Dispersed camping around Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona offers numerous free camping options throughout the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, with elevations ranging from 6,500 to over 9,000 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically between 70-85°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Winter brings significant snowfall that can make forest roads impassable until late spring, particularly at higher elevations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing in the high country: At Carnero Spring Road, campers report excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. As one visitor noted, "Camped in the clearing by the lake. Some traffic came through but not bothersome." The area attracts elk, deer, turkey and various bird species that frequent the nearby lake.
ATV and dirt biking: The terrain around Dutch's Tank provides excellent opportunities for off-road enthusiasts. "In the back of this area is a huge ATV/Moto-x like course. Great hills and tracks!!" wrote one reviewer. The open terrain offers miles of trails suitable for various skill levels.
Hiking on established forest trails: Many dispersed camping areas connect to hiking trails. At Timber Mesa Trailhead, visitors find "clearly marked trails and roadways. Hiking views were spectacular," according to one camper. Trails range from easy walks to challenging day hikes across varied terrain.
What campers like
High elevation cooling: Summer campers appreciate the higher elevations for escaping desert heat. At Beehive Spring Camp, situated at 9,200 feet, campers enjoy cooler temperatures. One reviewer mentioned, "At 9200 ft elevation got cold at night in September," highlighting the refreshing temperature difference compared to lower elevations.
Dark sky stargazing: The remote locations offer minimal light pollution. A camper at Dutch's Tank appreciated the "Easy Access, Dark and Secluded" nature of the site, making it ideal for stargazing. The Mogollon Rim area provides some of Arizona's darkest skies for astronomical observation.
Late arrival flexibility: Unlike developed campgrounds, dispersed sites don't require reservations. One camper at Rim Road reported, "We showed late on Friday eve and were still able to get a great spot for tent camping." This flexibility allows weekend travelers to arrive after work without worrying about losing a reserved spot.
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest roads can become impassable after precipitation. A camper at National Forest Road 117C warned, "Don't try to make it to the shared coordinates soon after a snow melt. Grateful for our GoTreads." Many access roads require high clearance vehicles during wet periods.
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At Concho Lake, a camper noted, "Great Verizon Service. WINDY. Pretty, too." Other sites have limited or no service, requiring appropriate preparation for communications.
Unexpected weather changes: The high country experiences rapid weather shifts. A Rim Road visitor shared, "If you are checking the weather, it's closer to Heber than Payson. Payson low tonight expected to be 37, but Heber is expected to get to 24. Brrrrr." Always check forecasts for the specific area rather than nearby towns.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established pull-offs: For easier family camping, select sites with clear parking areas. Dutch's Tank offers family-friendly options as noted by a camper: "I stayed in the first spot with a 16' livestock trailer. Easy to get in and out, road ain't terrible. Would bring the family back for some boondocking in our camper."
Look for natural boundaries: Sites with natural perimeters help contain younger children. Concho Lake features "spread out campsites right on concho lake" with "shrubs and pines offering decent privacy and quiet," making it easier to monitor children while camping.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many sites offer excellent chances to teach children about nature. At Timber Mesa Trailhead, one camper discovered "many kinds of animals. Elk. Coyote. Cow. Sheep. You name it!" These wildlife encounters provide valuable learning experiences for children when properly supervised.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: Some free dispersed sites offer improved parking pads. At Concho Lake, a reviewer mentioned "cement pads for vans or smaller RVs in some spots," making leveling easier than at completely primitive sites.
Generator-friendly locations: For RVers needing power, sites farther from popular areas allow for generator use without disturbing others. Rim Road provides many options as "There are places to get away from the main roads and places near the roads for those with toys," allowing RVers to find suitable isolation.
Road width considerations: Many forest roads accommodate larger rigs better than expected. A Rim Road camper noted, "Most of them are very easy to get to even with big rv's or trailers. Maintained roads all the way through," though drivers should still scout ahead when possible.
