Andy M.
Legend
LegendLyman Lake State Park Campground
Nice spot on the way to Petrified Forest N.P.
Great help from the campground ranger at the store to get a spot.
Glamping near Lakeside, AZ
1 campground with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Hawley Lake Apache Indian Reservation houses one of the most popular glamping options in the Lakeside area, with full-service glamping accommodations perfect for those seeking outdoor experiences without sacrificing comfort. Both Hawley Lake and Reservation Lake offer elevated camping experiences with canvas structures that provide protection from the elements while maintaining a connection to nature. The glamping accommodations include comfortable sleeping arrangements, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, making them ideal for families or couples wanting to experience Arizona's White Mountains. The Brook Char Campground provides additional glamping opportunities with its more refined accommodations that balance rustic charm and modern convenience. Nearby Rainbow Campground completes the area's glamping portfolio with its seasonal operations from May through October. "Hawley Lake is the perfect escape when you want to get out of the heat. Pristine views, cool weather during the summer and clean facilities almost make you feel like your not in Arizona anymore," noted one visitor.
The White Mountain region surrounding these glamping sites features exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly at Hawley Lake and Reservation Lake where guests can fish for native Apache trout. Most glamping locations provide fire rings for evening campfires and stargazing, with the clear mountain skies offering spectacular views of the night sky. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest provides a backdrop for hiking and wildlife viewing directly from glamping accommodations. Lyman Lake State Park, located approximately 30 miles from Lakeside, offers additional glamping experiences through their cabin accommodations that include lake views and access to petroglyph trails. A recent visitor mentioned, "The petroglyphs were awesome with some nice hiking trails." Winter glampers should note that most accommodations are seasonal, with peak availability from May through October, though Lyman Lake remains open year-round with heated glamping options for those seeking winter mountain experiences.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Lakeside (10)
1. Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res
"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."
"Hawley Lake is the perfect escape when you want to get out of the heat. Pristine views, cool weather during the summer and clean facilities almost make you feel like your not in Arizona anymore."
2. Pinetop Lakeside Valhalla
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $1000 / night
3. Lyman Lake State Park Campground
"The grounds were clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Bathrooms and showers are on site and several dumpsters are nearby to get rid of trash."
"FHU available Spacious sites Wind does come up Lake is down and good fishing Clean restrooms and showers Has store well stocked (no tobacco or alcohol) Fish cleaning station Nice viewing of stars at night"
49 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $25 - $80 / night
4. Big Lake Campground
"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!"
5. Rainbow (AZ)
"It is still a great place to escape the desert heat. It was 115 when we left the big city."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $34 - $110 / night
6. Brook Char Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 / night
7. Reservation Lake Apache Indian Res
"There is a loop around the East side with many different sites. There is a host there also.Tables and fire pit at most sites and some within walking distance to lake to fish."
8. Mountain Retreat in Heber
"You definitely cant beat the price and its nice that the rate includes water, electric and sewage."
Check Availabilityfrom $23 - $60 / night
9. Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds
"Biggest downside it is RIGHT off the highway so expect road noise. About the loop (single spaces called Brundrett 1): There are 12 spaces with co-ed bathrooms (toilet only)."
"The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $16 - $150 / night
10. Second Campground
"They do have a bathroom. It does make for a relaxing night after a short hike to the falls. The road back is a dirt road with a cliff on one side. Saw cars back there so not a bad road."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 9 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 9 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 10 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 3 hrs 27 min from Tucson, AZ
Recent Glamping Photos near Lakeside, AZ
4 Photos of 10 Lakeside Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Lakeside, AZ
63 Reviews of 10 Lakeside Campgrounds
MB's J.
ScoutHawley Lake Apache Indian Res
Beautiful open area
Rv camping. Camping areas are big enough for 2-3 families
Nice amenities (Picnic table/ Firepit)
Calm campground nice with pets
- CCaylee H.Scout
Mountain Retreat in Heber
Best monthly rate and no restrictions!
This place is great for the whole family and there is no trailer year restriction. You definitely cant beat the price and its nice that the rate includes water, electric and sewage.
Candy P.LegendRainbow (AZ)
Arizona’s best kept secret!
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. You can’t go wrong with any of the sites, including the first come first serve loops.
Rod D.
GuideRainbow (AZ)
Still a great place to escape the desert heat
It had been 28 years since we last camped at Rainbow. It is still a great place to escape the desert heat. It was 115 when we left the big city. Five hours later we found ourselves camped at 9100 feet, enjoying the cool temps in the mid 60's and the passing rain showers. Aspens, pines, and wildlife were all in abundance. 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 restrooms were constantly cleaned by the very friendly and capable staff from recreation resource management which operates the campground for the forest service.
Firewood and ice are available (stage 2 fire restrictions were in effect so no campfires), water was convenient as was gray water disposal. There is a centralized dump station, showers, and a small but educational visitor center. Trash dumpsters are centralized and easy to access.
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. We enjoyed exploring the miles of scenic forest roads, and wildlife viewing. We saw 4 Mexican gray wolves which was very special.
This is a very popular campground that accommodates all types of rigs. They do have first come first serve sites available, but it is recommended to make reservations at least 4 days in advance. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov. It's always best practice to print a copy of your reservation. There is no cell service in this area.
We look forward to camping again at Rainbow.
Brodie D.GuideLyman Lake State Park Campground
Great spot!
We pulled in after hours and a ranger kindly helped us find our spot. She recommended a cool hiking trail to check out the next morning. Bathrooms and showers are super clean and well maintained. There is only one designated bathhouse building so if you park far, you’ll be walking a ways. Did I mention the views are gorgeous? The views alone are worth staying here.
- JJoshua W.Guide
Lyman Lake State Park Campground
Amazing
The park was practically empty. The views are always amazing, and the weather was perfect. The wind picked up in the evenings to about 10 mph, but then was calm around 9pm. In the morning the lake was very calm, and taking the kayak out was so peaceful. I spoke with the ranger and ahead said next summer a vendor will have boat and jet ski rentals. Good and bad, but maybe that will help keep camping rates low. Highly recommend a trip here when you have a long weekend.
Carl L.ScoutBrook Char Campground
Bogus
Reserved site #13 on line for August 15th. On arriving this site has no flat areas and you must pass directly through site #12 to access. The entire campground was EMPTY except us. We decided to move to site #12 to get a flat area. I informed the host out of courtesy of our move to the empty adjoining site. He said NO! I had to pay him $20 to make the change. If I did it on-line, it would be zero fee. THERE IS NO CELL COVERAGE at this campground, so it is impossible to go online and make that useless change. Another caretaker drove by and said he didn't see a problem moving if it was his call. The dude at Brookchar would NOT budge...he wanted his $20 bucks ( I have a senior pass and at worst it would have been $8.00). Told him to stuff it and to contact his manager. He refused. The other caretaker guy drove away and and said he would discuss it with her. Bear in mind, the entire campground had zero reservations for that evening besides us. He returned later to inform me that the manger had "OK'ed" the change for no fee. It is zero fee to change a campsites....zero! Unbelievable,,,,Beware....
Michael S.
TravelerLyman Lake State Park Campground
Beautiful desert views
Clean, quiet, open campground, tents, trailers and cabins. Very happy with the week we spent here
Guide to Lakeside
White Mountain camping destinations near Lakeside, Arizona sit at elevations between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, making this region a cooling escape from desert heat. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter access due to snow conditions.
What to do
Fishing for Apache trout: Hawley Lake Apache Indian Reservation offers excellent fishing opportunities. "Some campsites were just recently upgraded with metal picnic tables. Fishing was on point this Labor Day holiday," notes Liza C. The lake is stocked regularly during summer months.
Hiking to petroglyphs: Lyman Lake State Park features accessible petroglyph trails suitable for most skill levels. "The petroglyphs were awesome with some nice hiking trails," shares JB L. Guided interpretive hikes are available on weekends during summer.
Wildlife viewing: Numerous wildlife encounters occur throughout the camping areas. "We even had visits from deer, a very bold skunk, chipmunks, squirrels, and blue jays," writes Renee H. about her stay at Rainbow Campground. Early morning and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Escape from desert heat: Summer temperatures remain moderate even when Phoenix and Tucson experience triple digits. "Hawley Lake is the perfect escape when you want to get out of the heat," notes one camper. Daytime highs typically reach the 70s with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s.
Spacious, wooded sites: Big Lake Campground offers well-spaced sites with natural separation. "The sites are large and well spaced," mentions Elisa. Many campsites feature mature pine trees providing natural shade throughout the day.
Cabin and glamping options: For those seeking upgraded accommodations beyond tent camping, various options exist. "We have rented a cabin every August and the weather is wonderful," shares Cassandra L. about Hawley Lake. Most cabins require reservations several months in advance during peak season.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. "Winter glampers should note that most accommodations are seasonal, with peak availability from May through October," according to local information. Rainbow Campground specifically operates from "May 13 to Oct 31."
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential. "Be sure to put food away nightly, the cows are no joke. They get into everything!!!" warns Liza C. Bears and skunks also frequent these areas, requiring secure food storage in vehicles or approved containers.
Permit requirements: Different permits may be required depending on location and activities. "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)," advises Hayley K.
Tips for camping with families
Scout for kid-friendly sites: Brook Char Campground offers sites conducive to family camping. "This tent walk in site has been our family favorite for decades. The sites have plenty of room for 2 tents," notes Candy P. Sites near water access points work well for families with children.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes quickly, requiring layered clothing. "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," shares Rara B. about Rainbow Campground. Afternoon thunderstorms commonly occur in July and August.
Activities for children: Several campgrounds offer junior ranger programs and fishing clinics. "Went up for Labor Day weekend with my kids. We had a blast. We rented a boat from the marina and spent about 3 hours fishing," reports Mike C. about Big Lake Campground. Many lakes rent child-sized fishing equipment.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Some access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "The dirt washboard road getting in (45 mins) was enough for me to not love this place," explains Candy P. about Reservation Lake Apache Indian Res. Most main roads to established campgrounds are paved, but secondary routes may require high clearance.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in this region. "There are several full-hookup spots," mentions Paul B. regarding Apache Trout Campgrounds at Big Lake. Reservations for sites with utilities should be secured well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and holidays.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. "There is intermittent cell service at best (with Verizon). Once in a while I'd catch a bar of 4G but most of the time was on 'analog' or had no service at all," reports Krista Z. about Hawley Lake. Download maps and information before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Lakeside, AZ?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Lakeside, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Lakeside, AZ is Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Lakeside, AZ?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Lakeside, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Lakeside, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring