Alpine-area RV campgrounds sit at elevations ranging from 7,000-8,500 feet, providing relief from Arizona's summer desert heat. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest surrounds these mountain communities, with overnight temperatures dropping significantly even in summer months. Winter camping requires preparation for snow accumulation and below-freezing temperatures typical at these elevations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Alpine's high-elevation forests host abundant elk herds that frequently pass through and near campgrounds. "The elk herds out number the cattle– a morning and evening spectacle!" noted a visitor at Coronado Trail RV Park.
Fishing access: Several lakes and streams within 20 miles of Alpine offer trout fishing opportunities. The area includes Big Lake, River Reservoir, and multiple creek access points where rainbow and brown trout can be caught. Many campgrounds serve as convenient base camps for fishing excursions.
ATV trail networks: The surrounding forest provides extensive off-road vehicle trails. Campers staying at Griswold's Alpine Cabins appreciate having direct trail access from their sites to hundreds of miles of forest service roads and designated ATV routes throughout the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
What campers like
Spacious sites: RV campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites. "The spots are big and spread out. Clean laundry, clean grounds. Good electricity and water pressure," wrote a visitor at Springerville RV Park.
Consistent utilities: Many campers note the reliable hookups, particularly important at higher elevations. "Great online reservation system. Even same day," mentioned a visitor at Gristmill Farms RV Park, highlighting the convenience of modern booking systems even in this rural area.
Wildlife encounters: Unexpected wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience. "Wild horses venture through the camp in the evening!" reported one camper at Hon-Dah RV Park, describing a unique feature of camping in this region.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: While cell service is available at most campgrounds, reliability varies. A common infrastructure challenge affects the entire region: "We lost both [WiFi and cell service] for 2-1/2 days due to a fiber optic cable break near Show Low/Springerville."
Seasonal limitations: Alpine-area campgrounds experience true winter conditions. Some parks close completely during winter months while others remain open with limited services. Call ahead to confirm availability during shoulder seasons (late fall/early spring).
Campground configurations: Each campground has distinct layouts and site types. "The spaces are well spaced & large. Lots of shady spots," noted a visitor at Bear Paw RV Park, contrasting with newer parks that feature young trees without mature shade.
Tips for camping with families
Limited dedicated facilities: Most Alpine-area RV parks cater primarily to adults. "This is a quiet, adult oriented, RV park in the pines of Alpine," noted one reviewer. Many lack playgrounds or dedicated children's amenities.
Alternative recreation: While playgrounds may be scarce, open spaces provide informal recreation areas. "There is the very big flat oval drive way around the pull through area the kids could ride their bikes around, have seen a few doing that," shared one visitor about improvised activities.
Restaurant access: When meal preparation becomes tiresome, nearby restaurants offer convenient alternatives. "We even had pizza delivered to our spot," mentioned a guest at St. Johns RV Resort, noting this unexpected convenience in a rural mountain town.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many Alpine-area campgrounds feature carefully graded, level sites. "The whole campground is graded level with fresh gravel each spring. Which makes it nice to park and to get level you just have to raise or lower your tongue jack as the case may be!"
Water system protection: The high-elevation climate requires special water system considerations. "The water spickets are in an under ground, green lawn sprinklers control box with an insulation blankets. Because this place does get snow in the winters. Don't want the water pipes to freeze."
Speed bump caution: Some RV parks have aggressive speed bumps that require careful navigation. "The speed humps in this place are MONSTERS! We had to crab over them so that we didn't leave our plumbing with them."
