Campgrounds around Cibecue, Arizona range from established recreation areas to secluded forest service sites, with many located along the scenic Mogollon Rim. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest hosts several camping areas, including Black Canyon Rim Campground near Heber and dispersed sites along Rim Road (FR300). Salt River Canyon offers camping through the Apache Tribe with primitive tent camping. Accommodation types vary from tent-only sites to locations that accommodate RVs, with a few areas offering cabin options. The region includes both fee-based developed campgrounds with amenities and free dispersed camping on forest service roads.
Access to many camping areas requires traveling on dirt roads of varying quality, with some sites demanding high-clearance vehicles. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from late spring through early fall, though some dispersed camping remains available year-round depending on weather conditions and elevation. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, particularly in the higher elevation forests. Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the region, with better service near towns like Show Low and Heber-Overgaard. Camping permits are required for some locations, especially on tribal lands near Salt River Canyon. As one camper noted, "With your permit to hike Cibecue Falls it gives you one night of camping at the camp ground. There is no power or water."
Campers consistently praise the solitude and natural beauty available at dispersed sites along Rim Road. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "There are a lot of dispersed camping sites here. Most of them are very easy to get to even with big RVs or trailers. Maintained roads all the way through." Wildlife viewing opportunities include wild horses near Black Canyon Rim Campground, with multiple reviewers mentioning these encounters as highlights. The established campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities, from basic vault toilets to some with electric hookups and showers. Visitors to the area frequently mention the scenic views from campsites along the Mogollon Rim, where some spots offer panoramic vistas across miles of forest. Night sky visibility receives high marks from campers seeking stargazing opportunities away from urban light pollution.
$25 - $100 / night
"Probably the most beautiful campground in Arizona. Just outside Show Low, in the eastern part of the state, you are nestled in the pine & juniper of the region."
"The lake is fabulous for kayaking, or just hiking around. Each campsite is spaced well away from neighboring sites, among beautiful, tall pines. There is room to stretch out and relax. "
$20 / night
"Only one water source and bathroom near the entrance so plan on a long walk or drive to use facilities if you are on the far end of the campground."
"Unlike some of the more popular lakes in the area, Black Canyon Lake offers more serenity. Don't expect a great fishing experience, however, as the lake is rarely stocked any more."
"With your permit to hike Cibecue Falls it gives you one night of camping at the camp ground. There is no power or water. They do have a bathroom."
$38 - $260 / night
"Located in the scenic Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in north central Arizona near the town of Heber. Beautiful campground. Very well taken care of. Sites are large and spread out. Very quiet."
"Campground Review Canyon Point is located in a beautiful Pine and Aspen wooded area just above the Mogollon Rim. The area has plenty of hiking trails, streams, and lakes."
"We are fairly new to camping in Arizona. We decided to go camping last minute this past weekend, so we had no reservations. We found this area randomly, and we were very pleased."
"Proximity to the Rim Visitor's Center for some ranger advice and a toliet! Also just right across the street from the Rim Lakes."
$35 / night
"The lake is in walking distance with rentable boats and swimming. The site was a drive up, with a table and pit."
"We found a spot close to the bathroom the toilets didn't smell. The lake was beautiful however wheelchair access isn't the greatest. I lucky had my off road tires on."
"We came up from Phoenix to get away from city life for 48 hours and this place is beautiful. We just got here and I have at least some reception because I’m doing the review from the site."
"There are places to get away from the main roads and places near the roads for those with toys. The further from the toys and noisy people, the better for us."
"Trailer was about 40 feet from the edge with unparalleled views. I'd stay away from the rim edge on windy days. No worries during our stay."
"And to see the view was just a 20 foot walk. Also we were right by a trailhead so we did have passerby’s but no worries. There is a host that comes around so that feel safe and welcoming."
$18 - $150 / night
"Cute little Campground literally on the edge of town. If you look in one direction you'll see the apartment buildings about a quarter mile away (you can see it in the video)."
"There are no hookups at all on this second loop, but you can fill fresh water from over near the dump station. Short walk to the lake for swimming and/or fishing."
TravelerGo past the knoll lake campground turnoff and turn left on FR 752 you can go down to about .15 miles from the lake but it takes a lifted car to get all the way down. My Kia sorento made it to about 1 mile from the lake but a ton of great dispersed sites all along the road. Go as far as you are comfortable
TravelerFound this initially on Boondockers Welcome and double checked on The Dyrt. Directions and map were clearer on The Dyrt. We missed a crucial turn and wandered around for an hour on narrow, rocky gravel roads before Lew could talk us through the route. I guess I’m not as good at reading a map or directions as I thought I was.
Lew has a gorgeous property with plenty of sites of all sizes but only two “developed.” We were told to feel free to find a spot that felt good and to clear rocks to make a fire pit if we wished. We decided to set up in “Site 2” which was extra roomy and easily accommodated our 41’ fifth wheel. Lew is in the process of clearing undergrowth and there’s lots of wood available for fires. However, it has been an extremely dry winter, so be judicious, as it does get windy up here on the ridge.
This is definitely off grid — no power, no water and no dump station. Verizon was 2 bars reliably and occasionally 3. WiFi was excellent.
GuideGreat location (Mogollon Dispersed).. The views and surrounding forest are beautiful.. There is a men's & women's outhouse at the entrance to the area. Each site has a number assigned, camping 50 feet within the designated sign. There is no trash receptacles or amenities. There is a designated dump station 2 miles at the Woods Canyon Lake turnoff, fees are collected. $10 to dump waste and $5 to fill water tanks.. $7 per bag of trash.
GuideSpent 2 weeks at Bermuda Flat during Easter weekend. Very busy during Easter but thinned out nicely during the week.. weather was warm during the day mid to high 80's. Water was a bit chilly but refreshing. Would stay again but would avoid Easter weekend.
ScoutVery quiet, yet there's a good bit of people coming and going on a daily basis. It says free Wi-Fi but I've been at two separate places here and the Wi-Fi is horrible at both places. Unfortunately the pool isn't open yet but should be open soon. Plenty to do nearby, overall this is a very nice spot to be.
RangerWe checked out 3 campgrounds before settling on this one - Ponderosa, Christopher Creek & Sharp Creek. CG opened on April 1st, reservations start on the 15th. We arrived on the 7th so it was first come. Not crowded at this time. Stayed 5 nights including a weekend.
It's fairly high @ 6,000' which is exactly what we were looking for to avoid excessive heat. Road in & site pads paved. Water turned on. Hosts had just arrived and were nice but unfamiliar with the area. No firewood for sale here and no dump nearby in spite of some information indicating a dump at Ponderosa CG (it's not functional). Nearest supplies in Christopher Creek, a short distance from the CG. I know they have ice and some basic supplies. Maybe firewood? A couple restaurants/taverns there as well. There's a store @ Woods Canyon Lake on top of the Rim that opens this year later in April and there are some services including gas in Forest Lakes. Otherwise it's Payson or Heber.
The only downside that I would mention about the CG is highway noise. It's a fairly busy road and not far from the CG. Good cell service with Verizon.
GuideThis campground is quite stunning being in a mature Ponderosa forest with the creek fronting many of the camp spots. Like someone else has mentioned, the parking and many of the sites are tight/small. It appears that only 3 of the sites in loop A are non-reservable/first come first serve. We got one of those (36). Potable water and vault toilets.
GuideMuddy roads to make my way back to spot 26, but 100 percent worth it.
ScoutStayed at Site #1. Even with a quick "sunset to sunrise" trip, the views were great and the area was incredibly peaceful. Versatile: Plenty of space for everything from tents to large RVs and groups. Amenities: Lots of trees for hammocks and plenty of downed wood for foraging. Accessible: Sites are well-numbered and easy to find, even if you're arriving late.
Dispersed camping options near Cibecue, Arizona include both established campgrounds and primitive sites throughout the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The region includes developed facilities like Black Canyon Rim Campground near Heber and Second Campground closer to Cibecue Falls. Camping areas range from tent-only sites along Salt River Canyon to RV-accessible locations with hookups at Show Low Lake Campground. Most mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and vehicle camping with varying levels of amenities, while dispersed camping along Rim Road (Forest Road 300) provides more remote options with minimal facilities.
Access to camping areas varies significantly based on location and season. The road to Second Campground requires navigating dirt roads with cliff exposure, though passenger cars can manage the drive in good conditions. Black Canyon Rim Campground remains open from May through September, while some higher elevation sites have shorter seasons due to snow. Many campgrounds require advance reservations through recreation.gov, while dispersed camping generally follows Forest Service regulations with 14-day stay limits. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many camping areas, especially in the canyons and remote forest roads. A camper noted: "The road to the sites was not bad at all. Can come from north or south on FR738, there were a few bumpy sections but no clearance needed."
The Mogollon Rim area provides scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities at many campsites. Wild horses are frequently spotted near Black Canyon Rim Campground, adding a unique element to the camping experience. Several visitors mentioned the quiet, secluded nature of camping in this region, particularly at sites away from the main roads. Campgrounds near water, such as Show Low Lake and Black Canyon Lake, tend to be more popular during summer months. Campers seeking solitude might prefer dispersed sites along forest roads. As one reviewer described the dispersed camping along Rim Road: "There are a lot of dispersed camping sites here. Most of them are very easy to get to even with big RVs or trailers. Maintained roads all the way through. A lot of areas to explore."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cibecue, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cibecue, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 195 campgrounds and RV parks near Cibecue, AZ and 48 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cibecue, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cibecue, AZ is Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cibecue, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 48 free dispersed camping spots near Cibecue, AZ.
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