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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
