Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Blue, AZ has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Blue. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Blue, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Cosmic Campground is one of many sites on the Gila NF where night sky photography is at it's best. Late May - late October are the best times to see the Milky Way and get some premium photos.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. It is also one of only 10 certified IDA Sanctuaries in the world. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. For more information on dark skies or the International Dark Sky Association -http://www.darksky.org/. The CCIDSS offers a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky, and often hosts “star parties” in cooperation with the partner group “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.” This site is situated where there nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 40 miles away, and across the state line in Arizona. . Night vision is necessary to enjoy the night sky. If you look at white light from either your flashlight or your cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes. In order to respect your fellow star gazers the Forest Service recommends: No parking on the observation/telescope pads No camp fires on observation pads Use a red filter over your flashlight lens Try to arrive before dark so that your headlights won’t distort your night vision Quiet times (no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. CCIDSS is a primitive campground with minimal site amenities including an information kiosk, a pit toilet, and four concrete telescope/observation pads. Currently, there is very minimal shade available however, future planning developments intend to erect a shade pavilion as well as improve individual campsite amenities as funding comes available.
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.
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 facility boasts 165 campsites organized into six loops. Four double sites are available for up to 16 people each, which is convenient for larger families, and two single unit accessible sites are also available. A small store nearby sells gas, food, boat rentals and firewood. A campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.
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
Hannagan and KP Cienega Campgrounds are currently open with limited services and no water, until winter weather and snow accumulation no longer allows safe access. Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area, complete with the historic Hanngan Meadow Lodge, rustic campgounds, access to the Blue Range Primitive Area, breathtaking views from the edge of the Mogollon Rim, hunting, fishing, and winter trails, is a high country four-season sporting paradise for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. History of Hannagan Meadow The explorer Coronado and his expedition passed through the area in the 1540s on their way from Mexico to Zuni, but it is unknown whether they passed by this particular site, although some have speculated that they may have. The meadow was named after Robert Hannagan, a Nevada miner and cattle rancher. One local legend is that Hannagan was chained to a tree by the meadow until his debt of $1,200 was paid off. Fortunately it was promptly paid by his son, but the name stuck. Another story suggests that Toles Cosper, a rancher from nearby Luna, New Mexico was riding with the young Hannagan when they came across the meadow during the 1870s. They flipped a coin to see which man they would name it after, and Hannagan won. Toles Cosper's son, DeWitt Cosper, built a lodge here in 1926. Hannagan Meadow is currently the highest point in Arizona to be inhabited throughout the entire year. Winter Trails Highlights The groomed ski trails at Hannagan Meadow are narrower and generally more challenging than those at Williams Valley. However, all levels of skiers are likely to find suitable skiing from the 14 kilometers of groomed trails. For those in search of solitude, the back-country trails leading into upper elevations of Blue Range Primitive Area provide some of the best remote skiing in the Southwest. Skiers who possess advanced skiing abilities and snow camping experience should find this area very rewarding. It is recommended that skiers in this area obtain the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ visitor map from any Forest Service office. Please note that Hwy. 191 south of Alpine may not be plowed on evenings, weekends, holidays or during snowstorms. Trail grooming is likely to be delayed following winter storms.
This campground offers an easily accessible rustic streamside camping experience amongst tall pines Head of the Ditch Campground is located in a scenic valley approximately 1.5 miles west of historic Luna, New Mexico on US Highway 180. The campground is marked with a blue campground sign, not with a Forest Service campground sign. Water from the San Francisco River which runs through the campground is used for irrigation in Luna Valley. The campground is located at the head of the irrigation ditch which gives Head of the Ditch Campground its name. The campground has a large open area and shady campsites with pine, oak, cottonwood, and willow trees.
At 9,000 feet, this is one of the highest campgrounds in Arizona. With that in mind, you might suspect that it's cool up here. Well you would be right, deliciously cool--when it's hot everywhere else. 5 single unit sites Trailers and motorhomes up to 16 foot No hookups Pets must be restrained or on a leash Lodge and restaurant at nearby Hannagan Meadow Tables Fire rings with cooking grills The KP Trailhead, directly adjacent to the campground, provides hiking and backpacking opportunites into the Blue Range Primitive Area via the KP Trail (# 70) with connections to many other trails within the area.
Horse Springs Campground includes new toilet facilities, a group ramada and a picnic area. Most of the campground is relatively accessible. The East Fork meanders through the forested valley shaded by tall ponderosa pines and bordered by grasses, alders, and streamside hardwoods.
$16 / night
Located near the riverside at 6200' elevation within the beautiful Blue River Valley, Blue Crossing Campground is a perfect choice for a peaceful, rustic camping experience in a beautiful setting well off the beaten path. It also provides a convenient base camp for anyone seeking to explore the Blue Range Primitive Area via the Tutt Creek Trailhead. 4 total campsites, 2 with Adirondack-style shelters. Trailer 16" max Access to Blue Range Primitive Area. 14 day stay limit.
Cosmic Campground is one of many sites on the Gila NF where night sky photography is at it's best. Late May - late October are the best times to see the Milky Way and get some premium photos.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary (CCIDSS) is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located on National Forest System lands and also in North America. It is also one of only 10 certified IDA Sanctuaries in the world. International Dark Sky Sanctuaries are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights. For more information on dark skies or the International Dark Sky Association -http://www.darksky.org/. The CCIDSS offers a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the night sky, and often hosts “star parties” in cooperation with the partner group “Friends of the Cosmic Campground.” This site is situated where there nearest significant source of artificial light is more than 40 miles away, and across the state line in Arizona. . Night vision is necessary to enjoy the night sky. If you look at white light from either your flashlight or your cell phone you will not be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural night sky for 20-30 minutes. In order to respect your fellow star gazers the Forest Service recommends: No parking on the observation/telescope pads No camp fires on observation pads Use a red filter over your flashlight lens Try to arrive before dark so that your headlights won’t distort your night vision Quiet times (no generator use) between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. CCIDSS is a primitive campground with minimal site amenities including an information kiosk, a pit toilet, and four concrete telescope/observation pads. Currently, there is very minimal shade available however, future planning developments intend to erect a shade pavilion as well as improve individual campsite amenities as funding comes available.
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.
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 facility boasts 165 campsites organized into six loops. Four double sites are available for up to 16 people each, which is convenient for larger families, and two single unit accessible sites are also available. A small store nearby sells gas, food, boat rentals and firewood. A campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.
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
Hannagan and KP Cienega Campgrounds are currently open with limited services and no water, until winter weather and snow accumulation no longer allows safe access. Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area, complete with the historic Hanngan Meadow Lodge, rustic campgounds, access to the Blue Range Primitive Area, breathtaking views from the edge of the Mogollon Rim, hunting, fishing, and winter trails, is a high country four-season sporting paradise for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. History of Hannagan Meadow The explorer Coronado and his expedition passed through the area in the 1540s on their way from Mexico to Zuni, but it is unknown whether they passed by this particular site, although some have speculated that they may have. The meadow was named after Robert Hannagan, a Nevada miner and cattle rancher. One local legend is that Hannagan was chained to a tree by the meadow until his debt of $1,200 was paid off. Fortunately it was promptly paid by his son, but the name stuck. Another story suggests that Toles Cosper, a rancher from nearby Luna, New Mexico was riding with the young Hannagan when they came across the meadow during the 1870s. They flipped a coin to see which man they would name it after, and Hannagan won. Toles Cosper's son, DeWitt Cosper, built a lodge here in 1926. Hannagan Meadow is currently the highest point in Arizona to be inhabited throughout the entire year. Winter Trails Highlights The groomed ski trails at Hannagan Meadow are narrower and generally more challenging than those at Williams Valley. However, all levels of skiers are likely to find suitable skiing from the 14 kilometers of groomed trails. For those in search of solitude, the back-country trails leading into upper elevations of Blue Range Primitive Area provide some of the best remote skiing in the Southwest. Skiers who possess advanced skiing abilities and snow camping experience should find this area very rewarding. It is recommended that skiers in this area obtain the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ visitor map from any Forest Service office. Please note that Hwy. 191 south of Alpine may not be plowed on evenings, weekends, holidays or during snowstorms. Trail grooming is likely to be delayed following winter storms.
This campground offers an easily accessible rustic streamside camping experience amongst tall pines Head of the Ditch Campground is located in a scenic valley approximately 1.5 miles west of historic Luna, New Mexico on US Highway 180. The campground is marked with a blue campground sign, not with a Forest Service campground sign. Water from the San Francisco River which runs through the campground is used for irrigation in Luna Valley. The campground is located at the head of the irrigation ditch which gives Head of the Ditch Campground its name. The campground has a large open area and shady campsites with pine, oak, cottonwood, and willow trees.
