Lyman Lake State Park Campground provides rustic cabin lodging approximately 11 miles south of St. Johns on US Highway 191. Cabins include basic furnishings with picnic tables outside, and many feature lake views with convenient access to hiking trails and petroglyph viewing areas. Electrical hookups are available in most cabin units, though amenities vary by location. Showers and restroom facilities are centrally located within the campground for cabin guests. Several campgrounds in the region offer cabin accommodations with varying levels of amenities, including Hawley Lake Apache Indian Reservation, which features cabins with drinking water and shower access. "The cabins are very nice and clean. Campground is very well maintained and the staff is very friendly. There are multiple trails to explore and have a great time."
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Lyman Lake cabins remain open year-round, while Brook Char Campground cabins operate seasonally from May through October. Most cabin locations require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when higher elevation sites provide relief from desert heat. Pet policies vary significantly between properties, with Lyman Lake prohibiting pets in cabins while Hawley Lake and Painted Desert Ranger Cabin allow pets. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "We have rented a cabin every August and the weather is wonderful. Some rain but very green and lovely outdoors."
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities vary widely between properties, with some offering only outdoor fire pits while others provide more complete kitchen setups. Several campgrounds maintain on-site stores with basic provisions - Lyman Lake State Park features a well-stocked store with firewood, bait, fishing gear, and limited groceries, though it does not sell tobacco or alcohol. Greer Lodge Resort & Cabins includes market access and firewood availability. Water access points are available at most cabin locations, though water hookups are not standard at all properties. Campers should prepare for potential seasonal closures and varying levels of amenities depending on the specific cabin location.
$25 - $80 / night
"Lots of nice spots, you can get everything from a small cabin to a dry spot down by the beach. Some of the bathrooms are closed for the winter but there are a couple still open. 30 and 50 amp power."
"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"
"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."
"Camping areas are big enough for 2-3 families Nice amenities (Picnic table/ Firepit)
Calm campground nice with pets"
$26 / night
"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."
"This cabin offers a comfy bed and flush toilet..and that's it! Bring what you need and possibly pack an all-terrain wagon. It may be a basic cabin, but your experience will be ANYTHING but."
"CTRV is a quiet, adult oriented, RV park in the pines of Alpine. This is a very nice, easy access CG with level back-in gravel sites. It is a great base camp to visit the area."
$100 - $1000 / night
$49 / night
GuideOnce again we are the only ones here! It got a little cold this morning, down to 15 but the sunrise was awesome. Lots of nice spots, you can get everything from a small cabin to a dry spot down by the beach. Some of the bathrooms are closed for the winter but there are a couple still open. 30 and 50 amp power. Water at the pull through sites but you need to disconnect at night to avoid freezing.
LegendAshley here with The Dyrt! We're so happy to welcome your host, Ross. This cabin offers a comfy bed and flush toilet..and that's it! Bring what you need and possibly pack an all-terrain wagon. It may be a basic cabin, but your experience will be ANYTHING but. This property offers gorgeous stargazing opportunities, and is right next to the Petrified Forest. Thank you for sharing this gem, Ross! Book your adventure today and leave a review here!
LegendCampground Review
I remember camping at Hawley Lake all the time as a kid and it was one of my favorite places to be. After this trip back as an adult I noticed things have changed quite a bit. Do not get me wrong… it’s a beautiful lake with plenty of camping in a pine tree forest. However, there were some areas for improvement.
For starters, the roads are not marked very well. For example, you do not know how to get to the general store until you are almost to the general store. Generally, this does not bother me because I just turn on Google Maps and find whatever I need but 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. Along these lines, the campsites are not designated at all. Basically, you can just park and setup wherever you want. I felt like we were a bit encroached upon because of this.
There are bathroom buildings but all the ones I saw were closed. They then would have a few port-a-pottys sitting out in front of the building. The port-a-pottys weren’t well kept and were rarely stocked with toilet paper. There was trash everywhere! We walked to the ramadas by the lake and the fire pits were full of plastics and other garbage. There were constantly beer bottles left next to the port-a-pottys and randomly around camp and the lake. There was a bunch of stray garbage (including a very sharp sheared off tent pole) left in our campsite before we arrived.
The icing on the cake was the attitude of the fellow campers. There were generators running almost all night, loud music, and like I said earlier there was some weird lack of boundaries between sites.
So now that I have told you what I didn’t like about Hawley Lake let me tell you what I did like. The lake is very large and very beautiful. Most of the shoreline is easily accessible for fishing or lounging lakeside. Words for the wise you can not swim in this lake. There is a little boathouse that offers boat rentals if you would like to venture out into the water.
The weather is a wonderful escape from the valley. There is rain almost every day (varying between light afternoon showers and heavy storms). The camping fees are paid by the car and are very affordable ($9/night/car). If you plan to purchase your camping permits at the lake be sure to bring cash. The General Store does offer some essential items and has a small café with hotdog/hamburger type foods. There are cabins available for rent lakeside as well.
Product Review
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this trip, I tested The ICEMULE Pro X-Large. The ICEMULE Pro X-Large was bigger than I had expected. It makes total sense once you think about it because it holds 24 cans and ice but it still surprised me. When I was filling the cooler or trying to get those last few precious cans out of the bottom I have to stick my entire arm in all the way in up to my armpit.
The cooler is made of a very thick and durable flexible plastic type material (kind of like an above ground pool siding). It has been super rugged and did not get scratched or torn up when we have used it on a pool deck, thrown it in the truck bed (with the scratchy spray in liner), or when being toted around camp and to the lake. The cooler has an adjustable bungee cord on the front. At first, I was not sure what we were going to use that for and the more we take out the cooler I find the possibilities are endless. We have been using it to carry our silicone cups, extra sunscreen, a spare hat, etc.
The cooler has a fold top design with a buckle. I do not have any other bags that close this way so it was a bit odd to get used to and is a bit harder to do when it was full. When properly closed the cooler will float. I was shocked to find that even full of cold beverages and ice the cooler floated when I pushed it into the lake. This is a great feature if you want to use it for boating, kayaking, or tubing.
We have been using the cooler quite a bit and in a few varied conditions. One of the examples I will share is that we used it for a poolside BBQ in Arizona. We filled it with 30 cans and bottles and about a bag of ice (which is far more stuff and less ice than suggested). Our beverages stayed perfectly chilled in 100+ degree weather even though we were in and out of it constantly and after 8 hours, there was still ice in the bottom.
We have also used it without ice. We put in 12 cold drinks to start with and even without ice they were cool 3-4 hours later.
The last example I will share is that we put 3 bags of ice and 6 cans in to it. After 48 hours there was about 75% of the ice still left in the cooler!
If you do use it to its full capacity, I suggest that you fill it on an elevated surface. With 24 cans and 3 bags of ice, you will be looking at around 40 lbs of weight and when I tried to pick ours up from the ground it threw me off balance a little. After that, I would fill it on a picnic table or counter top and it was so much easier to just turn around and pick it up from carrying height. The straps on the bag are very padded and very comfortable even when it is full. There is a chest strap but no hip strap. If I could offer a suggestion to ICEMULE for improvement, it would be to add a hip strap to help carry the weight.
GuideWe're frequent campers, and this is one of our favorite spots in AZ!
The tent-only campground is small, but the sites are large and have multiple great clearings for tents. Lots of shade and easy paths for walking around the grounds, plus there's potable water at several sites. Central bathrooms with running water are kept very clean, plus there's trash service and a (very friendly) camp host if you need anything.
Directly across a small road from Big Lake and the boat ramp. There are several places to go right down to the shore, and it's only a 5-6 minute walk along the road to the general store and boat rental area, where there's also a fish cleaning station. Brookchar is just down the road from the giant Rainbow Lake, so you'll hear some RVs and ATVs on the road, but very minimal.
We camped in site 12, which in our opinion is the best! Closest to the lake with water views, plus parking right outside your site for 2 vehicles (other sites, you park in a main lot). Bring your fishing gear and kayak/SUP (can also rent very reasonably)!
Over Memorial Day weekend, we saw highs close to 80 and lows in the high 30s/low 40s. Only sprinkled once!
It's also just an hour from Pinetop-Lakeside, so it's easy to make grocery stops or even grab a coffee (try Pinetop Coffee House + Roasters right on the highway!) on your way in/out.
LegendWe 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)
TravelerFHU 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
Quiet, cabins, tent sites, FHU available, beach camping.
Rangers on site along with hosts
Black top roads
Blacktop to park your rig. Some pull thru site
Mostly back ins
Large sites
TravelerSpent 4 days of solo camping at Brookchar. 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. Elk, deer and plenty of skunks (who waddled thru the campsite but never raised their tails). Rained a couple of hours each night but it lulls you right to sleep. Definitely a return trip in the spring....
ScoutRv camping. Camping areas are big enough for 2-3 families
Nice amenities (Picnic table/ Firepit)
Calm campground nice with pets
LegendWe spent 8-nights here (June 7-15, 2022). CTRV is a quiet, adult oriented, RV park in the pines of Alpine. This is a very nice, easy access CG with level back-in gravel sites. It is a great base camp to visit the area. There are plenty local attractions: lakes, rivers and streams, wilderness and national forests. Activities include: fishing, biking (wish I brought my mtn bike), hiking/walking and ATV trails. The elk herds out number the cattle– a morning and evening spectacle! We did not make use of the laundry, bathrooms or showers. The WiFi was good as was cell phone reception (we lost both for 2-1/2 days due to a fiber optic cable break near Show Low/Springerville).
The owners, Sherrie and Paul, are awesome! We would definitely stay here again.
(Side note: Coronado Trails Cabins is NOT affiliated with CTRV)
Cabins near St. Johns, Arizona range from primitive to deluxe accommodations across several campgrounds in the White Mountains region. Most cabin sites sit at 6,000-9,000 feet elevation, creating significantly cooler temperatures than Phoenix during summer months. Nighttime temperatures often drop 30-40 degrees from daytime highs even in July and August, requiring adequate bedding regardless of season.
Petroglyph viewing: At Lyman Lake State Park Campground, explore well-maintained trail systems showcasing ancient rock art. "Well maintained trail system that offers amazing views of the sandstone rock formations and petroglyphs. There is a rock squeeze in the trail too," notes Jessica S.
Fishing opportunities: Fish for catfish at Lyman Lake or trout in higher elevation lakes. "Fishing was on point this Labor Day holiday," reports Liza C. about Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res. Water conditions vary seasonally, with some campers noting "the lake was flooded and murky while we were there."
Boating and water recreation: Rent watercraft at various lakes or bring your own. "It's only a 5-6 minute walk along the road to the general store and boat rental area, where there's also a fish cleaning station," shares a camper about Big Lake near Brook Char Campground.
Weather relief: Higher elevations provide escape from desert heat. "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," reports Brodie D. about their stay at Lyman Lake State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds feature elk herds and other wildlife. According to one camper at Coronado Trail RV Park, "The elk herds out number the cattle– a morning and evening spectacle!"
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies offer exceptional night viewing. "This property offers gorgeous stargazing opportunities, and is right next to the Petrified Forest," mentions a review about Painted Desert Ranger Cabin, which provides basic accommodations with spectacular night skies.
Road access varies: Some cabin locations require 4WD vehicles or have poorly marked roads. "The directions given on the site for how to find this campground were not very clear. We spent a lot of time double and triple checking where we were," warns a camper about Brook Char Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin locations fill quickly during summer months. "It's a great base camp to visit the area. There are plenty local attractions: lakes, rivers and streams, wilderness and national forests," notes John T. about his 8-night stay at Coronado Trail RV Park.
Weather patterns: Summer afternoons often bring rain showers. "Rained a couple of hours each night but it lulls you right to sleep," explains a camper about conditions at Brook Char Campground near Big Lake.
Site selection: Look for cabins with nearby bathrooms and water access. "This tent walk in site has been our family favorite for decades. The sites have plenty of room for 2 tents. There is a clean bathroom in the campsite as well as water," shares Candy P. about Brook Char Campground.
Wildlife precautions: Secure food from wildlife, including unexpected visitors. "Be aware that I did experience some free range cattle snooping through the camp at 2am which was a bit unexpected," reports a camper at Hawley Lake.
Activities planning: Many cabins serve as base camps for multiple activities. "Activities include: fishing, biking (wish I brought my mtn bike), hiking/walking and ATV trails," notes a reviewer at Coronado Trail RV Park.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and internet access vary widely. "No internet service and poor phone reception (T-Mobile) which was a little issue for us as we are traveling cross country," reports Penélope F. about staying at Lyman Lake State Park.
Site features: Look for campgrounds with appropriate amenities. "The roads were all paved, bathrooms & showers were very clean. We road in on motorcycles & the camp spots were really great," explains Jessica C. about her experience at Lyman Lake.
Utility availability: Full hookup options exist but aren't universal. "FHU available, spacious sites, wind does come up, lake is down and good fishing, clean restrooms and showers," notes Dave N. about the amenities at Lyman Lake State Park Campground, which offers both rustic and more developed cabin options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near St. Johns, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near St. Johns, AZ is Lyman Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near St. Johns, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 cabin camping locations near St. Johns, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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