Best Campgrounds near Clifton, AZ

Several campgrounds dot the mountainous terrain around Clifton, Arizona, providing tent and RV opportunities in the eastern part of the state. North Clifton RV Park offers full hookups for larger rigs within city limits, while primitive sites like those at Apache National Forest Dispersed Camping and Black Hills Rockhound Area provide free alternatives on public land. Owl Creek Campground and Granville Campground represent established Forest Service options with basic amenities, and both accommodate tent and RV camping with picnic tables and fire rings. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though higher elevation sites may have seasonal closures.

Road conditions vary considerably when accessing campgrounds near Clifton, with many requiring travel on dirt or gravel roads that narrow significantly. Granville Campground and Lower Juan Miller Campground sit at higher elevations where temperatures remain cooler in summer months, offering relief from the desert heat. Black Hills Rockhound Area features dispersed camping but requires vehicles that can handle primitive road conditions. Many campgrounds like Owl Creek provide basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though drinking water is not universally available. A camper noted about the Apache National Forest dispersed site: "Quite dispersed camping. I was here in early March so I was the only one. Forested lots with nice shade but with some solar harvesting."

Visitors frequently mention the solitude and natural beauty available at campgrounds surrounding Clifton. The area's diverse elevation range allows campers to select sites based on seasonal temperature preferences, with higher elevation camps like Granville providing cool forest settings. Riverside camping options including Riverview Campground give access to the Gila River, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. The region's campgrounds generally receive positive reviews for their cleanliness and maintenance despite limited facilities. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Heavily wooded, super quiet and secluded" describes both Lower Juan Miller and Granville campgrounds. Campers seeking rockhounding opportunities often choose Black Hills Rockhound Area, where visitors can collect fire agates directly from the ground while enjoying primitive camping among open desert landscapes.

Best Camping Sites Near Clifton, Arizona (75)

    1. North Clifton RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Clifton, AZ
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (928) 865-9064

    $15 - $27 / night

    2. Owl Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clifton, AZ
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 348-4400

    $5 / night

    "There’s a small hiking trail to a bridge that leads to the day use area and along the creek. We saw some coatimundi and lots of evidence of other wildlife! $5 a night is great too!"

    3. Black Jack Campground

    4 Reviews
    Clifton, AZ
    13 miles
    Website

    "A series of trails pushing up into the ridge line gets you up to a clearing where lightning has given you a view of the surrounding area. You might be lucky to see deer in the area if you sit still."

    "Easy drive to get to. Stayed here 2 times in a couple of weeks, two separate sites, and did fine. 21 ft trailer"

    4. Apache National Forest - Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Morenci, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 687-8600

    "The trail to the camp site is pretty narrow though so big rigs would probably have a hard time."

    5. Granville Campground

    2 Reviews
    Morenci, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 687-1301

    "The campground is close to the road, but there was hardly any traffic. It was perfect for our 19ft camper van."

    "I was able to easily get a 24' class C in and manuever around."

    6. Black Hills Rockhound

    3 Reviews
    Morenci, AZ
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 348-4400

    "Inside the Rockhound area you can walk and collect fire agates right off the surface of the ground. It is the desert equivalent of searching for sea shells at the beach."

    7. Riverview Campground

    4 Reviews
    Safford, AZ
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 348-4400

    "Little bit of walk to river but not bad. Was post monsoon weather. River was flowing fast and looked like chocolate. A lot of side roads for 4x4, quads etc."

    "Just a walk from the river and a nice riparian area. Campsites have a ramada with picnic table and a fire ring."

    9. Lower Juan Miller Campground

    1 Review
    Morenci, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 687-1301

    "I was able to easily get a 24' class C in and manuever around.  Dirt road in from 191 was in great shape"

    10. Cottonwood Campground — Roper Lake State Park

    20 Reviews
    Safford, AZ
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 428-6760

    $50 / night

    "There is plenty to do at Roper Lake. Great spots for RVs, tents, and cabins too. This is a popular area so get your reservations in early."

    "Very nice campgrounds, close to the lake. Plenty of space between campsites. Kids were able to ride bikes on the numerous paths around the campgrounds and lake."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 75 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Clifton, AZ

164 Reviews of 75 Clifton Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Black Jack Campground

    No frills relaxation

    No hook ups, no water, just well spaced campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Very quiet and peaceful, although some road noise, but not distracting at all. Stayed 2 nights in a 20 ft. TT. Will definitely go back and stay longer! So relaxing!

  • Joss S.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stockton Pass

    Small campground sites not level

    Arrived to find it full with a group. Restroom fine. Great views

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Arcadia Campground

    Peaceful Escape

    We loved the shaded campsites and quiet atmosphere. The campground is close to the road, but still feels deep in the forest. The bathrooms were extremely clean and maintained. There is no water, though.

  • M
    Aug. 17, 2025

    KP Cienega Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    We stayed here one night in our camper van. There was only one other camper. We enjoyed the beautiful meadow, with its wildflowers and wildlife. The pit toilets were maintained. No trash cans, so take out what you bring in.

  • M
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Granville Campground

    Nice and quiet

    Shady, quiet and a great place for birding. Well maintained pit toilets. We were the only campers there. The campground is close to the road, but there was hardly any traffic. It was perfect for our 19ft camper van.

  • Kay B.
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Buckhorn RV Park

    Family vibes!

    We absolutely loved our stay at Buckhorn RV Park! This place is family-owned and run, and you can really feel the care and pride Polly and David put into it. Everything is clean, spacious, and peaceful with gorgeous views all around. They truly go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and at home.

    One of the best parts was the sense of community—fellow campers were incredibly friendly and helpful, making it feel like more than just a stopover. Plus, we discovered the local Gila Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings just a short drive away. It was filled with amazing people, fresh produce, and handmade goods—definitely worth checking out!

    Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Buckhorn RV Park is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. Can’t wait to come back!

  • Barbara L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Round Mountain Rockhound Area - Dispersed

    Great site

    This area is wide open with tons of locations for camping. Fire agates are everywhere, right in your camp site. We drove all the way back and camped just before the wash crossing near the end of the BLM area. No shade and windy. The road is wash boards. We just drove slowly and enjoyed the views. There were a couple of fifth wheels out there. We were in a tent.

  • Barbara L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Black Hills Rockhound

    Good area for camping

    There are about 7 designated camp sites. It's wide open and no shade. We were there in March 2025. Small fire agates are all over the area but mostly chalcedony available.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Mineral Creek Trailhead

    Mineral Creek Trailhead

    I was here for the hike and didn't realize camping was actually allowed until I saw the sign at the trailhead (see photos). According to the national forest website, "Parking is available overnight; occupancy and use at the trailhead is dawn to dusk." We saw one firepit in the parking area, and a couple more pits shortly into the hike. The hike itself is amazing--about 3 miles one way through a beautiful canyon and 32 creek crossings (if I counted correctly!) to old mining ruins. Did not stay here, but thought I'd add it for anyone else who may be interested! The hike itself is 5-star, but I rated this "campsite" as 3-star because I'm not a fan of parking lot-style camping.


Guide to Clifton

Camping sites near Clifton, Arizona range from high-elevation forest settings to desert landscapes, with elevations varying from 3,400 to over 7,000 feet. The area receives summer monsoon rains typically from July through September, creating temporary water features in normally dry creek beds. Temperatures in higher-elevation campgrounds can drop 20-30 degrees cooler than Clifton proper during summer months.

What to do

Rockhounding opportunities: At Black Hills Rockhound, visitors can search for fire agates directly from the ground surface. "Millions of years ago, volcanic activity in the Southwest create lava rocks and fire agate. Inside the Rockhound area you can walk and collect fire agates right off the surface of the ground. It is the desert equivalent of searching for sea shells at the beach," notes a camper.

Birding excursions: Granville Campground provides shaded habitat for various bird species. "Shady, quiet and a great place for birding. Well maintained pit toilets," reports one visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.

River access: Water activities at Riverview Campground vary seasonally with the Gila River flow. "Went and checked out campsite. Was certainly hot. Little bit of walk to river but not bad. Was post monsoon weather. River was flowing fast and looked like chocolate. A lot of side roads for 4x4, quads etc."

Multi-use trails: Several campgrounds connect to hiking, biking, and OHV trails. "Biking trails, horse trails, hike trails, OHV trails all close. There are corrals at the 'Host' site," mentions a Riverview Campground visitor.

What campers like

Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation camps provide relief from summer heat. About Lower Juan Miller Campground, a camper notes: "Nice little campground, high enough elevation that it was noticeably cooler than lower elevations. Heavily wooded, super quiet and secluded."

Budget-friendly options: Many sites offer low-cost or free camping. "Open well kept campground. 5 bucks a night. Just a walk from the river and a nice riparian area. Campsites have a ramada with picnic table and a fire ring," says a Riverview Campground user.

Wildlife viewing: The varied terrain supports diverse wildlife. At Owl Creek Campground, a visitor reported: "We really enjoy this spot. There are 7 campsites with ramadas and fire rings. One small pit toilet. There's a small hiking trail to a bridge that leads to the day use area and along the creek. We saw some coatimundi and lots of evidence of other wildlife!"

Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds feature natural spacing. At Roper Lake State Park, "Spots are spacious. Seemed kind of pricey at $20 a night. If you luck out and get respectful neighbors, can be an amazing experience."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many camping areas require travel on unpaved roads. Regarding Lower Juan Miller Campground: "Dirt road in from 191 was in great shape," but access to other sites can be more challenging.

Construction impacts: Check for temporary facility closures. A visitor to Owl Creek Campground warns: "Stayed here in one of the three semi-completed campsites. Nice place to throw down off the beaten path. The entire grounds are a work in progress tho and the sites are littered with sharp objects like screws, nails, etc."

Water availability: Not all sites provide drinking water. One camper at Black Hills Rockhound advises: "There are no facilities or water available. The site only has a sign, a log book and a small trash can."

Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect accessibility and comfort. "We were there in March 2025. Small fire agates are all over the area but mostly chalcedony available," notes a Black Hills Rockhound visitor, indicating early spring can be a good time for rock collecting.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly facilities: Some campgrounds specifically accommodate families. At Roper Lake State Park, "Very nice campgrounds, close to the lake. Plenty of space between campsites. Kids were able to ride bikes on the numerous paths around the campgrounds and lake."

Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning activities. "If rocks aren't your thing, bring an ATV, 4x4, or dirt bike and enjoy miles of trails and dirt roads," suggests a Black Hills Rockhound visitor, highlighting options for different interests.

Natural playgrounds: Creek areas provide cooling recreation spots. The Bonita Creek drive near Riverview Campground "is gorgeous and provides creek water you can get in. Was a beautiful escape and very green post rain."

Safety considerations: Be aware of potential hazards. At Owl Creek Campground, "the construction crew has equipment all over the place. The team arrived early in the am and started all sorts of racket," which could disturb children's sleep or pose safety issues.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Many camping areas have restricted access. For North Clifton RV Park: "We are staying here for 6 days. Mostly quiet (except when they emptied the dumpster at 5am on Monday morning) and peaceful. We have Passport America so the price is right. Full hookups."

Maneuverability: Check turning radius needs before arrival. For Riverview Campground: "A little tricky to get to, especially with a trailer as the road is basically a single lane."

Levelness considerations: Some sites require careful positioning. About Black Hills Rockhound: "We decided against camping here because the road is a bit sketchy. The only spot big enough has a large bump that would likely tip my travel trailer farther than is safe."

Generator noise: Be prepared for sound from neighboring rigs. At Owl Creek, one camper reported: "A resident construction camper is occupying one of three sites and he ran his super loud generator nonstop from 5pm onward. It was still going when I left around 7am. I didn't sleep at all."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clifton, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clifton, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Clifton, AZ and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clifton, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clifton, AZ is North Clifton RV Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clifton, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Clifton, AZ.