The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Lakeside, AZ

198 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Lakeside, Arizona region offer a mix of established campgrounds and more remote options within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and Apache tribal lands. Brown Creek Campground provides secluded tent camping with minimal development, while Shush Bezahze offers more amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. Several campgrounds near McNary, including Shush-Be-Tou Lake and McCoys Bridge on the Apache Indian Reservation, provide basic facilities for tent campers seeking proximity to water.

Most tent camping areas near Lakeside feature minimal amenities, with campers needing to be self-sufficient. Brown Creek Campground has no established facilities, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out waste. A visitor noted, "If you didn't know it was here you wouldn't ever guess there was a campground. The only signage is a 'dead out' fire sign." Sites typically have fire rings, though some areas may have seasonal fire restrictions. Several campgrounds on Apache tribal lands require permits, with fees typically around $20 per day per person over age 12. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Shush Bezahze, but many dispersed areas lack bathroom facilities.

The higher elevation tent camping areas provide relief from summer heat, with temperatures typically in the upper 80s during day and cooler at night. According to one camper, "We went in July and it was upper 80's during the day, perfect at night for a fire." Walk-in tent sites are common at several campgrounds, with Cutthroat Campground requiring campers to hike gear uphill from parking areas to reach some sites. Many backcountry tent camping locations offer proximity to fishing, with Reservation Lake and areas along Canyon Creek providing trout fishing opportunities. Wildlife sightings are common, with bears occasionally spotted near camping areas along waterways. Most tent-only areas feature good tree coverage providing shade, though ground conditions can be dusty in heavily used sites.

Map showing campgrounds near Lakeside, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Lakeside, Arizona (38)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Lakeside Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lakeside, AZ

8 Photos of 38 Lakeside Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Lakeside, AZ

198 Reviews of 38 Lakeside 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)

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 23, 2021

    Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds

    Decent campground, few amenities, in the middle of nowhere

    Enjoyed three nights and generally had the place to ourselves excluding the host. The host was very nice. The fee station was out of order during our stay, so we paid via daily tickets at a place in Globe on our way out. The campground is right off the highway so there was a fair amount of traffic noise, but not unbearable. Little to do in the way of hikes within walking distance, but we enjoyed walking around the campground and into the woods to the north and east. Verizon service was great the entire time. Sites are well maintained and level. Vault toilets were clean. Each site has a steel fire ring and grate as well as a nice metal picnic table. There a a few group areas with full grills and communal tables. The campground appears fairly new.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Gerard R.
    Jul. 7, 2020

    Airplane Flat Campground

    Walking distance to the creek!

    Great dispersed campsite. Can’t remember how many sites but there are quite a few. Vaulted toilets are available, picnic tables and fire rings. First come first served. There is a camp host usually... not sure why? Plenty of firewood to gather. We went in July and it was upper 80’s during the day, perfect at night for a fire. Short walk to Lower Canyon Creek where the waters were icy cold. Great trout fishing - north of the bridge, catch and release only south of the bridge with barbless lures only. Only downside is the dusty ground- It’s time they move the sites because they are well worn.

  • Jane F.
    Sep. 25, 2018

    Black Canyon Rim Campground (apache-sitgreaves National Forest, Az)

    Bears and Wild Horses in Area

    Many Ponderosa Pines cover this campground located a couple miles from Black Canyon Lake. No hookups, but clean, well-being maintained sites with bear proof dumpsters. Clean vault toilets and drinking water for jugs are available. Host sells firewood. Deer, elk and many wild horses roam the area along with the black bears. General store, gas and restaurants just a few miles away.

Guide to Lakeside

Tent camping near Lakeside, Arizona offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for tent camping near Lakeside

  • Peace of Mind Campgrounds provides a simple yet enjoyable experience with easy access for both drive-in and walk-in campers.
  • Brown Creek Campground is perfect for those looking for seclusion, as it’s tucked away in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, offering plenty of shade and natural beauty.
  • Shush Bezahze features amenities like drinking water and toilets, making it a comfortable choice for families and groups.

Local activities for tent campers

  • At Peace of Mind Campgrounds, campers can enjoy fishing and kayaking in nearby lakes, making it an ideal spot for water activities.
  • Shush Bezahze is close to wildlife viewing opportunities, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the local ecosystem.
  • Brown Creek Campground is situated in a hunting area, providing a unique experience for those interested in outdoor sports.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Cooley Lake Campground offers a peaceful atmosphere, although it is primarily for tribe members, making it a unique spot for those who qualify.
  • Bootlegger features essential amenities like drinking water and toilets, ensuring a more comfortable camping experience.
  • McCoys Bridge Apache Indian Res provides access to drinking water and toilets, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lakeside, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lakeside, AZ is Brown Creek Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Lakeside, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Lakeside, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring