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.
