Alpine Divide Campground
"Alpine Divide is nestled in the Ponderosa Pines just outside of Alpine, AZ. It is pretty typical for a USFS site of its type."
6. Aspen Campground
"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."
"River runs next to campground and may be accessed walking through bushes. Separate M & F vault toilets available."
7. State Line
8. Coronado Trail RV Park 55+
"CTRV is a quiet, adult oriented, RV park in the pines of Alpine. This is a very nice, easy access CG with level back-in gravel sites. It is a great base camp to visit the area."
9. Hulsey Lake Fishing Site
"There are trails up the road and some OHV and a Jeep trail. There is housing when coming off the highway. Be respectful and don’t drive 45 down the road. Take your time and take it in."
10. Horse Springs Campground
"I picked a spot back away from the road and up against the river that already had a pile of firewood laying about."
"Big Lake was a short drive and provides more opportunity to fish. We were also able to see deer, elk and osprey. Bear scat was found in the area but they are not overly common."
from $16 / night
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Drive Time
- 2 hrs 59 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 18 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 40 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 4 hrs 13 min from Tucson, AZ
Recent Camping Photos near Alpine, AZ
71 Photos of 122 Alpine Campgrounds
Shane W.
Alpine Divide Campground
Nansi O.
Apache National Forest Luna Lake Campground
Sofia W.
Head Of The Ditch Campground
Trace P.
Aspen Campground
Whitney W.
Horse Springs Campground
Jacob W.
Rainbow (AZ)
Layne L.
Grayling
Cyndi S.
Brook Char Campground
Candy P.
Cutthroat
Mike C.
Big Lake Campground
Beth G.
Hannagan Campground - Apache Sitgreaves National Forests
Isaiah G.
Gabaldon
Recent Reviews near Alpine, AZ
269 Reviews of 122 Alpine Campgrounds
- Brandi S.Guide
Round Cienga Spring
Stunning
Miles of beautiful nature. Tall trees. Shade. Great hiking trails and ATV trails. Our spot specific had a ton of wasps which was annoying but not sure if other spots were affected. Very spacious between camp sites and lots of room at each spot. Some steep hills for RVs but the road is very well maintained in the summer and “smooth” main dirt road. Convenient Big Lake marina store 15 mins away. With bathrooms, trash, showers, and dump station near by. The marina store at Big Lake is open 6-6 daily!
- IIsaiah G.
TravelerGabaldon
Gorgeous
Great camp site! Right next to the Apache national forrest which has two trails that connect. This site has a $25 per vehicle per night fee and is a horse only camp grounds. A must visit.
CarolGuideConcho lake
Good free camping for a couple of days
This is a small camp ground that was clean when I visited in June. The lake is a reservoir and for my visit, didn’t have water in. There was a small herd
of less than twenty free range cows enjoying the dry lake. There are many prairie dogs that I found amusing to watch scampering in and out of holes. There was a coyote and quite a few birds. Although the site is located near traffic, once inside my RV I could not hear it. I like the fact that some of the sites have cement pads and trash cans. I saw no other amenities, such as a porta potty. The area was windy with trees helping to provide some privacy between each campsite. Great Verizon service. Not much hiking except for walking around the lake. I did see a path located outside the entrance that was good for running or walking along side the road. Most sites I saw had large rocks for a potential camp fire. Great place if you are looking just for a quiet location. The maximum nights allowed is seven days and no permit is allowed.
I am giving it a rating of three because of the location and lack of hiking trails.
There is a community and a general store across the road from the lake.
- EErin R.
ScoutApache National Forest Luna Lake Campground
Quiet and well-maintained
We arrived later than we hoped on a weekday in late May—there were plenty of available campsites which were laid out with firewood; be aware of local fire restrictions, as campsites just over the NM are on a burn ban this time of year. Decent cell service (we use tmobile), and there are bathrooms (very clean.) Camp host (Ron) came to take our registration within 30 minutes of arriving and was very helpful with information about the area. Even though it is relatively close to the highway, we didn’t hear any road noise. Highly recommended!!
Jake S.TravelerSan Francisco Hot Springs Trailhead
Beautiful views!
Beautiful views, easy drive in, hiking near by, lots of site options further in.
Ashley V.ScoutPiñon Campground
FANTASTIC
Came up from Abq for memorial weekend , Jim and Mya were the hosts. And were absolutely phenomenal. We stayed 3 days 2 nights .
Cleanest bathrooms I’ve ever used at a campground . BEAUTIFUL view of lake right from our camp sight (s49)
Way worth it and will absolutely be back soon
- MMerrily J.Guide
Head Of The Ditch Campground
You would hardly know you were just off the highway
There are several great campsites at this free Forest Service park. Did not use the pit toilet. Most campsites had a fire pit or fire ring and several had picnic tables. Most are shaded at least part of the day. Crappy internet with TravlFi (Starlink might have better reception) and Verizon was 1-2 bars. The FS has been clearing underbrush and beetle killed pines leaving lots of firewood. The majority of campsites are on the other side of the San Francisco River (concreted ford) from the entrance. It was dry during our visit. There is one very large campsite , probably intended for group camping. Two extra long picnic tables there. We would have liked to camp in the area “across the ditch” but our 41’ 5th wheel would never have made it across. Also that area wasn’t as attractive as it might have been with one side of the canyon clear cut. We stayed a week. We found a deer or elk carcass about 200 yards from where we were, just on the left as you enter the park.
- MMerrily J.Guide
Ridge Valley Ranch
Juniper and dark skies
Found this initially on Boondockers Welcome and double checked on The Dyrt. Directions and map were clearer on The Dyrt. We missed a crucial turn and wandered around for an hour on narrow, rocky gravel roads before Lew could talk us through the route. I guess I’m not as good at reading a map or directions as I thought I was.
Lew has a gorgeous property with plenty of sites of all sizes but only two “developed.” We were told to feel free to find a spot that felt good and to clear rocks to make a fire pit if we wished. We decided to set up in “Site 2” which was extra roomy and easily accommodated our 41’ fifth wheel. Lew is in the process of clearing undergrowth and there’s lots of wood available for fires. However, it has been an extremely dry winter, so be judicious, as it does get windy up here on the ridge.
This is definitely off grid — no power, no water and no dump station. Verizon was 2 bars reliably and occasionally 3. WiFi was excellent.
Guide to Alpine
Dispersed camping near Alpine, Arizona includes numerous sites within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at elevations reaching 9,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F during the day, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 40-50°F even in July and August. Forest roads leading to dispersed sites often become muddy and rutted after monsoon rains, particularly from July through September.
What to do
Fishing alpine lakes: The area around Alpine offers several stocked fishing lakes within a 30-minute drive. At Big Lake Campground, campers can fish directly from shore or rent boats at the marina. "Had the best time at Big Lake, AZ. The scenery is beautiful. The weather was beautiful and the fishing was good," reports Joseph K.
Wildlife viewing: The high elevation forests provide habitat for diverse wildlife. At Rainbow Campground, campers regularly spot various animals. "We saw 4 Mexican gray wolves which was very special," notes Rod D., adding that "Elk sightings are common, particularly at dawn and dusk when herds move through campgrounds and meadows."
Hiking mountain trails: Multiple hiking trails connect to camping areas. "We found the first non-motorized trail off the gravel Forest Service road by the lake. The forest teemed with wildlife. There were squirrels and chipmunks everywhere. I spotted a group of elk cows and later mule deer bucks," shares Jacob W. about trails near Rainbow Campground.
What campers like
Cooler summer temperatures: Many campers choose Alpine camping spots to escape summer heat. "It was 115 when we left the big city. Five hours later we found ourselves camped at 9100 feet, enjoying the cool temps in the mid 60's and the passing rain showers," explains Rod D. about his stay at Rainbow Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Campsites near Alpine provide frequent wildlife sightings. At Horse Springs Campground, Whitney W. reports, "We were also able to see deer, elk and osprey. Bear scat was found in the area but they are not overly common."
Well-spaced campsites: Campgrounds in the Alpine area typically offer good site separation. At Head Of The Ditch Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "Many available campsites, some with tables, and this campground. First come first served. I was there in mid October and there were only a few other campsites taken," notes Dallas F.
What you should know
Early arrival recommended: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "My suggestion is to go up early in the week and early in the day," advises Whitney W. about Horse Springs Campground, noting the $14 per night fee paid to the camp host.
Seasonal limitations: The Alpine region has a defined camping season. Jacob W. explains that at Alpine Divide Campground, "half of the 12 sites are currently inaccessible (as of 2021)," and the campground generally operates only from May to September.
Wildlife precautions needed: Animals frequently visit campsites. "The squirrels are voracious and chewed through my stuff sack with sealed food that I left on the picnic table when I went for a bike ride around the lake," warns Jacob W. about his experience at Rainbow Campground.
Limited cell service: Connectivity is minimal in most camping areas near Alpine. Meghan B. notes about Head Of The Ditch Campground: "I was able to snag one bar of cell service if I held my phone just right."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly programming: Some campgrounds offer special activities for children. At Aspen Campground, Trace P. mentions, "The campground hosts are very friendly and host Movies in the Meadow and 'Ranger' classes for the kids on the weekends."
Lake-based recreation: Several lakes near Alpine provide family activities. Kasey J. recommends Big Lake Recreation Area: "Great campsites within walk distance of the lake! Downfall is the campsites are big (enough room for all your camp friends) but you can only have two cars per site."
Easy wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can spot wildlife directly from campsites. "We had a blast. Campsites were nice, bathrooms were well maintained. Wildlife: we saw blue jays, squirrels, chipmunks, as well as several elk who wandered through camp in the early evening," shares Mike C. about his family's stay at Big Lake.
Tips from RVers
Camp size restrictions: Despite spacious sites, vehicle limitations exist. At Luna Lake Campground, Nansi O. advises, "We love this campground because it is a little out of the way so there are usually spaces. The spaces are large and nestled in a pine forest near the lake."
Adult-oriented options: RVers seeking a quieter atmosphere have dedicated options. JOHN T. recommends Coronado Trail RV Park: "CTRV is a quiet, adult oriented, RV park in the pines of Alpine. This is a very nice, easy access CG with level back-in gravel sites."
Road challenges: Some access roads present difficulties for larger vehicles. Dee W. notes about Alpine Divide Campground, "Large pull in spots fit our 36' class A with slide out just fine. Downside is that it's just off 191 so road noise until 9pm and as of 7am, but not bad."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Alpine, AZ?
What camping is available near Alpine, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Alpine, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Alpine, AZ and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Alpine, AZ?
Which is the most popular campground near Alpine, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alpine, AZ is Head Of The Ditch Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alpine, AZ?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alpine, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Alpine, AZ.
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