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Best Tent Camping near St. Johns, AZ

205 Reviews

Tent campsites surround the St. Johns area in northeastern Arizona, with options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed tent sites in the Apache National Forest. Beehive Spring Camp provides primitive tent sites at 9,200 feet elevation with tree cover beyond pine, while Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area offers backcountry tent camping by permit only. Brown Creek Campground provides secluded tent camping amid dense forest areas.

Most tent campgrounds near St. Johns have minimal amenities, with Shush Bezahze on the Apache Reservation being one of the few offering drinking water, toilets, picnic tables, and trash collection. The majority of tent sites require self-sufficiency, as areas like Pratt Lake Dispersed and Beehive Spring have no drinking water, toilets, or trash services. High-clearance vehicles may be necessary for accessing more remote tent sites, particularly during spring when forest service roads can become muddy or washed out. Forest Service roads lead to most dispersed camping areas, with sites generally situated within 300 feet of established roads.

Tent campers experience significant elevation changes throughout the region, affecting temperatures and camping conditions. A visitor commented, "At 9200 ft elevation got cold at night in September," noting the significant temperature drops at higher elevations like Beehive Spring. Primitive tent sites often provide greater solitude but require thorough preparation. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, areas like Brown Creek Campground offer exceptional seclusion: "If you didn't know it was here you wouldn't ever guess there was a campground." Stargazing opportunities are exceptional at tent sites in the Petrified Forest, where one camper described seeing the Milky Way due to minimal light pollution. Tent sites throughout the region offer access to fishing lakes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing, with several reviews mentioning the peace and natural beauty of camping in these higher-elevation forests.

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Best Tent Sites Near St. Johns, Arizona (27)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near St. Johns, AZ

9 Photos of 27 St. Johns Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near St. Johns, AZ

205 Reviews of 27 St. Johns Campgrounds

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 17, 2020

    Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res

    Camping for Nearby Lake Access

    We camped here when we had a permit to fish at nearby Christmas Tree Lake. Christmas Tree Lake is a beautiful little lake nestled in the White Mountains of Arizona on Apache land. It boasts some amazing fishing for the native trout species- the Apache trout. The fish are stocked, so it may not be a true experience for some but most of the access to the native fish in their native habitat is restricted or non existent to protect these beautiful creatures. The lake offers paid access on a day to day basis. A total of 25 permits per day are offered to keep fishing pressure in check. But these permits are non refundable so don't reserve too early. 

    Permits and information can be found on the website but customer service can be difficult. Camping is available on a first come basis at Hawley Lake which also offers great fishing and beautiful scenery. Be aware that I did experience some free range cattle snooping through the camp at 2am which was a bit unexpected. Also, being in the mountains, it was pretty cold at night. 

    The area we camped in was open and the roads were well marked. Campsites were situated near fire rings with only the occasional picnic table. There were four pretty well maintained portable toilets near our camp as well. Be sure to review the rules and regulations on the website as some areas are off limits and to make sure you have all the proper permits for fishing and/or camping.(State and local licenses required for fishing)

  • Ashley A.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Alpine Divide Campground

    Great Setting, Average Site

    Alpine Divide is nestled in the Ponderosa Pines just outside of Alpine, AZ. It is pretty typical for a USFS site of its type. Perforated style picnic table, fire ring with grill attachment, vault toilet. The views are amazing, though! It is right off the highway so there is some road noise and half of the 12 sites are currently inaccessible (as of 2021).

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Buffalo Crossing Campground

    Love this river and area

    The location is wrong! This is the coordinates - 33.76672° N, 109.35443° W This was so much more beautiful before the Wallow Fire. Please put out your fires! I grew up not far from here and always enjoy coming. There are small trout in the river and Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Mexican Hat Lake, Reservation Lake, and Lee Valley Reservoir all close. There is picnic tables, potable water in tanks if needed, vault toilets, fire rings all in the campground. The marina store at Big Lake and Crescent Lake both have stores with firewood. At the time of the posting, the camp host at Diamond Rock campground had firewood for sale not far up the road. Watch the corners going in and out as the OHV guys drive pretty fast and the road is narrow in many places. Bear Wallow Cafe is in Alpine and I recommend the pie!

  • Andrew S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Petrified Forest Campground

    Great spot near the highway that feels remote

    Host was responsive and provided great directions, location was close to the Petrified Forest and 100% boondocking. Plenty of space to spread out and relax, awesome sunset and sunrise views. Unfortunately we were there during a fire ban, so no campfire for us, but still had a great evening. It is an open area so be careful with the winds if you have a lighter, top heavy rig. Only complaint would be the neighbors aren't the most tidy, trash was blowing around from their compound.

  • Tiffany B.
    May. 12, 2022

    Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

    5 star if you pick the right sites

    We booked the last site available so I think with some careful reviewing of site map and asking over the phone about specific needs this is a 5 star spot, but it isn’t particularly pop up friendly. There are primitive tent sites and an assortment of electric + sites. The grounds are gorgeous, lots of space around the lake, so so so very quiet and clean. We have a small pop up. Generally we chose more primitive or small electric only sites. No rigs like ours were in the tent area so not sure if that is an option. Almost ALL the spaces are side by side shared double lots in the cinnamon teal loop. At least 40% - amazing if you’re group camping, but I like my space and privacy. Quiet hours 8pm- 7am. Showers/toilets in each loop. No outlets in bathroom for hair drying etc. showers were cold after minute 2 and each unit was a full bath so also cold and wet. None of this would matter at a cheap site but a hook up is $65/night. Surrounding town is cute with amenities. Visit The House for a meal.

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Rainbow (AZ)

    Beautiful Hiking, Serene Camping

    Camped here in October 2016. My all-time favorite campgrounds. We tent camped and it was freezing cold, poured rain. We had huge sleeping bags and a little propane heater, and still really enjoyed it. Lots of area to hike and tons to see.

  • Krista Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2017

    Show Low Lake Campground

    RIGHT on the edge of town.

    Cute little Campground literally on the edge of town. If you look in one direction you'll see the apartment buildings about a quarter mile away (you can see it in the video). Each "Loop" has about 4 to 6 spots and a hauled water dispenser with a faucet. There is a men's and women's bathroom for each Loop and a set of bear boxes. The bathrooms have wooden barn looking doors and a 5 gallon bucket in the corner for trash. Each campsite has a picnic table, a standing Grill, and a metal fire pit with Grill. Less than a quarter-mile away there is a canyon so if you have little ones you may want to pick your spot accordingly. The plus side to the canyon is there were people parked near the boat dock that had hiked down it to fish. Some campsites are pull in and some are pull through. A lot had reserved tags but there were still plenty open. There is a lake probably half a mile walk to where you can fish. Otherwise you can drive to it and park fairly close to the dock.

  • Kathy W.
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

    Fool Hollow

    Probably the most beautiful campground in Arizona. Just outside Show Low, in the eastern part of the state, you are nestled in the pine & juniper of the region. Despite being in the middle of a developed area, once in the park, you feel appropriately isolated. We were at a reserved tent site (Osprey 12). All tent sites overlook the lake & a couple of them even have creeks running through them after rain. Visited family on a full hookup site & while the pads are huge, it seemed like you were more exposed to your neighbors. The tent loops all have access to a vault toilet & the middle loop has showers as well (the other loops are still walking distance from showers). There are several day use areas & boat ramps to the lake. Saw (& heard) many different birds & animals. Can't wait to go back.

  • Jacob W.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Benny Creek Campground

    Serene

    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. Greer is right off the 260, but a hidden gem for sure.

    Campground was nearly empty. we saw two other groups/families. Camping sites are large, but not as dispersed, so might be noisy if this place gets busy. There are areas for RVs, as well as vault toilets.

    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 (check pics)

    Town of Greer is about 10 minute drive from camp ground. There are some services and restaurants. campground does have fire rings and picnic tables in most sites!

    This spot is a true hidden gem!

Guide to St. Johns

Tent camping near St. Johns, Arizona, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the serene landscapes of the region. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Local Attractions to Explore

  • The Concho Lake Recreation Area provides a picturesque setting for fishing and boating, making it a great spot for water enthusiasts.
  • Shush Bezahze is located near a beautiful lake, offering easy access to wildlife viewing and peaceful walks along the shore.
  • For those looking to experience the beauty of the Apache National Forest, Apache National Forest South Fork Campground is a fantastic choice, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic trails.

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Tent Camping Features and Amenities

  • Shush Bezahze provides essential amenities like drinking water and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for campers.
  • For a more rustic experience, Brown Creek Campground offers a secluded atmosphere with no developed facilities, ideal for those seeking solitude.
  • Elderberry Spring Campground, while not a traditional campground, serves as a convenient stop for those traveling through the area, providing a place to rest before continuing your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near St. Johns, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near St. Johns, AZ is Concho Lake Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near St. Johns, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near St. Johns, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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