Camping near Eagar, Arizona encompasses a mix of high-elevation forest settings and lakeside recreation areas within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The area features several established campgrounds including Bear Paw RV Park in Eagar and Springerville RV Park in neighboring Springerville, along with more rustic options 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."
$25 - $80 / night
"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."
$38 / night
"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!"
"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!"
$34 - $110 / night
"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."
$60 - $80 / night
"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."
$26 - $125 / night
"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."
$26 / night
"Lots of shade and easy paths for walking around the grounds, plus there's potable water at several sites."
"Located next to Big Lake, the campsite was in a great location. Firepit, picnic table and restroom facilities close by. The camp host Bob was very nice and had plenty of firewood for purchase."
TravelerCamped in 25' RV on BLM land past the official campground to be more private. Lots of open level BLM spots before and after the campground to choose to your liking. Great hiking during day up the mountain to the east. No cell or data. Loved the night sky viewing!
LegendAlthough it is close to the road, we only saw four cars go by all day and were the only ones here. Four campsites with picnic tables and fire rings on the west side of the road with additional room on the east side of the road with the horse paddock. Clean vault toilets on either side of the road as well as a poorly maintained wooden shelter. Campsites were reasonably flat and south facing so snow was not a problem. The area had been burned recently and the Forest Road was closed due to this. The view was nice despite the burn, and it was not nearly as bad as many other burned areas along US 191. No vehicles over 40 ft in length are allowed south of this point on US. 191. Be aware that Hallaran Meadows gas station and Cafe may be closed in the winter. Zero T-Mobile coverage.
LegendAfter finding our first and second and third choices unavailable, we pulled in Alpine RV park It looked like a long-term resident RV Park, with closely placed RVs and lots of semi-permanent additions. However, they had several empty spots available for short-term or one night stays, in the center of Alpine. Everything was very clean and well maintained and no dilapidated, RVs or rowdy characters. In fact, everyone was very friendly and helpful. There is a coin laundromat on site. And you can drop in for a shower for six bucks (Free with a night's stay). Plenty of hot water in the clean Grandma Chic restroom and showers. At&t and Verizon only. So if you have T-Mobile, you can put your money in the slot, and the owner will visit you the next day with your keys for the bathroom. Electric, water, sewer hookup, and hot showers included in the nightly price. Dog breed restrictions. Hopefully you will be able to see the local Elk herd, out on the nearby meadow. No fires allowed.
LegendI only gave it one star not because it was bad but because it was closed for the winter, and I had to put something. However, Alpine RV Park on the other side of town is open all year and has overnight and short-term spots available.
LegendWe arrived in February to find the campsite inaccessible, with a locked gate. The day use area was open, but clearly marked "Day use only, no camping".
LegendWe got in and out with our Transit van but wet conditions and the muddy road was difficult to negotiate. Iffy without four-wheel drive. Additionally, the whole area is marked and up for a timber sale, so it may not be quite as attractive after being logged and will not be available during logging!
GuideGreat place for seeing wildlife. Saw 13 doe elk, then big buck came later. Nice big ponderosas, and very secluded. Nice vault toilets, tables and fire rings are available. Probably 10 to 15 sites with a large field for camping as well.
TravelerNice big spots under the trees. Some really magnificent old pines, very shady and peaceful.
One of the better spots I’ve found in western NM.
About 15 minutes from the town of Reserve for groceries, food, gas, etc. Super friendly folks in the local bar. Foods hit and miss.
ScoutHandful of nice pullouts off the road leading to the Cosmic Campground. Easy to access when dry. No problem finding a spot for my promaster. Quiet. Great night sky. T-Mobile 5G
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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