129 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The White Mountains of northeastern Arizona provide a range of camping experiences near Greer, a small mountain town situated at approximately 8,500 feet elevation. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest surrounds the area with established campgrounds like Rolfe C. Hoyer, Benny Creek, and Rainbow campgrounds offering developed sites with varying amenities. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from mid-May through October due to winter snow conditions. Big Lake Recreation Area and Brook Char Campground provide lakeside camping options with fishing access, while limited dispersed camping can be found along Forest Service roads with proper permits.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Greer area. Summer temperatures typically range from daytime highs in the 70s-80s°F to nighttime lows in the 40s-50s°F, with afternoon thunderstorms common during monsoon season (July-September). As one camper noted, "It gets into the 40s-50s at night, so bring warm clothes and blankets." Fire restrictions are frequently implemented during dry periods, particularly in early summer before monsoon rains arrive. Most campgrounds require reservations through Recreation.gov, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Limited cell service exists throughout the region, with many campgrounds having no connectivity. The neighboring Apache reservation requires separate permits for camping and fishing.
Fishing opportunities rank among the top attractions for campers in the Greer area, with several stocked lakes and reservoirs within short driving distance. According to visitor reports, "There are a few lakes to choose from that are stocked with trout year-round." Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with elk, deer, and various bird species commonly spotted. Campsites typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets, though amenities vary by location. Tent campers particularly appreciate Brook Char Campground, described by one visitor as having "sites that are large and have multiple great clearings for tents." The area's high elevation provides a cool escape from summer desert heat, making it particularly popular with visitors from Phoenix and Tucson seeking relief from triple-digit temperatures.
"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!"
"Big Lake is a good fishing lake too. The sites have plenty of space, shade, and privacy. Roads are paved and in good shape."
"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."
from $34 - $110 / night
Check Availability"As far as AZ camping goes, it doesn’t get any better than Greer! In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful lil town in AZ. We stayed here over 4th of July weekend."
"A bit expensive for dry camping but there in no dispersed camping in Greer and the neighboring apache res requires a $9 permit to dispersed camp. Three reservoirs nearby to hike to or fish at."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $26 / 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"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.""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."
from $60 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Right next to a nice little trail that crosses the creek. Quiet and peaceful"
"Even the hiking trails say to. Still great experience and we will be back. Please remember if you pack it in to please pack it out. We all can do better."
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.
ScoutIt was dark when I arrived so I parked near the entrance. Quiet, easy to find. Could see others already settled in.
ScoutThis place is Perfect!!! BLM land so camping where I want. Middle of March n the pond 125 yards away has frogs singing for love. There's coyote n grey wolves. This morning, after I quieted my 4 dogs down I heard a coyote saying her good nights n then I heard the wolves howling back!! Beautiful Beautiful place here!!! It Was 41° in the toyhauler this morning but hey, I fell asleep to frogs n night sounds as well as wake to it all. I did fire up the generator/heater later this morning! You can't go wrong here! Water. Trees. Rocks. High Plains. Mountains. Seclusion.
Camping near Greer, Arizona offers primitive and established sites ranging from 8,000 to 9,100 feet elevation within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The area experiences dramatic temperature swings even in summer, with nighttime temperatures commonly dropping to the 30s-40s°F at higher elevations like Big Lake Recreation Area. Dispersed camping options exist along Forest Service roads with proper permits, though established campgrounds provide more reliable amenities.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Big Lake Recreation Area provides excellent trout fishing opportunities across several connected lakes. "Amazing scenery, fishing and beautiful fall colors. Not crowded unless you go on a holiday weekend. Numerous paid and dispersed campsites," notes one visitor at Big Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Greer attract diverse wildlife throughout camping season. At Rainbow Campground, one camper observed: "We even had visits from deer, a very bold skunk, chipmunks, squirrels, and blue jays. The camp hosts were delightful, too!" Another camper at Big Lake noted, "We saw blue jays, squirrels, chipmunks, as well as several elk who wandered through camp in the early evening."
Hiking to Mount Baldy: Trails from Greer area campgrounds connect to the Mount Baldy wilderness. "There is a centralized dump station, showers, and a small but educational visitor center. If you don't fish there is still hiking to Mount Baldy, and short scenic drives to the very small towns of Greer and Alpine," writes a camper who stayed at Rainbow Campground.
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural buffers. At Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground, a reviewer notes: "The sites are spacious, there is are shared spigots and vaulted toilets in each loop. In the center, there are hot showers and traditional toilets."
Cooler temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from desert heat. "It gets into the 40s-50s at night. We use a generator, but quiet time is 10 pm, so bring warm clothes and blankets," advises a camper.
Wildlife encounters: The White Mountains ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. "We enjoyed exploring the miles of scenic forest roads, and wildlife viewing. We saw 4 Mexican gray wolves which was very special," shares a visitor at Rainbow Campground.
Extreme elevation effects: The 8,500-9,100 foot elevation affects both weather and physical comfort. "After 36 hours, my ear lobes and face started bruising. Once the nausea set in, I knew I was not prepared to go 8500ft. Rolfe C Hoyer proper is not as elevated, and I never had issues there. But if you know that elevation maybe an issue, explore the surrounding areas cautiously," warns one camper.
Bear activity: Multiple campgrounds report bear encounters requiring proper food storage. At Gabaldon Horse Campground, a visitor recounts: "After the first night we woke up to bite and claw marks on the tailgate of my truck. Our tent was 20 yards from the truck so the bear left us alone because we didn't have any food in the tent. So plan smart and bring BEAR SPRAY."
Limited connectivity: Cell service remains extremely limited or non-existent at most campgrounds. "There is no cell service in this area," notes a Rainbow Campground visitor, recommending printed reservation confirmations.
Tent-friendly sites: Brook Char Campground offers tent-specific sites with multiple flat areas. "The tent-only campground is small, but the sites are large and have multiple great clearings for tents. Lots of shade and easy paths for walking around the grounds, plus there's potable water at several sites," explains a visitor at Brook Char Campground.
Kid-friendly wildlife viewing: The campgrounds around Big Lake provide regular wildlife sightings. "Elk, deer and plenty of skunks (who waddled thru the campsite but never raised their tails)," notes one camper at Brook Char.
Lake activities beyond fishing: Recreation opportunities extend beyond fishing. "There is a Creek that runs along good amount of campground, and a little lake/reservoir 10-15 minute hike away. Lake area was empty and serene as can be," writes a visitor at Benny Creek Campground.
Limited full hookup options: Most campgrounds offer dry camping with shared water spigots. For full hookups, "Springerville 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," notes a visitor at Springerville RV Park.
Road conditions for dispersed camping: Forest roads can become challenging in wet conditions. "Don't try to make it to the shared coordinates soon after a snow melt. Grateful for our GoTreads. Road is rocky and rutted in places but there are camp spots 2wd can access if one takes it slow," advises a dispersed camper.
Reservation recommendations: For established campgrounds, advance planning is essential. "Had reservations that were made on the phone and when we arrived we were able to get an upgrade to full hookups," shares an RV camper at Springerville RV Park, while another camper notes: "They do not take a reservation fee when making your reservation. Still runs on your hand shake is your word you will be here."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Greer, AZ?
Greer offers several excellent campgrounds for your mountain getaway. Benny Creek Campground stands out as a hidden gem that remains peaceful even during holiday weekends when other areas are packed. The campground features spacious sites under pine trees and remains relatively uncrowded. Brook Char Campground is another top choice, particularly for tent campers, with large sites offering multiple tent clearings, abundant shade, and potable water. The grounds feature easy walking paths and clean facilities. Other quality options include Cyclone Lake Campground with its breathtaking mountain setting and Apache National Forest Winn Campground which offers water and toilet facilities. Most Greer campgrounds provide access to fishing, hiking, and the charming small-town atmosphere that makes this area special.
What are the best seasons for camping in Greer, Arizona?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping weather in Greer, Arizona. Summer provides mild temperatures with daytime warmth and refreshingly cool nights in the 40s-50s°F. Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground visitors enjoy perfect July camping with comfortable days under shaded pine trees and cool evenings. Fall brings stunning foliage and fewer crowds, while spring offers wildflowers and awakening forests. Greer's higher elevation (around 8,500 feet) keeps temperatures pleasant when lower elevations swelter. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with July and August being peak months. Winter camping is generally unavailable as most facilities close due to snow and freezing temperatures.
Is RV camping available in Greer, Arizona?
Yes, Greer offers several options for RV camping. Ponderosa RV Resort provides dedicated RV sites in the beautiful White Mountains area. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground near Show Low accommodates RVs with spacious, well-separated sites among pine and juniper trees. Many Greer area campgrounds offer amenities like dump stations, though hookups are limited at public facilities. Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground provides flat sites suitable for RVs and includes an on-site dump station, though it's primarily dry camping. For full hookups, consider Springerville RV Park nearby. Most RV-friendly campgrounds in the area are open seasonally from late spring through early fall. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months as sites fill quickly.
What fishing opportunities are available near Greer camping areas?
Greer offers exceptional trout fishing opportunities with multiple lakes and streams within easy access of camping areas. Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res provides access to both Hawley Lake and the exclusive Christmas Tree Lake, known for its native Apache trout fishing (special permits required). Cyclone Lake Campground offers immediate access to its namesake lake, surrounded by dense forests. Greer itself has three reservoirs nearby that are popular fishing destinations – River Reservoir, Bunch Reservoir, and Tunnel Reservoir – all within hiking distance of Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground. The Little Colorado River flows through the area, providing stream fishing opportunities. Most waters are stocked with rainbow, brown, and Apache trout. Arizona fishing licenses are required, and special permits are needed for fishing on Apache tribal lands.
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