131 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Eagar, Arizona encompasses a mix of high-elevation forest settings and lakeside recreation areas within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Options range from full-hookup RV parks like Bear Paw RV Park in Eagar and Springerville RV Park in neighboring Springerville, to more rustic campgrounds like Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground and Benny Creek Campground. Located in Arizona's White Mountains region at approximately 7,000 feet elevation, these camping areas provide a cooler alternative to the state's desert environments. Many campgrounds are situated near fishing lakes and reservoirs, with Big Lake Campground and Brook Char Campground offering direct water access for anglers.
Most forest service campgrounds in the Eagar area operate seasonally from mid-May through October 31, closing during winter months due to snow and cold temperatures. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with nighttime lows in the 40s, while afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Fire restrictions are frequently implemented during dry periods, particularly in early summer before monsoon rains arrive. Cell service is limited or non-existent at more remote campgrounds, though coverage improves closer to towns. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds during summer weekends and holidays, with many sites bookable through Recreation.gov.
The camping options around Eagar cater to different preferences and equipment needs. RV parks like Bear Paw and Gristmill Farms offer full hookups with amenities including electricity, water, sewer connections, and some with shower facilities. Forest Service campgrounds typically provide more basic amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of drinking water availability. According to campers, wildlife sightings are common throughout the area. One visitor to Brook Char Campground noted, "Elk, deer and plenty of skunks waddled through the campsite," while others mentioned the excellent fishing opportunities at nearby lakes. Campers at Benny Creek Campground appreciated the "decent spacing between each campsite" and the easy access to both Bunch Reservoir and the nearby town.
"Only one wifi spot near office. Super nice folks. Verizon 5G is strong but slowish. Close to town. Right on the highway but it was quiet at night."
"But after talking to Don the camp host you could get a spot with one at checkin or one if one is available at a nearby spot move to your spot."
"There are some short trails with wonderful views of the lake and surrounding area, and there are petroglyphs to explore."
"Spots are close to the lake which is really nice. The overall campground is nice and the spots were spaced out nicely."
from $25 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Situated in NE Arizona, you get to experience cooler weather, fishing across the road and a local general store near by for those forgotten items."
"Lakes nearby within walking distance dogs had a blast!"
from $38 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
Check Availability"Like my title implies, this is where you go if you really want to “get away” from It all! This gorgeous campground is remote, very remote."
"Great campsites within walk distance of the lake! Down fall is the campsites are big (enough room for all your camp friends) but you can only have two cars per site. Don’t let this keep you away!"
"The squirrels are voracious and chewed through my stuff sack with sealed food that I left on the picnic table when I went for a bike ride around the lake."
"Rainbow campground at big lake is magical! This is the place to beat the heat and make summer memories. Tucked into the pines and aspens this campsite is a quick drive or hike down to the lake."
from $34 - $110 / night
Check Availability"12 per night, walking distance to Bunch Reservoir, decent spacing between each campsite. Easy access to the town that's only a short drive away."
"When all the other campgrounds in surrounding areas are packed, Benny Creek is it!
came here on a recent holiday weekend, when everything around show low and pinetop were packed."
from $60 - $80 / night
Check Availability"The only trash receptacle I saw was a dumpster at the entrance, a closer one (by the toilets) would have been nice to get rid of my dog waste bags."
"There was an outhouse near our site and it was kept pretty clean. We had 5 adults and 10 kids so we kept to ourselves the entire time we were there. I highly recommend this campground."
from $26 - $125 / night
Check Availability
ScoutCame up from Abq for memorial weekend , Jim and Mya were the hosts. And were absolutely phenomenal. We stayed 3 days 2 nights .
Cleanest bathrooms I’ve ever used at a campground . BEAUTIFUL view of lake right from our camp sight (s49)
Way worth it and will absolutely be back soon
GuideThis is one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed in. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Quiet. Host was very nice. Sites had enough space in between to make it feel private.
GuideBigger campground than I thought for a private campground. They do have showers and cell service on Verizon works. It seems the locals come into the campground to use the playground equipment. Nobody was at the entrance station to check in campers and I got here early.
GuideThere are several great campsites at this free Forest Service park. Did not use the pit toilet. Most campsites had a fire pit or fire ring and several had picnic tables. Most are shaded at least part of the day. Crappy internet with TravlFi (Starlink might have better reception) and Verizon was 1-2 bars. The FS has been clearing underbrush and beetle killed pines leaving lots of firewood. The majority of campsites are on the other side of the San Francisco River (concreted ford) from the entrance. It was dry during our visit. There is one very large campsite , probably intended for group camping. Two extra long picnic tables there. We would have liked to camp in the area “across the ditch” but our 41’ 5th wheel would never have made it across. Also that area wasn’t as attractive as it might have been with one side of the canyon clear cut. We stayed a week. We found a deer or elk carcass about 200 yards from where we were, just on the left as you enter the park.
GuideFound this initially on Boondockers Welcome and double checked on The Dyrt. Directions and map were clearer on The Dyrt. We missed a crucial turn and wandered around for an hour on narrow, rocky gravel roads before Lew could talk us through the route. I guess I’m not as good at reading a map or directions as I thought I was.
Lew has a gorgeous property with plenty of sites of all sizes but only two “developed.” We were told to feel free to find a spot that felt good and to clear rocks to make a fire pit if we wished. We decided to set up in “Site 2” which was extra roomy and easily accommodated our 41’ fifth wheel. Lew is in the process of clearing undergrowth and there’s lots of wood available for fires. However, it has been an extremely dry winter, so be judicious, as it does get windy up here on the ridge.
This is definitely off grid — no power, no water and no dump station. Verizon was 2 bars reliably and occasionally 3. WiFi was excellent.
ScoutIt’s small with fhu at each site. Reservations online but only regular size sites, only a few large 5th wheel/ motorhome sites. No showers but has small nice laundry room.
TravelerPassing through working. Always looking for a good dispersed campground. This is it. I can see 3 other campers from this spot although it is Saturday. Sweet standard spot. Cool place to party probably.
ScoutThere is no camping at the trailhead, but if you continue up the trails you will see sites just off the road. There were deep ruts and places where the gravel road was washed out which stopped us from going farther in. It was a wonderful uneventful stay.
TravelerNice secluded sites for dispersed camping. Pretty level.
Dispersed camping options near Eagar, Arizona extend throughout the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests at elevations between 7,000-9,100 feet. The area experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations with summer days reaching 80°F and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 30s even during summer months. Campgrounds typically operate from mid-May through October due to winter closures from snow accumulation.
Fishing at multiple reservoirs: Big Lake offers excellent trout fishing accessible from nearby campgrounds. A camper at Brook Char Campground reported, "Located next to Big Lake, the campsite was in a great location. Firepit, picnic table and restroom facilities close by."
Explore petroglyphs and hiking trails: Lyman Lake State Park features ancient rock art with maintained trails. A visitor mentioned, "The petroglyphs were awesome with some nice hiking trails. Very few boaters when we were there."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests surrounding Eagar host diverse wildlife. At Rainbow Campground, campers regularly observe wildlife: "We even had visits from deer, a very bold skunk, chipmunks, squirrels, and blue jays. The camp hosts were delightful, too!"
High elevation camping for summer relief: Camping spots near Eagar provide escape from desert heat. A camper at Winn Campground noted, "This campground at approximately 9000 ft elevation, has aspen trees throughout and is just gorgeous. There are two loops - one is reservation, the other is first come first serve."
Spacious, well-designed campsites: Many campgrounds feature well-separated sites. At Benny Creek Campground, a visitor appreciated the "decent spacing between each campsite. Easy access to the town that's only a short drive away."
Natural water features: Several camping areas provide lake or creek access. A Brook Char Campground visitor wrote, "The tent-only campground is small, but the sites are large and have multiple great clearings for tents. Directly across a small road from Big Lake and the boat ramp."
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have minimal connectivity. A camper at Springerville RV Park reported, "Only one wifi spot near office. Super nice folks. Verizon 5G is strong but slowish. Close to town."
Weather patterns and preparation: The White Mountains experience afternoon thunderstorms and dramatic temperature drops. At Lyman Lake State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "We only stayed a night but we liked it a lot. No internet service and poor phone reception (T-Mobile) which was a little issue for us."
Wildlife precautions: Bears and other wildlife frequent camping areas. A Brook Char Campground visitor warned, "Bears frequent the area so you must lock up all food and trash in your car overnight."
Consider tent-only campgrounds: Some areas offer specialized tent camping. A Brook Char visitor shared, "This tent walk in site has been our family favorite for decades. The sites have plenty of room for 2 tents. This is our favorite place to camp with other family members since the sites are close together."
Look for nearby amenities: Some campgrounds offer easy access to supplies. A visitor at Big Lake Campground noted, "There is a 'fishing store' and check in building where odds and ends including firewood can be purchased. Definitely worth the drive up from Tucson!"
Check for campground facilities: Bathroom facilities vary widely between campgrounds. One camper at Big Lake mentioned, "We road in on motorcycles & the camp spots were really great. Bathrooms & showers were very clean."
Water system winterization: RV parks in the area have specialized water systems. At Springerville RV Park, a camper observed, "The water spickets are in an underground, green lawn sprinklers control box with insulation blankets. Because this place does get snow in the winters."
Varied hookup availability: RV camping spots near Eagar range from primitive to full-service. A camper at Bear Paw RV Park noted, "The spaces are well spaced & large. Lots of shady spots. Owners were very helpful and friendly, (this was our maiden voyage), & the park matched."
Site selection strategies: Consider specific needs when choosing an RV site. At Springerville RV Park, a visitor explained, "The Springville RV Park is well spread out very nice pull through down the middle and equally spacious back in on both sides of the pull through spots. Full hookups 30amp 50amp and 20amp power poll."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best RV parks near Eagar, AZ?
The Eagar area offers several excellent RV parks for travelers. Ponderosa RV Resort in nearby Lakeside is a 55+ community that provides a quiet, peaceful atmosphere away from noise and crowds. It's particularly well-suited for visitors exploring the White Mountains region. Hon-Dah RV Park offers an excellent location near Pinetop-Lakeside and Show Low with easy check-in, clean bathrooms, laundry facilities, and WiFi access. Other options in the vicinity include Bear Paw RV Park and Springerville RV Park, both offering drive-in access with amenities like water hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces. Gristmill Farms RV Park provides basic facilities including toilets and drive-in access for a more simplified stay.
What outdoor activities can you do while camping near Eagar?
The Eagar area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with diverse activities. Fishing is exceptional, with Big Lake Campground offering quick access to water where you can catch various trout species. The remote location provides a perfect setting to unplug and enjoy breathtaking nature. Hawley Lake Apache Indian Reservation connects to Christmas Tree Lake, renowned for Apache trout fishing. Hiking opportunities abound throughout the White Mountains with networks of trails showcasing the region's pine forests and mountain vistas. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with elk and deer commonly spotted. Other popular activities include kayaking, mountain biking, photography, and bird watching. During winter months, the area transforms for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures.
What camping options are available in Eagar, Arizona?
Eagar, Arizona offers a variety of camping experiences in the beautiful White Mountains region. Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground provides clean facilities with all necessary amenities while maintaining a genuine outdoor feel. The campground features fishing access across the road and a nearby general store for supplies. For those seeking dispersed options, Timber Mesa Trailhead offers primitive camping with fire pits and flat tent spots. Additional options in the area include public campgrounds in Apache National Forest, RV parks in town, and private campgrounds on Apache tribal lands. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities, while RV parks offer hookups and additional services.
What is the best time of year to camp in Eagar, Arizona?
The prime camping season in Eagar runs from late spring through early fall (May to October), when temperatures are most pleasant. Summer offers ideal weather with warm days and cool nights in this high-elevation area. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground near Show Low exemplifies the beautiful summer conditions, with tall pines providing shade during peak season. Brook Char Campground is particularly popular during summer months, with its shaded sites and multiple tent clearings. Late spring brings wildflowers, while fall offers stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow and cold temperatures, with many campgrounds closing seasonally. For the best combination of comfortable temperatures and active wildlife, aim for June through September.
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