Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Hawley Lake Apache Indian Reservation Campground accepts pets with open camping areas among pine trees where visitors and their dogs experience the wild horses and cattle that occasionally wander through at night. Campsites offer fire rings, some with metal picnic tables, and portable toilets are positioned throughout the grounds. Los Burros Campground, another pet-friendly option, provides secluded sites with fire pits, grills, and picnic tables where pets can accompany their owners. Most campgrounds in Apache-Sitgreaves area have pet-friendly tent sites, RV spaces, and some offer cabin accommodations. Hon-Dah RV Park provides full hookups with 30/50 amp electrical connections for RV camping with dogs, plus clean restrooms and shower facilities. Campers should secure food in airtight containers at night as bears have been reported in some areas, with one visitor noting claw marks on their truck tailgate while camping at Gabaldon Horse Campground.
The Apache-Sitgreaves region features hiking opportunities where dogs can join their owners on trails like Los Burros Trail, accessible directly from Los Burros Campground. Free-range horses occasionally approach campsites but are easily scared away by tossing a few small rocks. Water access for dogs exists at several lakes, including Hurricane Lake and Show Low Lake, though swimming is prohibited at Hawley Lake. Wild horses roam through Hon-Dah RV Park grounds in the evenings, adding to the pet camping experience. Higher elevation campgrounds like Winn Campground (9,000 feet) experience cold nighttime temperatures, requiring extra preparation for pets. Most pet-friendly campgrounds maintain vault toilets that are regularly cleaned, though some facilities may be temporarily closed with portable toilets as replacements.












