Dispersed camping sites near Greer, Arizona provide access to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at elevations around 8,500-9,200 feet. September temperatures at higher elevation sites like Beehive Spring Camp can drop significantly at night, requiring proper cold-weather gear even during late summer camping trips. These forest service campsites offer a range of accommodation options from basic tent sites to developed campgrounds with varying amenities.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Big Lake Recreation Area provides both shoreline fishing and boat rentals for accessing deeper waters. According to Joseph K., "Had the best time at Big Lake, AZ. The scenery is beautiful. The weather was beautiful and the fishing was good." Big Lake Campground also has a small store with fishing supplies.
Wildlife viewing: The surrounding forests host abundant wildlife throughout the warmer months. At Rainbow Campground, campers routinely encounter forest animals. Renee H. noted, "Quiet, beautiful, and clean. We even had visits from deer, a very bold skunk, chipmunks, squirrels, and blue jays."
Trail hiking: Forest trails offer various difficulty levels through pine forests. A camper at Brook Char Campground shared, "There are several places to go right down to the shore, and it's only a 5-6 minute walk along the road to the general store and boat rental area, where there's also a fish cleaning station."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campsites feature good separation between neighboring spots. At Winn Campground, Cassondra G. observed, "This campground was beautiful and the sites were so big and spread out. We got 4 sites and ended up only using 2. We were right in the trees and our sites backed up into a meadow."
Cool summer temperatures: The high elevation provides relief from desert heat during summer months. Carol D. at Big Lake Recreation Area remarked, "The elevation is 9000 ft. So it will affect your breathing somewhat however it will also take your breathe away from the beauty."
Campground cleanliness: Regular maintenance keeps facilities in good condition. Rod D. shared about Rainbow Campground: "The restrooms were constantly cleaned by the very friendly and capable staff from recreation resource management which operates the campground for the forest service."
What you should know
Wildlife precautions required: Bear activity has been reported in the area, requiring proper food storage. At Gabaldon Horse Campground, Matthew K. warned, "We had everything in air tight containers in the back of the truck locked up a night. After the first night we woke up to bite and claw marks on the tailgate of my truck."
Campground reservations: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A visitor to Apache Trout Campground advised, "The only negative - the campground is very popular and therefore always full. The sites are fairly close together so you sometimes get a bit more from your neighbors than you would like."
Cell service limitations: Communication options are restricted in the forest. About Springerville RV Park, one reviewer mentioned, "There is not a Credit cards reader for payments. You can pay with a check, but to use your card. The Camp host takes a picture of it. Then sends it to the owner to run the card."
Tips for camping with families
Dog friendly campgrounds near Greer: All reviewed campgrounds welcome pets, though leash rules apply. Benny Creek Campground offers "walking distance to Bunch Reservoir, decent spacing between each campsite," according to Jacob B., making it suitable for families with pets.
Water activities: Several lakes provide swimming and boating options for children. At Big Lake, Mike C. reported, "We rented a boat from the marina and spent about 3 hours fishing. Perfect weather. Wildlife: we saw blue jays, squirrels, chipmunks, as well as several elk who wandered through camp in the early evening."
Weather preparation: Significant temperature variations require appropriate clothing. At Beehive Spring Camp, Gerald P. warned, "At 9200 ft elevation got cold at night in September," highlighting the need for warm sleeping bags even during late summer trips.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer power and water connections for RVs. At Springerville RV Park, Charles K. confirmed, "The spots are big and spread out. Clean laundry, clean grounds. Good electricity and water pressure."
Site leveling considerations: Most developed sites require minimal adjustment. A reviewer noted, "The whole campground is graded level with fresh gravel each spring. Which makes it nice to park and to get level you just have to raise or lower your tongue jack as the case may be!"
Dump station locations: RV waste disposal facilities are available at select locations. Paul B. mentioned, "Apache Trout Campgrounds: Several full-hookup spots, wildlife, friendly-helpful Hosts, $29.00 full hookup with senior Parks Card."
