Best Tent Camping near Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Tent camping opportunities within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona include established campgrounds and dispersed sites with varying amenities. Shush Bezahze offers drive-in and walk-in tent sites with drinking water, toilets and picnic tables, while Reservation Lake provides vault toilets and drinking water for a primitive camping experience. Beehive Spring Camp represents a dispersed option where campers can enjoy a more remote setting with fewer facilities but greater seclusion.
Access to many tent sites requires advance planning as road conditions vary significantly across the forest. Brown Creek Campground features secluded sites with minimal development, lacking established fire rings or bathroom facilities. Most locations are unmarked or poorly signed, requiring good navigation skills and appropriate maps. Visitors should pack all necessary supplies including drinking water, as many sites lack basic amenities. Some campgrounds on Apache Indian Reservation land may require special permits or have restricted access. A visitor commented that "if you didn't know it was here you wouldn't ever guess there was a campground" when describing Brown Creek's hidden nature.
Several tent sites sit at higher elevations, providing relief from summer desert heat but requiring cold-weather gear even in early fall. Beehive Spring Camp sits at approximately 9,200 feet elevation, where a camper noted it "got cold at night in September" despite daytime warmth. Most tent areas feature tree coverage from ponderosa pine, juniper, scrub oak and ash, providing natural shade and windbreaks. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the forest, with bears occasionally observed near water sources. Fishing opportunities exist at several lakes and streams within reasonable hiking distance from tent sites. The remote nature of many camping areas means minimal light pollution, creating excellent stargazing conditions on clear nights.
