Best Tent Camping near Blue, AZ

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest surrounding Blue, Arizona offers several primitive tent camping options, with Upper Blue Campground and Blue Crossing Campground providing established tent-only sites. These small campgrounds, located along the Blue River, feature minimal amenities but maximum seclusion. The Blue Range Primitive Area, approximately 15 miles southwest of Blue, provides backcountry tent camping opportunities for those seeking deeper wilderness experiences. Tent campers often choose these areas for their proximity to water and distance from developed recreation areas.

Sites throughout the region typically feature uneven natural terrain with minimal site preparation, requiring careful tent placement. Most tent campgrounds near Blue operate seasonally from April through November, closing during winter months due to snow and access limitations. Four-wheel drive vehicles are necessary for reaching Upper Blue Campground, as noted by visitors. Blue Crossing Campground offers three tent sites with lean-to structures but lacks running water. Vault toilets are available at some locations, but campers should bring all necessary supplies including drinking water and waste disposal bags. Fire restrictions frequently apply during dry summer months.

Tent-only sites in this region provide exceptional access to wilderness experiences. According to reviews, Blue Crossing Campground offers "plenty of trees and shade" with "lots of downed trees for firewood" and proximity to hiking trails and petroglyphs. One camper noted that Upper Blue Campground requires 4x4 access but rewards visitors with "isolated sweeping views." The small, spread-out nature of these campgrounds ensures privacy, with most featuring just three tent sites separated by natural vegetation. Monsoon season from late June through August brings daily afternoon rainfall, while September offers cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Wildlife sightings are common, with bears, coatimundi and other animals frequently observed near water sources, making proper food storage essential for backcountry tent camping.

Best Tent Sites Near Blue, Arizona (31)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Blue, AZ

165 Reviews of 31 Blue Campgrounds


  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    Bighorn Campground

    Perfect for a One Bight Stopover

    Bighorn, NM: great for stopover., As it is right off the highway (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 3 perfect for a stop over Security: no Usage during visit: light Site Privacy: no Site Spacing: OK Pad surface: dirt Outside Road Noise: some highway noise Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no, Dump Station: no, Potable Water Available: no Generators: allowed Bathroom: pit toilet Showers: no Setting: parallel with creek, just off the highway. Solar: great Insects: none during our visit in April. Host: no Sites: along the creek bed, just off the highway.

  • M
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Cosmic Campground

    Stars 5 Campsite 4

    About 10 designated sites around a loop. The sites are set up as to where you pull/back your vehicle/camper into the site. There is a picnic table. The site itself is compacted gravel. There is an area at each site where you can set up tent(s) on dirt. Very little to no shade so suggest you bring a popup canopy. Each site has a fire ring, but be sure to check (and respect) the burn ban status. Two pit toilets. No water available at campground so be sure to pack in. There are also dispersed sites off the main loop. There are basically just where you set up a tent where you can find a nice spot. Most have a rock fire ring. The dispersed sites offer solitude away from other campers, but a longer walk to the latrines. There are 4 cement pads at the main campsite area to set telescopes. The stars are incredible. Great viewing of Milky Way (when on cosmic calendar). Constellations galore. Too many satellites to count.

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 17, 2020

    Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res

    Camping for Nearby Lake Access

    We camped here when we had a permit to fish at nearby Christmas Tree Lake. Christmas Tree Lake is a beautiful little lake nestled in the White Mountains of Arizona on Apache land. It boasts some amazing fishing for the native trout species- the Apache trout. The fish are stocked, so it may not be a true experience for some but most of the access to the native fish in their native habitat is restricted or non existent to protect these beautiful creatures. The lake offers paid access on a day to day basis. A total of 25 permits per day are offered to keep fishing pressure in check. But these permits are non refundable so don't reserve too early. 

    Permits and information can be found on the website but customer service can be difficult. Camping is available on a first come basis at Hawley Lake which also offers great fishing and beautiful scenery. Be aware that I did experience some free range cattle snooping through the camp at 2am which was a bit unexpected. Also, being in the mountains, it was pretty cold at night. 

    The area we camped in was open and the roads were well marked. Campsites were situated near fire rings with only the occasional picnic table. There were four pretty well maintained portable toilets near our camp as well. Be sure to review the rules and regulations on the website as some areas are off limits and to make sure you have all the proper permits for fishing and/or camping.(State and local licenses required for fishing)

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Apache Creek Campground

    Perfect for a Stopover

    Apache Creek CG: Apache Creek store is right across the street. Up the road an eighth of a mile. Ice is available there.

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 5 for a one night stop over Security: no Usage during visit: light Site Spacing: Spread out campsites Pad surface: dirt Reservations: Looks to be first come first serve. Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: no Potable Water Available: I did not see any water spigots. Generators: allowed Bathroom: Vault toilet Showers: no Pull Throughs: yes Setting: in open Ponderosa Forest and deciduous trees. Solar: Sites look to have nice solar Rig Size: Large rigs Sites: All sites are pretty nice.

  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Hannagan Campground - Apache Sitgreaves National Forests

    Lovely Little Campground

    This 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

  • Ashley A.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Alpine Divide Campground

    Great Setting, Average Site

    Alpine Divide is nestled in the Ponderosa Pines just outside of Alpine, AZ. It is pretty typical for a USFS site of its type. Perforated style picnic table, fire ring with grill attachment, vault toilet. The views are amazing, though! It is right off the highway so there is some road noise and half of the 12 sites are currently inaccessible (as of 2021).

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Buffalo Crossing Campground

    Love this river and area

    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!

  • M
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Cosmic Campground

    I'd give it six stars if I could!

    Absolutely the best campsite I've ever stayed at! You'll never experience anything like it, seeing the stars like how they should be! Unfortunately there's a little light pollution to the west, and to north, but almost nothing to the South or East.

    This is truly remote camping, absolutely nothing nearby. Hardly any road noise or airplanes overhead.

    This is Bear country, so be sure to store your food properly and practice proper campsite safety. I actually sat out and watched the stars with a can of bear mace in my camping chair right next to me, just in case. I was the only person at the campsite.

    It's very well maintained, with very nice facilities. Need to bring in your own water, but there are restrooms.

    If you're heading east from here, you can drive through the very large telescope array the next day, which is also amazing!

    I can't recommend this campsite enough, it's unlike anything you'll ever experience!

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Rainbow (AZ)

    Beautiful Hiking, Serene Camping

    Camped here in October 2016. My all-time favorite campgrounds. We tent camped and it was freezing cold, poured rain. We had huge sleeping bags and a little propane heater, and still really enjoyed it. Lots of area to hike and tons to see.


Guide to Blue

Tent camping options near Blue, Arizona cluster around rugged wilderness terrain in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 5,000 and 9,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal conditions with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F. Most campsites require navigating unpaved forest roads, with accessibility varying significantly during spring snowmelt and summer monsoon periods.

What to do

Hiking at Cutthroat Campground: Access trails with lake views and moderate terrain suitable for day hikes. "Sites are more private that brookchar (next site over) but only have vaulted toilets, no running water in bathrooms," notes Candy P., who recommends planning accordingly for water needs.

Fishing at Reservation Lake: The lake provides trout fishing opportunities during summer months. Ryan V. reports, "Lake has some great fishing and excellent scenery," though catches tend to be more frequent in early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler.

Stream exploration: Small children can wade safely at some Blue River access points during low water periods. According to Daren W. at Upper Blue Campground, there's a "Minute walk to blue river. Lots of fun to play and climb/hike" with shallow areas appropriate for supervised water play.

Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk provide prime viewing hours for deer, elk and birds. Bring binoculars and maintain proper food storage protocols in all camping areas to avoid attracting wildlife to your site.

What campers like

Solitude and space: The low density of campsites creates privacy uncommon in more developed areas. Jon U. at Upper Blue Campground notes, "I camped here on the 4th of July. Although I planned to go somewhere higher, I couldn't pass on this site when I saw it."

Natural camping surfaces: Most sites feature minimal development, allowing for camping on natural terrain. "Not all spots are level, but the views are great!" explains Candy P. about Cutthroat, highlighting the trade-off many campers appreciate between convenience and natural setting.

Weather refuge: Summer temperatures typically run 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix or Tucson. Ryan V. describes Reservation Lake as an "Awesome summer retreat for cooler weather," making it a popular destination during hotter months.

Natural resources: Fallen timber provides campfire materials where permitted. Daren W. mentions that Blue Crossing Campground has "Plenty of downed trees for firewood" which reduces the need to bring firewood from outside areas.

What you should know

Water availability: No reliable potable water exists at most primitive sites. Bring 1 gallon per person per day minimum, with additional for cooking and cleaning needs.

Road conditions: Forest roads deteriorate significantly during wet weather. Jon U. warns about Upper Blue Campground: "4x4 is probably required," indicating the rough access even during dry conditions.

Limited services: No cell service exists in most camping areas. The nearest reliable supplies are in Alpine, approximately 25 miles from most campsites.

Lake access considerations: Some lake sites require short hikes from parking areas. Dave R. explains about Cutthroat Campground: "You have to hike your stuff up a small hill from the car. Views are spectacular and great shade. All of the lower spots 3-8 good lake access."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection strategy: Choose sites with natural features that create boundaries for smaller children. At Cutthroat Campground, "Spot 19 is really the best. Great views, shade, close to bathroom (pit toilets) and car accessible," recommends Dave R., highlighting a family-friendly option.

Cultural connections: Introduce children to local history through accessible archaeological sites. Daren W. mentions Blue Crossing Campground offers "Hiking trails and petroglyphs," providing educational opportunities within walking distance.

Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature variations, particularly in spring and fall. Daytime temperatures can reach 80°F while nighttime drops below 40°F, requiring layered clothing systems for comfort.

Shelter options: Consider lean-to structures for additional weather protection with children. "Only 3 sites, two with lean to's," reports Daren W. about Blue Crossing Campground, which can provide additional shelter during unexpected weather.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Blue cannot accommodate vehicles longer than 20 feet. Narrow forest roads with tight turns prevent larger RV access to primitive sites.

Alternative base camps: Consider established campgrounds in Alpine for larger vehicles, making day trips to Blue area attractions. Shane W. suggests Pratt Lake Dispersed as an option with less challenging access: "Road is a little rough going in, in places," but notes it remains accessible for appropriate vehicles.

Seasonal access windows: Plan RV visits during drier periods between monsoon seasons. Shane W. notes at Hulsey Lake Fishing Site that there is "plenty of dispersed to be found up the road further all the way to Terry Flat," but cautions to be respectful when driving near residential areas.

Supply planning: No hookups or dump stations exist in immediate Blue vicinity. The closest RV services are in Alpine or Springerville, requiring comprehensive self-sufficiency for stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Blue, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Blue, AZ is Upper Blue Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Blue, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Blue, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.