Alpine, Arizona sits at 8,050 feet elevation in the White Mountains, creating a distinct glamping environment compared to typical Arizona desert terrain. Summer temperatures average 80°F during day and 50°F at night, allowing for comfortable outdoor activities without extreme heat. The region connects to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest with numerous alpine lakes that support fishing, wildlife viewing, and water recreation.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Big Lake Campground offers excellent trout fishing with boat rentals available at the marina. "Had the best time at Big Lake, AZ. First off though, reserve a camp site on-line. I didn't but got lucky because we arrived on a Thursday. The scenery is beautiful. The weather was beautiful and the fishing was good," reports Joseph K.
Wildlife viewing: The alpine meadows and forests provide excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. A camper at Rainbow Campground noted, "Quiet, beautiful, and clean. We even had visits from deer, a very bold skunk, chipmunks, squirrels, and blue jays. The camp hosts were delightful, too!"
Hiking trails: The area offers multiple trail systems with views of surrounding mountains and lakes. "I found the first non-motorized trail off the gravel Forest Service road by the lake. The forest had burned in 2011 according to warning signs, but by 2020 there was new growth and plenty of trees survived. The trail teamed with wildlife," writes Jacob W. about his Rainbow Campground experience.
What Campers Like
Cool summer temperatures: The high elevation makes this area ideal for escaping summer heat found in lower Arizona regions. One camper at Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res shared, "This is probably the most beautiful campground I have been to so far. 80 degree days and 50 degree nights. Perfect for campfires under the blanket of millions of stars."
Private, wooded campsites: Many glamping sites in Alpine feature well-spaced, private camping areas. "Hubs and I took a trip up to Big Lake, AZ (near Alpine, AZ) and stayed in site 20 at Grayling Campground. The sites are large and well spaced," explains Elisa in her review.
Stargazing conditions: The area's dark skies and high elevation create prime conditions for night sky viewing. "It was beautiful. The camp sites are laid at where you don't feel like you are right on top of your neighbor," notes Warren about his experience at Rainbow Campground.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Many popular glamping sites require advance booking. "First off though, reserve a camp site on-line. I didn't but got lucky because we arrived on a Thursday," advises Joseph K. about Big Lake.
Wildlife precautions: Local wildlife, including skunks and bears, require proper food storage. At Brook Char Campground, one camper notes: "Bears frequent the area so you must lock up all food and trash in your car overnight."
Weather variability: Alpine weather changes quickly, especially during monsoon season. "Rained a couple of hours each night but it lulls you right to sleep," reports Cyndi S. about her camping experience.
Access considerations: Some glamping locations have challenging access roads. "The directions given on the site for how to find this campground were not very clear. We spent a lot of time double and triple checking where we were," warns Hannah L. about Brook Char Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Lakeside activities: Lyman Lake State Park Campground provides family-friendly amenities near water. "My family stayed here for 3 nights. The grounds were clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Bathrooms and showers are on site and several dumpsters are nearby to get rid of trash. The on site store sold firewood, bait, fishing and boating gear, snacks and souvenirs."
Educational opportunities: Many glamping sites offer learning opportunities for children. "There is a rock squeeze in the trail too," mentions Jessica S. about the petroglyph trails at Lyman Lake.
Wildlife spotting: Children enjoy the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Mike C. from Big Lake shares: "Wildlife: we saw blue jays, squirrels, chipmunks, as well as several elk who wandered through camp in the early evening."
Tent selection: Some campgrounds have tent-specific areas with better amenities. "The tent-only campground is small, but the sites are large and have multiple great clearings for tents. Lots of shade and easy paths for walking around the grounds, plus there's potable water at several sites," writes Taryn S. about Brook Char.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: El Caso provides RV camping options with varying levels of hookups. "There are 5 camping areas within this campground. We stayed in the 4th area and were the only campers. This area had two sites that could accommodate a travel trailer or motorhome."
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal if staying multiple days. "There is a dump and water station a mile away. 5.00 charge to dump," notes Brad P. from El Caso.
Campsite selection: Choose sites based on your RV's specific needs. "Several full-hookup spots, wildlife, friendly-helpful Hosts. $29.00 full hookup with senior Parks Card," explains Paul B. about Big Lake's Apache Trout Campgrounds.
Water availability: Not all glamping sites offer water hookups. "There is a dump station down the road. There is another campground for full hook-ups down the way," shares Warren about Rainbow Campground.
