Looking for the best Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest pet-friendly camping? Find the best sites near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest where you bring your dog and enjoy a scenic view. Search nearby campgrounds that allow pets or find top-rated spots from other campers.
If getting completely away from it all and experiencing the outdoors for all it has to offer is your camping ideal then plan your camping vacation in the Big Lake Recreation Area. Big Lake itself is 575 acres, and makes a convenient base for other local lakes like Crescent Lake, Lee Valley Lake and the East and West Forks of the Black River. Choose your site from one of nine campgrounds and experience exceptional hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife viewing, and trout fishing. Campers have the convenience of paved roads, a dump station and showers, but no electric hookups. Apache Trout, the largest campground can accomodate RVs (max 45 feet) as well as in sections of Grayling Campground. Two campgrounds give tent campers the entire campground all to themselves. A visitor center and naturalist programs offer plenty of knowledge about the area.
Head to the heart of the White Mountains, Show Low Lake Campground! Nestled in the town of Show Low, Arizona, experience all the outdoor fun of camping in the woods with shopping and entertainment just minutes away.
At 6,500 feet elevation, Show Low Lake campground surrounds a stunning 100 acre lake. The tree studded grounds are open year round offering 75 camping sites, some with electric hook-ups, as well as dump station, restrooms, shower facilities (seasonal), day use picnic ramadas, and playground. A small convenience store (seasonal) offers up bait, tackle, boat rentals, drinks and snacks.
$18 - $150 / night
Rainbow is the largest campground in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. Because of its proximity to the lake, size and the many amenities it offers, Rainbow is a favorite for families. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding and fishing.
The campground is adjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing. Curious campers can attend educational programs at the recreation area's visitor center.
The campground is adjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing. Curious campers can attend educational programs at the recreation area's visitor center.
Rainbow Campground sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet in the White Mountains. It is a very scenic area, forested with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce and aspen trees, which provide ample shade. Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of the lower desert. Visitors should come prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer thunderstorms.
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. Springerville, Arizona is the closest town to the campground.
$28 - $90 / night
Brookchar Campground is tucked on the banks of Big Lake in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The campground is a small, tent-only facility comprised entirely of walk-in sites. Of the lake's five campgrounds, Brookchar is nearest to the water. The stocked lake draws anglers, and boat rentals and a boat ramp make it easy for campers to enjoy the lake's blue waters.
Big Lake is one of Arizona's top trout fishing lakes, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache trout being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding and wildlife viewing.
The campground sits in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at an elevation of 9,100 feet. The area is scenic, forested with ponderosa pine, fir, spruce and aspen, interspersed with high elevation meadows. Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of lower deserts. Visitors should come prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and cool nighttime temperatures.
Several other lakes can be found in the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
$20 - $32 / night
Winn Campground is situated near the Mt. Baldy trailheads and the East and West Forks of the Little Colorado River, making it an excellent choice for anglers and hikers. The facility offers many amenities and a variety of campsites, from group sites to tent-only and standard individual sites. It offers a peaceful and remote setting, as well as convenience to a host of outdoor activities and scenic areas.
Several nearby lakes invite anglers and boaters to fish for trout, including stocked Apache trout at Lee Valley Reservoir. With its proximity to the Mt. Baldy Wilderness, Winn Campground also attracts hikers. Mount Baldy tops out at 11,420 feet and is the tallest peak in Arizona's White Mountains.
Several nearby lakes invite anglers and boaters to fish for trout, including stocked Apache trout at Lee Valley Reservoir. With its proximity to the Mt. Baldy Wilderness, Winn Campground also attracts hikers. Mount Baldy tops out at 11,420 feet and is the tallest peak in Arizona's White Mountains.
Winn Campground is situated in a thick pine and aspen forest at an elevation of 8,500 feet near Lee Valley and Big Lake. Several smaller lakes are located within a short drive. From the campground, visitors can take in scenic views of the surrounding White Mountains. Some campsites border a large meadow where elk are often seen at twilight. Summer temperatures can be very pleasant because of the elevation. However, the rainy season often brings afternoon thunderstorms from late June through August. Visitors should come prepared for rain and cool nighttime temperatures.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. The nearest town is Springerville, Arizona.
$60 - $125 / night
One Camping Per Vehicle Permit covers up to a maximum of 8 people or 1 vehicle, in a campsite. RV’s towing an unoccupied vehicle is also covered under this permit. Individuals who bike, hike, get bused in, or come as a single person (without vehicle) must purchase a Camping Daily Per Vehicle Permit. Reservation camping permits are NON-TRANSFERABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE. Primitive camping requires the same permit as camping in designed areas. We also offer a monthly (30-day) camping permit for the outdoor lovers. All designated campsites are first-come first-serve basis. Campers are limited to 1 table per daily permit or 2 tables per monthly permit.
$9 / night
Scout
Great 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!
Scout
Got 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…
Legend
Rainbow campground at big lake is magical! This is the place to beat the heat and make summer memories. Tucked into the pines and aspens this campsite is a quick drive or hike down to the lake. You can’t go wrong with any of the sites, including the first come first serve loops.
Scout
Your article made me want to pack my bags and go immediately! Thanks for sharing. Play game planet clicker with me!
Ranger
Wonderful campground with flat sites, well spaced. Pit toilets and a shower. Dump on site! A bit expensive for dry camping but there in no dispersed camping in Greer and the neighboring apache res requires a $9 permit to dispersed camp. Three reservoirs nearby to hike to or fish at.
Ranger
Very large CG with full hookups, level sites, flush toilets and showers. Casino and its restaurants next door. Wild horses venture through the camp in the evening! Spots are pretty close together, it is very full and mostly full timer/long term campers. Staff was helpful and courteous. We did not have a reservation until that morning. It is very busy so advance reservations are the norm. casino offers first timers a players pass with $6 for food and $5 casino credit.
Traveler
We had a great site near the rear of the park with many shade trees and plenty of room. In general the sites are quite close together, but the folks were friendly and very helpful.....
Ranger
Right along the highway on a big climb from both sides. Maybe when the b/w photo was taken it was cool with 10% of the traffic now? The road is crazy busy these days. I would not recommend this location.
Ranger
The location is wrong! This is the coordinates - 33.76672° N, 109.35443° W This was so much more beautiful before the Wallow Fire. Please put out your fires! I grew up not far from here and always enjoy coming. There are small trout in the river and Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Mexican Hat Lake, Reservation Lake, and Lee Valley Reservoir all close. There is picnic tables, potable water in tanks if needed, vault toilets, fire rings all in the campground. The marina store at Big Lake and Crescent Lake both have stores with firewood. At the time of the posting, the camp host at Diamond Rock campground had firewood for sale not far up the road. Watch the corners going in and out as the OHV guys drive pretty fast and the road is narrow in many places. Bear Wallow Cafe is in Alpine and I recommend the pie!
GuideEasy to get to, close to town, clearly marked trails and roadways. Hiking views were spectacular.
GuideIt had been 28 years since we last camped at Rainbow. It is still a great place to escape the desert 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. Aspens, pines, and wildlife were all in abundance. Big Lake is a good fishing lake too.
The sites have plenty of space, shade, and privacy. Roads are paved and in good shape. The restrooms were constantly cleaned by the very friendly and capable staff from recreation resource management which operates the campground for the forest service.
Firewood and ice are available (stage 2 fire restrictions were in effect so no campfires), water was convenient as was gray water disposal. There is a centralized dump station, showers, and a small but educational visitor center. Trash dumpsters are centralized and easy to access.
If you don't fish there is still hiking to Mount Baldy, and short scenic drives to the very small towns of Greer and Alpine. We enjoyed exploring the miles of scenic forest roads, and wildlife viewing. We saw 4 Mexican gray wolves which was very special.
This is a very popular campground that accommodates all types of rigs. They do have first come first serve sites available, but it is recommended to make reservations at least 4 days in advance. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov. It's always best practice to print a copy of your reservation. There is no cell service in this area.
We look forward to camping again at Rainbow.
Ranger
Easy parking for out 25' rv. Only one other family here, and we only saw them when hiking torwards them. Cool and in the trees!
Ranger
Quiet place not far off a Forest Service Rd.
Traveler
This plant is completely Uncultivated so beautiful!
Ranger
Nice 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.
Guide
Pretty uneventful. They're still putting the place together but all hookups are ready to go. Great online reservation system. Even same day
Guide
Just an overnighter, very quiet, looks to very new. Good internet reception. Very level site, we didn't have to unhook.
Traveler
stayed here mostly to do some astrophotography as it’s almost 10k ft elevation and almost perfect bortle 1 skies made this a pretty ideal spot, i’d suggest bundling up as it gets pretty cold most nights of the year but was freezing when i went in october. definitely a wonderful and secluded campground.
Legend
This campsite is a repeat location for family. I almost didn’t even want to post a review so I could keep it hidden. Located right next to a large meadow, we almost always see elk or deer. There is also a nice trail next to a creek but the path was over grown when we tried to hike down it. The road down to the campsite is in good shape, but the sites are small. Perfect for 1-2 tents.
Vault toilet and no other amenities. Bring water.
This is a popular site for hunters during elk/deer season. We often find carcasses and bones around the site.
LegendThis is a great campsite that is full of amenities for FREE (donations accepted).
There are just a few spots and they are first come , first serve. We enjoyed chatting with the camp host and taking a walk along the hiking trails.
At over 9000 feet elevation, this is a great spot to beat the AZ summer heat. The sites are nestled away among the tree and feel very secluded considering how close together they actually are to each other.
Great for tent camping or a small camping trailer. Site have picnic tables, vault toilets, and drinking water
Scout
Reserved site #13 on line for August 15th. On arriving this site has no flat areas and you must pass directly through site #12 to access. The entire campground was EMPTY except us. We decided to move to site #12 to get a flat area. I informed the host out of courtesy of our move to the empty adjoining site. He said NO! I had to pay him $20 to make the change. If I did it on-line, it would be zero fee. THERE IS NO CELL COVERAGE at this campground, so it is impossible to go online and make that useless change. Another caretaker drove by and said he didn't see a problem moving if it was his call. The dude at Brookchar would NOT budge...he wanted his $20 bucks ( I have a senior pass and at worst it would have been $8.00). Told him to stuff it and to contact his manager. He refused. The other caretaker guy drove away and and said he would discuss it with her. Bear in mind, the entire campground had zero reservations for that evening besides us. He returned later to inform me that the manger had "OK'ed" the change for no fee. It is zero fee to change a campsites....zero! Unbelievable,,,,Beware....
Ranger
This campground at approximately 9000 ft elevation, has aspen trees throughout and is just gorgeous. There are two loops - one is reservation, the other is first come first serve. Each space has a table and firepit. The campground host also sells firewood for $10.
GuideThe spots are big and spread out. Clean laundry, clean grounds. Good electricity and water pressure. Only one wifi spot near office. Super nice folks. Verizon 5G is strong but slowish. Close to town. Right on the highway but it was quiet at night.
ScoutThe manager is a b**ch. We couldn't wait to leave. We will never return.
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.
Guide
Cyclone Lake (Basin?) is nestled in the Arizona mountains and offers a breathtaking escape into nature. The basin is surrounded by dense forests on all sides and provides a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The well-maintained facilities include spacious campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and clean(ish) restrooms. Wildlife sightings are common, adding to the campsite's allure. Watch out for bears! The poster-child of peaceful ambiance, this hidden gem is a must-visit for those seeking a rejuvenating camping experience in Arizona.
Explore the beauty of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest while enjoying a camping experience that welcomes your furry friends. With a variety of pet-friendly campgrounds, you can create unforgettable memories with your pets in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is Big Lake Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 66 dog-friendly camping locations near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
