Camping cabins near Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona provide access to the White Mountains at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 7,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 80°F during the day, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September. The area features a mix of ponderosa pine forests and alpine lakes, with several cabin rentals available for those seeking shelter from occasional summer rain showers.
What to do
Fishing with permits: At Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res, visitors need to secure proper documentation before arriving. "Be sure to get your fishing license and permits in town, it's a long drive into town from the lake," notes one camper who visited in August.
Petroglyph viewing: Lyman Lake State Park Campground offers historical exploration beyond cabin stays. "The petroglyphs were awesome with some nice hiking trails," reports a camper who spent three nights at the park with family, adding that "the grounds were clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful."
Star observation: Without city light pollution, cabin campers enjoy exceptional night skies. One visitor at Lyman Lake mentioned the benefits of its remote location: "Nice viewing of stars at night," adding details about the "quiet, cabins, tent sites, FHU available, beach camping" options at the park.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Cabins offer protection while allowing proximity to local fauna. At Brook Char Campground, one camper reported, "Elk, deer and plenty of skunks (who waddled thru the campsite but never raised their tails)" during a four-day solo camping trip.
Lake proximity: Many cabin locations provide easy water access. "This tent walk in site has been our family favorite for decades... This sites are across the small road from the lake. This is our favorite place to camp with other family members since the sites are close together. Easy walk to the lake," shares a Brook Char visitor.
Weather comfort: The mountain elevation provides relief from desert heat. A Hawley Lake visitor reported, "Pristine views, cool weather during the summer and clean facilities almost make you feel like your not in Arizona anymore," noting that August visits offered plenty of camping spots.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Food storage matters at cabin sites. "Bring rope to protect your campsite from wild horses and wandering cows," advises a Hawley Lake visitor, while another camper warns to "be sure to put food away nightly, the cows are no joke.. They get into everything!!!"
Temperature fluctuations: Mountain cabin camping means preparing for cold nights. At Timber Camp Recreation Area and Group Campgrounds, campers enjoyed three nights with "little to do in the way of hikes within walking distance, but we enjoyed walking around the campground and into the woods." Sites are "well maintained and level" with "a steel fire ring and grate as well as a nice metal picnic table."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between cabin locations. One visitor to Mountain Retreat in Heber appreciated "that the rate includes water, electric and sewage," while Timber Camp visitors reported "Verizon service was great the entire time."
Tips for camping with families
Group accommodations: For larger family gatherings, seek specific cabin areas. At Timber Camp, "We reserved this spot for a large family gathering and it served our needs perfectly. The spot is in a great patch on Ponderosa Pines... It is a very large space and each family can spread out as much as they want - and still have space for wiffle ball!"
Bathroom accessibility: When booking cabin sites with children, consider facility proximity. The Timber Camp loop contains "12 spaces with co-ed bathrooms (toilet only). There are 2 large BBQs at the end of the loop, covered ramadas with picnic tables, and an oversized metal fire pit."
Off-season timing: Family cabin trips outside summer offer fewer crowds. At Mountain Retreat in Heber, one visitor highlighted that "This place is great for the whole family and there is no trailer year restriction. You definitely cant beat the price" for monthly cabin rentals.
Tips from RVers
Lakeside spacing: RV sites near lakes may have limited separation. At Lyman Lake, one camper observed, "We only stayed a night but we liked it a lot. No internet service and poor phone reception (T-Mobile) which was a little issue for us as we are traveling cross country and we need to confirm some of our upcoming RV stops."
Highway proximity: Some cabin and RV areas have road noise considerations. At Mogollon RV Park, visitors note it's "very crowded but has full hookups. General store across the street. It's ok for a quick stop but not a favorite," though the location benefits from being "on the mogollon rim so there is some great hiking and sightseeing nearby. Several lakes close also."
Site selection strategy: RVers with larger rigs should research cabin areas allowing both RVs and cabins. At Lyman Lake, "Spacious sites" are available with "FHU available, blacktop roads, blacktop to park your rig. Some pull thru site, mostly back ins, large sites."
