Tent camping near Cibecue, Arizona provides access to rugged backcountry experiences on Apache tribal lands and surrounding wilderness areas. Second Campground and Salt River Canyon - Apache Tribe offer tent-only camping options within the Salt River Canyon region. These primitive tent campsites provide access to Cibecue Falls and the surrounding canyon landscape, with Second Campground included as part of the permit to hike the falls. Additional tent campgrounds like Airplane Flat and Alderwood are located within driving distance, offering more established facilities while maintaining a wilderness feel.
Most tent campgrounds in the Cibecue area require permits, particularly those on Apache tribal lands. No potable water is available at most sites, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Second Campground features basic vault toilets but limited other amenities. Salt River Canyon - Apache Tribe campground offers picnic tables and toilets with hike-in access. Fire restrictions are common, with many sites prohibiting open flames. The dirt access roads can be challenging, with one camper noting the approach to Second Campground as "a dirt road with a cliff on one side." Summer temperatures can be extreme, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions.
The backcountry tent camping experience near Cibecue provides exceptional solitude and natural beauty. According to reviews, Salt River Canyon - Apache Tribe campground is "completely uncultivated" and "a hidden gem" with "easy access to lake, wildlife" while remaining "quiet" despite being relatively close to town. Second Campground offers "quiet camp sites" that make for "a relaxing night after a short hike to the falls." Cell service is nonexistent in most areas, creating a true disconnect from urban life. Walk-in tent sites at some locations require additional hiking but reward campers with greater privacy and pristine surroundings. The combination of canyon views, water access, and minimal development creates an authentic primitive tent camping experience.
"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."
"Vaulted toilets are available, picnic tables and fire rings. First come first served. There is a camp host usually... not sure why? Plenty of firewood to gather."
"The spots are spaced out decently."
"Wanted to get out of the heat of Phoenix so came up. Our spot had some trees but our RV was mostly in the sun. Far enough off the road. Not too dusty. Spots allowed no more than 20 people."
"Off the beaten path. Spacious and quite with little wildlife"
"Reynolds Creek Group Camp is a solid, no-frills spot tucked into the trees—peaceful, clean, and well maintained."
"Exactly what we were looking for with much appreciated privacy and no one else around. Fires were allowed and there was a peaceful spring nearby."
GuideBeautifully situated right on the shores of Theodore Roosevelt Lake with incredible surrounding mountain views. The campsites are very well groomed, featuring a level gravel parking pad, a fire pit, and a covered pavilion over the picnic table. It was peaceful and quiet throughout our stay, and the restrooms and showers were clean and fully functional. Highly recommend!
ScoutLots of places to pull off from this dirt road. Mine has a roundabout and a fire pit already. Dogs loves it. Millions of stars!
TravelerGot a first come, first serve site. The campground was clean and there were a couple of trails to walk along the river. Highly recommend this campsite!
Travelerהמקום סגור
GuideReally only 2 sites, the 1st site is before GPS stops you. On the right before GPS, there's a short pull off trail that goes through to the main road, the fire pit is facing the main road! So you want to be facing the exit! Depending on how long you are, you can maneuver to where GPS takes you, turn around and drive up that cutoff trail! I was able to park just right to be Perfectly Level! Ok I moved it twice! The fire pit was 9' from the back door of my 24' Camper! Everything you Need A Fire Pit 🔥& Late October in the White Mountains ✌️🤟🤙
ScoutThe staff have Bob one of the caps they wear which normally indicates they are park employees. They gave one to Wisconsin Bob because he picks up trash. He is not an employee of the park. He is an alcoholic with large knives and guns who harassed me once he learned I was traveling alone. He represents himself as a park ranger. I left early. Women beware of him.
LegendNothing special. Quiet. Mostly long term.
GuideGood spot. Seems well taken care of. Not many people here although its a Sunday night. Saw a spot with a sign that said camp here so thats where I stayed LOL
ScoutGreat site lots of trees and creek a few steps away. Like most campsites it can get loud depending on who is next to you. Family and dog friendly. Bathroom stays pretty clean (vault toilet no water). Temp drops at night.
Tent camping near Cibecue, Arizona requires navigation through White Mountain Apache tribal lands, where permits are mandatory for all visitors. Located at approximately 4,500 feet elevation, the area experiences temperature ranges from below freezing in winter months to over 100°F during summer days. Camping options span from established campgrounds with minimal amenities to completely undeveloped dispersed sites, with most locations sitting at the junction of desert and pine forest ecosystems.
Creek fishing access: At Airplane Flat Campground, campers can walk to nearby waters for recreational fishing. "Short walk to Lower Canyon Creek where the waters were icy cold. Great trout fishing - north of the bridge, catch and release only south of the bridge with barbless lures only," notes Gerard R.
Wildlife observation: The remote location of many camping areas provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. David Y. describes Forest Road 195 Campground as "pretty secluded and pretty remote. Sites are of different sizes, anyone can camp, big trailers etc. very quiet except for nature and birds."
Waterfall hiking: Several campgrounds serve as base camps for waterfall hikes in the region. According to Doug C., camping at Second Campground "makes for a relaxing night after a short hike to the falls," referring to the permit-required hike to Cibecue Falls.
Privacy and seclusion: Many campers appreciate the remote, uncrowded nature of camping in this region. Emm S. describes Alderwood Campground as a "diamond in the rough" that was "a bit out of the way, but fairly easy to access. Exactly what we were looking for with much appreciated privacy and no one else around."
Natural water features: Access to creeks, springs, and waterholes ranks highly among camper preferences. "We went in July and it was upper 80's during the day, perfect at night for a fire. Short walk to Lower Canyon Creek where the waters were icy cold," reports one Airplane Flat visitor.
Disconnect from technology: The lack of connectivity creates a true wilderness experience. David Y. notes "no Verizon for the most part" at Forest Road 195, while Sonja T. cautions that "cell services leaving Payson for ATT/Cricket was NONEXISTENT for most of the way, especially up in the dispersed areas. Use offline maps, don't rely on internet access if you have Cricket!"
Permit requirements: Most camping within Apache tribal lands requires specific permits purchased in advance. Camping at Salt River Canyon - Apache Tribe and other tribal sites requires proper authorization, with Susan W. noting that despite being "completely uncultivated," the area remains under tribal management.
Road conditions: Access roads to many camping areas are unpaved and can be challenging. Doug C. describes the road to Second Campground as "a dirt road with a cliff on one side," while Sonja T. warns that at Forest Road 195, "the roads off the main are VERY rough. In our Santa Cruz we had to go very slow and careful. Better suited for larger trucks with ample clearance."
Site availability: During peak seasons, finding available sites can be difficult without advance planning. "We tried this site but it was full in both sides of 195. Not a site to be found," reports one camper about a busy weekend at Forest Road 195 Campground.
Choose established sites: For family camping, consider campgrounds with basic amenities. Andy K. notes that at Airplane Flat Campground, "the spots are spaced out decently" and Bryce R. adds there's "great area lots of room. There's a fish hatchery nearby."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require packing for multiple conditions. One camper reports sleeping through "a light rainstorm" at Alderwood Campground, while summer temperatures at higher elevations remain milder than surrounding lowlands.
Water activities: Several sites offer creek access for children to enjoy supervised water play. Gerard R. describes Airplane Flat's creek access as having "icy cold" waters, perfect for cooling off during warmer months.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. David Y. notes that at Forest Road 195, "sites are of different sizes, anyone can camp, big trailers etc.," making it suitable for various vehicle sizes.
Limited hookups: No campgrounds in the immediate Cibecue area provide water, electric, or sewer connections. RVers must be fully self-contained with adequate water, propane, and waste storage capacity for the duration of their stay.
Road clearance considerations: High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing most campgrounds. Sonja T. explains that Forest Road 195 has roads that are "VERY rough. In our Santa Cruz we had to go very slow and careful. Better suited for larger trucks with ample clearance."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cibecue, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cibecue, AZ is Second Campground with a 4.0-star rating from 1 review.
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