Tent camping options near Clifton, Arizona extend from 5,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation across the Coronado National Forest and surrounding areas. Most primitive sites require high-clearance vehicles with several locations demanding 4WD capability for water crossings. Winter access becomes limited at higher elevations due to snow conditions, while summer temperatures at lower elevations regularly exceed 100°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: White Crossing Camping along the Black River requires a San Carlos Apache use permit costing $20 per day per person over age 12. "Good fishing and lots of wildlife to see. We saw a bear 50 feet across the river on our first day," notes camper Jason T.
Bird watching: The Gila Lower Box Canyon area offers exceptional wildlife viewing from unique vantage points. One camper explains, "Being a birders paradise, it's a very unique experience to sit on the edge of the cliffs, 20-30 feet above the tops of the cottonwoods and watch all the bird activity below."
Hiking to petroglyphs: Blue Crossing Campground provides access to hiking trails leading to ancient rock art. "Plenty of downed trees for firewood. Hiking trails and petroglyphs," reports Daren W. about this streamside location.
What campers like
Natural water features: Upper Blue Campground offers easy access to the Blue River for recreation. According to Daren W., it's "Small and spread out, only 3 sites. Minute walk to blue river. Lots of fun to play and climb/hike."
Wildlife sightings: Owl Creek Campground provides opportunities to spot unusual wildlife. Mike D. reports, "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!"
Cooler temperatures: Round the Mountain Campground offers relief from desert heat at higher elevations. "This sky island is a great place to head in the summer when the desert is too hot to enjoy it," notes camper Shari G.
What you should know
Construction disruptions: Several campgrounds undergo periodic improvements. At Owl Creek, one camper warned, "The entire grounds are a work in progress though and the sites are littered with sharp objects like screws, nails, etc. So I had to setup shop outside the campsite a bit."
Road noise concerns: Some otherwise peaceful sites have drawbacks. Michael A. notes about Round the Mountain, "This would be perfect if it wasn't so close to the road. You get loud traffic noise."
Water crossings required: Marijilda offers seclusion but demands vehicle capability. A review states, "4x4 needed to exit. Road is a couple miles, rough, and one shallow water crossing."
Tips for camping with families
Best spots for groups: Larger family gatherings work well at specific locations. White Crossing has substantial space for multiple vehicles as one reviewer explains, "Our family had 14 people camping out of 5 vehicles at our site alone."
Water safety considerations: Streams and rivers fluctuate seasonally. At Blue Crossing, "Was there in March when snow melt was just starting along with heavy rains so river was running good. Went back in April and water was still running across road."
Wildlife viewing with safety precautions: Gila Lower Box Canyon offers unique wildlife but requires caution. "You can also watch bands of coatimundis grazing through the bosque. Watch out for rattlesnakes and Gila monsters during the warmer months though."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most of the best tent camping near Clifton, Arizona cannot accommodate large RVs. At Round the Mountain Campground, "Just 3 campsites, not big enough for large RVs, though Hamlet-sized trailers and camper vans are fine."
Limited hookups: No water or electricity exists at established campgrounds. Gila Lower Box Canyon campers should note: "Don't go to the Gila Lower Box looking for formal campsites and places to hook up an RV. This is primitive camping at one of New Mexico's truest oases."
Generator noise considerations: Generator use can impact others in small campgrounds. At Owl Creek, one camper reported a neighbor "ran his super loud generator nonstop from 5pm onward. It was still going when I left around 7am. I didn't sleep at all."
