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 St. Johns, AZ
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Lyman Lake State Park Campground houses modern glamping cabins for visitors seeking comfort in St. Johns' scenic wilderness. These well-appointed accommodations provide a perfect base for exploring the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and White Mountains region. The cabins feature comfortable sleeping areas, protection from the elements, and proximity to clean showers and bathroom facilities. "Clean, quiet, open campground, tents, trailers and cabins. Very happy with the week we spent here," noted one visitor. The park also offers traditional camping options, but their cabin accommodations represent the most refined overnight experience, with easy access to hiking trails and lake activities. Hawley Lake Apache Indian Reservation also provides cabin and glamping options in a serene forest setting about an hour's drive from St. Johns.
The White Mountains region surrounding these glamping campgrounds showcases exceptional natural beauty with numerous recreational activities. Guests at Lyman Lake can explore well-maintained hiking trails leading to ancient petroglyphs and distinctive sandstone formations. The large lake permits boating, fishing, and shoreline relaxation, with rentals available during summer months. One reviewer highlighted that "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." Winter visitors should note that some facilities close seasonally, though year-round access is maintained at Lyman Lake. Reservations are recommended for all glamping campsites near St. Johns, particularly during peak summer months when visitors seek respite from Arizona's desert heat. Each location maintains specific policies regarding pets, alcohol, and campfires that should be verified before booking.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near St. Johns (8)
1. 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"
55 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $25 - $80 / night
2. 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!"
3. 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
4. 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."
5. 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
6. 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."
7. JoeStar Ranch Under Milky Way
"Upon arrival you find yourself on a prehistoric lakebed, just nature. Away from it all on the off beaten path to get there but hey 1.25 acres for camping and exploring Jojo!"
from $10 - $15 / night
8. Pinetop Lakeside Valhalla
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $1000 / night
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 4 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 6 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 17 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 3 hrs 37 min from Phoenix, AZ
Recent Glamping Photos near St. Johns, AZ
1 Photos of 8 St. Johns Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near St. Johns, AZ
62 Reviews of 8 St. Johns 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
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.
- SSimon P.Scout
Desert skies Holbrook az
No!
Both host phone numbers disconnected.
Campgrounds in disarray. Abandoned cars in lot. Animal skulls mounted on fence posts.
We’re pretty much up for anything… but no, just no - went on to Holbrook and got a hotel with no worries for the same price.
Zero stars if we could.
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....
Jason T.ScoutDesert skies Holbrook az
Beautiful amazing sunsets
This is one of my favorite stops the site is always cleared and free of B's the owners are super helpful and very kind down to earth people . The star gazing is incredible, a astrologists dream truly heaven on earth people . This is a must stop and stay especially if you plan on seeing the petrified forest it's the very next exit . I would no doubt stay here every time I'm passing by.
Guide to St. Johns
Lyman Lake State Park Campground offers glamping close to St. Johns, Arizona at 6,000 feet elevation where summer temperatures typically range 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. The White Mountains region creates a distinctive climate zone, with monsoon patterns bringing afternoon thunderstorms from July through September. Winter camping here means temperatures often drop below freezing at night.
What to do
Petroglyphs exploration: The hiking trail system at Big Lake Campground connects visitors with extensive wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw blue jays, squirrels, chipmunks, as well as several elk who wandered through camp in the early evening," reports Mike C., who visited with his family.
Fishing options: Multiple lakes within 45 minutes of St. Johns provide different fishing experiences. "Fishing was pretty bad, not one bite in 3 days," notes Jamey R. about their Lyman Lake experience, while William C. found that "Decent fishing, although the lake was flooded and murky while we were there, and we didn't give it the best shot."
Mountain biking: The surrounding forest roads near Rainbow Campground offer miles of scenic terrain. "I found the first non-motorized trail off the gravel Forest Service road by the lake. The trail teemed with wildlife. There were squirrels and chipmunks everywhere. I spotted a group of elk cows and later mule deer bucks," explains Jacob W.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Restrooms and showers at many area campgrounds receive positive feedback. "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," notes Brodie D. about Lyman Lake State Park.
Wildlife encounters: The White Mountain region offers frequent wildlife sightings. At Brookchar Campground, Cyndi S. experienced "Elk, deer and plenty of skunks (who waddled thru the campsite but never raised their tails)."
Boat rentals: Several lakes offer watercraft options for visitors without their own equipment. "We rented a boat from the marina and spent about 3 hours fishing. Perfect weather," writes Mike C. about his Big Lake experience, which costs approximately $45-95 per day depending on boat type.
What you should know
Weather patterns: The White Mountains experience rapid weather changes, particularly in summer. "Rained a couple of hours each night but it lulls you right to sleep," notes Cyndi S. about camping at Brookchar, while another camper mentioned, "We saw highs close to 80 and lows in the high 30s/low 40s. Only sprinkled once!"
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between locations. "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 Lyman Lake, while William C. notes "T-mobile service was awful" at the same location.
Reservation requirements: Hawley Lake Apache Indian Reservation requires specific permits. "Be sure to get your fishing license and permits in town, it's a long drive into town from the lake," advises Christa D., who has made Hawley Lake her favorite escape from summer heat.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife preparation: Families should secure food properly overnight. "Bears frequent the area so you must lock up all food and trash in your car overnight," warns Kamala G. about Brookchar Campground, while another camper suggests "Bring rope to protect your campsite from wild horses and wandering cows."
Site selection: Some campgrounds offer better family-friendly sites than others. At Rainbow Campground, one reviewer notes "The sites have plenty of space, shade, and privacy. Roads are paved and in good shape," while at Reservation Lake, Gerald R. points out "Tables and fire pit at most sites and some within walking distance to lake to fish."
Alternative accommodations: For families seeking glamping near St. Johns, Arizona without tent setup, cabins provide comfortable options. "The sites are large and well spaced," notes a camper about Hawley Lake, which offers both camping and cabin rentals.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Lyman Lake State Park offers the most comprehensive RV facilities in the area. "FHU available, spacious sites, wind does come up, clean restrooms and showers, has store well stocked (no tobacco or alcohol), fish cleaning station, blacktop roads, blacktop to park your rig," details Dave N., who appreciates the full hookup options.
Road conditions: Access to some of the more remote camping areas can be challenging. "The dirt washboard road getting in (45 mins) was enough for me to not love this place," warns Candy P. about Reservation Lake, suggesting travelers with larger rigs or those towing trailers should research access routes carefully.
Weather considerations: Temperature fluctuations impact RV camping comfort. "We lived in Phoenix, and 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," describes Rod D. about his Rainbow Campground experience.
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Which is the most popular glamping campsite near St. Johns, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near St. Johns, AZ is Lyman Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 19 reviews.
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