Best Tent Camping near Globe, AZ
Tent campsites around Globe, Arizona offer a blend of established grounds and dispersed camping options within a desert mountain landscape. Sulphide Del Rey Campground provides tent camping in a pine-surrounded setting, while Devils Canyon offers free dispersed tent sites. Several options exist in Tonto National Forest, including primitive walk-in sites at Diversion Dam and the seasonal Kellner Group area.
Most tent-only areas have minimal amenities and require preparation. Sites typically feature dirt or rocky surfaces with fire rings at established campgrounds, though not at all dispersed locations. Several tent campgrounds including Diversion Dam provide vault toilets, but drinking water is scarce throughout the region. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote tent sites, particularly at Hackamore Road Dispersed camping area where reviewers consistently mention challenging road conditions. During summer months, temperatures can make tent camping uncomfortable without adequate shade, and many areas implement seasonal fire restrictions.
The tent camping experience varies significantly by location and elevation. Lower areas near the Gila River offer water access but limited shade and potential for highway noise. Higher elevation sites provide cooler temperatures and more tree cover. Shores Recreation Area allows tent camping along the river with basic facilities including vault toilets and trash collection. Tent campers should note the sometimes challenging terrain, as many sites feature rocky surfaces that may require careful tent placement. A recent review noted, "Beautiful campground on a hill surrounded by pines. Gets completely silent at night assuming other campers behave. Perfectly dark except for stars between the trees and your fire." Areas requiring walk-in access tend to offer more solitude compared to drive-up tent sites, though they necessitate packing gear over short distances.
