Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona features extensive dispersed camping opportunities across its high-elevation terrain. Popular areas include National Forest Road 117C, Beehive Spring Camp, and Carnero Spring Road, all offering primitive sites without developed facilities. Concho Lake provides more accessible camping with approximately 10-20 sites, some featuring concrete pads and fire rings. Most camping in the region is free and does not require permits, though campers should be prepared for self-contained stays. The forest's dispersed sites typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying road conditions determining accessibility.
Road quality varies significantly throughout the forest, particularly after weather events. As one camper noted, "Don't try to make it to the shared coordinates soon after a snow melt. Road is rocky and rutted in places but there are camp spots 2WD can access if one takes it slow." Elevation plays a major role in camping conditions, with sites like Beehive Spring Camp sitting at approximately 9,200 feet, where temperatures drop significantly at night even in summer months. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, with complete closures possible during extreme fire danger. Cell service is generally available at Concho Lake and some higher elevation sites, though coverage becomes spotty in more remote areas. Seasonal access may be limited by snow in winter months.
Wildlife viewing opportunities represent a significant draw for campers in the region. Visitors to Carnero Spring Road report, "Camped in the clearing by the lake. Some traffic came through but not bothersome." Prairie dogs, rabbits, elk, and occasionally larger predators inhabit the area. Noise levels vary by location, with sites near highways experiencing intermittent traffic sounds, while forest road locations may encounter logging trucks during weekdays. Beehive Spring Camp visitors mention "logging trucks noisy during the day" but appreciate the diverse tree species beyond the typical ponderosa pine. Water features are inconsistent, with some "lakes" being seasonal or resembling ponds or marshes rather than substantial bodies of water. Facilities are minimal to nonexistent at most sites, requiring visitors to pack out all waste.
"Logging tucks noisy during the day. At 9200 ft elevation got cold at night in September."
"We visited Greer and this location is less than 10 miles away. There are existing fire rings and spots to camp just past mile marker #2. Quiet and very dark at night."
"Camped in the clearing by the lake. Some traffic came through but not bothersome. No amenities, must be self-contained."
"Easy to get to, close to town, clearly marked trails and roadways. Hiking views were spectacular."
"Nice spot along the highway. You can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it. There’s prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus. Clean porti potties and decent AT&T signal."
"Great, great free camping. ~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings. Great Verizon Service."
"So many spots to camp, a river to fish, beautiful areas to walk around. Just gorgeous."
LegendStayed one day on my way to Reno. Nice spot along the highway. You can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it. There’s prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus. Clean porti potties and decent AT&T signal. I only checked out one loop but place has as least 10 spots. Some have cement pads and fire rings. No picnic tables that I saw.
RangerQuiet place not far off a Forest Service Rd.
RangerNice quiet area. Small lake. Didn’t fish, so unsure. No amenities at all, which is fine. Road is a little rough going in, in places.
RangerGreat, great free camping. ~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings. Great Verizon Service. WINDY. Pretty, too.
ScoutGot here at night and found it quite easily. Not the most scenic as the lake is dried up and the highway is visible (and audible). Trash cans were overflowing with trash, and a few of the sites were trashed as well. I also think I saw human poop by the bushes. At around midnight some guy came by our tent asking if we knew where the portopotties went, and said the site we were at is where he usually stays…
ScoutWe visited Greer and this location is less than 10 miles away. There are existing fire rings and spots to camp just past mile marker #2. Quiet and very dark at night.
ScoutGreat fire pit and some flat spots for a tent. The highway got quieter in the middle of the night for a little while. We stayed right next to some ruins and all three of us had wild dreams about ghosts, ghost horses, and animals. The next morning we found we were only a few steps away from a mountain lion kill site! WOW! So many kinds of animals. Elk. Coyote. Cow. Sheep. You name it! It was an exciting way to spend the evening. Enjoy!
GuideEvery year my wife and I attend the Luna New Mexico Rodeo. This is one of our favorite places to visit, it always rains when we are there but this could not dampen our fun! the camping is dispersed and first come first serve. We suggest you pick a high spot! Although we camp during the rodeo weekend, there is no reason you cant camp other times of the year. Surrounded by towering pine and waking up to the fresh smell of wet camp fires mixed with the pine is an unforgettable memory.
Trees are too far apart for Hammocks
There are plenty of hiking and UTV trails nearby
Facilities:
No fire rings or BBQ pits.
Restrooms are available and running water near the Rodeo arena.
LegendStayed here for a couple nights towards the end of May. There were a few other people camping while I was here but it was very quiet. I would estimate there are about 10 sites. Most appeared to have garbage cans. There were two port o potty’s that were not too bad. There were lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake. I was able to find fire wood around for a fire but it was a little challenging finding larger pieces of wood, I would probably bring some wood of my own if I ever returned. Overall it was a great place to stay for free especially since there aren’t lots of campsites in this area. Directions were accurate.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest spans over 2 million acres across east-central Arizona's Mogollon Rim and White Mountains. The forest contains over 400 miles of streams and more than 30 lakes and reservoirs, offering anglers and water enthusiasts multiple destinations. Dispersed camping options vary significantly in terms of accessibility, with many sites available year-round at lower elevations while higher areas become inaccessible during winter months.
Fishing opportunities: The Black River provides excellent trout fishing in a secluded setting. "It's beautiful. So many spots to camp, a river to fish, beautiful areas to walk around. Just gorgeous," notes a visitor to Black River Dispersed.
Wildlife observation: Concho Lake and surrounding areas host diverse wildlife. "There's prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus," reports a camper at Concho Lake. Larger mammals including elk are common throughout the forest, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Hiking access: Several dispersed camping areas serve as trailhead access points. At Timber Mesa Trailhead, campers appreciate that there are "clearly marked trails and roadways. Hiking views were spectacular."
Solitude and quiet: Campers value the remote nature of many sites. At National Forest Road 117C, one visitor shared, "Only a couple logging trucks on a very nice maintained road. All alone on a mountain top!! Me and my dog are living the life!"
Winter camping opportunities: While higher elevations receive snow, some sites remain accessible year-round. "Stopped here prior to visiting the petrified forest. What a clean, quiet, gem. The lake was frozen over which made for tons of fun for us throwing rocks and listening to the ripple," writes a winter visitor to Concho Lake.
Convenience: Some camping areas offer unexpected amenities despite being dispersed sites. "There were two port o potty's that were not too bad. There were lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake," notes a Concho Lake camper.
Fire restrictions: Fire bans are enforced seasonally and can impact camping plans. One camper at Concho Lake reported, "Due to fire danger in the area currently it's closed." Always check current fire restrictions before planning your trip.
Weather preparedness: High elevation sites experience significant temperature drops. A visitor to Beehive Spring Camp noted, "At 9200 ft elevation got cold at night in September."
Varying road conditions: Access to many sites requires careful driving. A camper warned about National Forest Road 117C: "Road is rocky and rutted in places but there are camp spots 2wd can access if one takes it slow."
Site cleanliness issues: Some popular free camping areas suffer from overuse. "Trash cans were overflowing with trash, and a few of the sites were trashed as well," reported a recent Concho Lake visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy the abundant small wildlife. Near Timber Mesa Trailhead, a camper experienced, "So many kinds of animals. Elk. Coyote. Cow. Sheep. You name it! It was an exciting way to spend the evening."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some sites. "The highway got quieter in the middle of the night for a little while," noted a Timber Mesa camper, suggesting families might want to select sites further from roads.
Site selection timing: Arriving during daylight hours allows for better site assessment. "I would estimate there are about 10 sites. Most appeared to have garbage cans," explained a Concho Lake visitor, highlighting the importance of early arrival to secure better sites.
Concrete pad availability: Some dispersed sites offer unexpected amenities for RVs. At Concho lake, "~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings."
Cell service information: Connectivity varies by location but can be surprisingly good. "Good Verizon!" noted one RVer at Concho Lake, while another mentioned, "decent AT&T signal," making it viable for remote workers.
Weather impacts: Wind affects certain areas more than others. A camper at Concho Lake simply stated, "WINDY," suggesting RVers should secure awnings and outdoor equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best areas for dispersed camping in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest?
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. Black River Dispersed is highly recommended for its beautiful surroundings, multiple camping spots, and access to fishing in the river. Carnero Spring Road provides clearings by a lake, with minimal traffic disturbance. Other notable areas include Mud Spring, National Forest Road 117C, and dispersed sites along Forest Road 112. Most areas require self-sufficiency as they lack amenities. When selecting a site, consider elevation (higher spots are cooler in summer), proximity to water sources, and road conditions. Some forest roads may be rutted or challenging after snow melt, so check current conditions before traveling, especially in a 2WD vehicle.
Can you find dispersed camping sites near Show Low, AZ in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest?
Yes, there are several dispersed camping options near Show Low within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Timber Mesa Trailhead offers convenient dispersed camping very close to town with established fire pits, flat tent spots, and access to marked trails with spectacular hiking views. Be aware that highway noise may be noticeable, especially during peak travel hours. Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping is another option within reasonable driving distance. When selecting a site near Show Low, choose higher ground when possible, especially during monsoon season. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. These areas typically have no facilities, so bring all necessary supplies and pack out all waste.
What amenities or facilities are available for dispersed campers in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest?
Dispersed camping in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest typically offers minimal amenities, as these are primitive sites. Concho Lake provides more facilities than most areas, with concrete pads at official sites, trash cans, and portable toilets. However, be aware that maintenance can be inconsistent. Beehive Spring Camp offers a few established sites with varied tree coverage at higher elevation (9,200 ft). Most other dispersed areas have no amenities—you'll find basic fire rings at some sites, but you must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service varies by location, with Verizon reported as reliable at some sites. Bring ample water, waste disposal bags, and all necessary supplies. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check current fire restrictions before your trip.
Is dispersed camping available near Big Lake in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest?
Yes, dispersed camping is available near Big Lake in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Pratt Lake Dispersed offers a quiet camping area near a small lake not far from the Big Lake region. The access road can be slightly rough in places, so drive carefully. For those seeking alternatives, dispersed camping along Forest Road 112 Campground provides additional options in the vicinity. When camping near Big Lake, remember that no amenities are available at these dispersed sites—you must be self-contained. The area is popular during fishing season, so arrive early on weekends to secure a spot. Check with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest office for current regulations and seasonal closures before your trip.
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