Looking for the best options for tent camping near St. Johns? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near St. Johns. From remote to easy-to-reach, these St. Johns campsites are perfect for tent campers.
THE BEST BASIC CAMPGROUND IN SHOW LOW, AZ. ENJOY PEACE OF MIND WITH YOUR FAMILY, PITCH A TENT OR HAUL AN RV DOWN TO THE LOT, JUST 20 MINS FROM PINETOP-LAKESIDE, MINUTES AWAY FROM MULTIPLE LAKES, TONS OF FUN STUFF TO DO IN THE AREA. ENJOY PEACE OF MIND IN NATURE FOR ONE NIGHT.
HOUSE RULES:
LEAVE IT AS CLEAN OR CLEANER THAN YOU FIND IT.
KEEP CAMPFIRES NEAT AND ORGANIZED FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY.
DRINKING/SMOKING ALLOWED WITHIN REASON, ANY DAMAGE INCURRED TO THE LOT WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE RENTERS ACCOUNT.
MANAGEMENT NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENS ON THE CAMPGROUND, ITEMS LOST ETC.
CHILDREN ALLOWED.
THERE IS NOTHING ON THE LOT BUT THE BEAUTY OF NATURE. PREPARE ACCORDINGLY.
IT IS ARIZONA, BRING WATER.
AM AVAILABLE FROM 6:00 TO 6:00PM EVERYDAY FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
DOGS, CATS, GIRAFFES, ETC. ALLOWED. TAKE PICTURES IF BRINGING A GIRAFFE.
CONTACT AT 602-618-4564 FOR ALL INQUIRIES.
$50 / night
There is no RV, car, or front country camping in the park. There is no boondocking, dispersed or “primitive” camping, or just pulling off into a parking area.
There is only backpacking/hiking into the designated Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area to spend the night in the park, at least a half mile from your vehicle. Please be prepared for this adventure! Remember to LNT.
The backpacking wilderness permit is free. You may obtain it in person from either visitor centers on the day that you want to backpack. Each vehicle must have a permit. The permits are available until 4:30 pm.
There are private campgrounds throughout Navajo and Apache Counties, in and around Holbrook, Sun Valley, St. Johns, Joseph City, and other communities.
Groups
Group camping is limited to 8. Because of the fragile soils and landscape features, minimum impact camping is very important. This includes limiting the number of people within an area.
NOTICE Fishing conditions, and Hulsey Lake itself, have been severely affected by the Wallow Fire of June 2011, and the Monoon rains that followed. Please contact the Alpine Ranger District regarding current conditions, and advice for alternative fishing opportunites close by to Hulsey Lake.
Cutthroat Campground lies at an elevation of 9,000 feet in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona. It sits on the shoreline of Big Lake and affords visitors many recreational opportunities in a quiet, scenic setting. Popular activities include trout fishing and hiking.
Named after a species of trout, Cutthroat is adjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species. The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing.
The campground is located in a very scenic area, forested with ponderosa pine, spruce, Douglas fir, and aspen trees, which provide ample shade. Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of lower deserts. Visitors should come prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer rain storms.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico.
$20 / night
Scout
Gorgeous place, beautiful landscape (awesome sunsets and sunrises), very welcoming hosts and a real sense of community.
This is NOT your ordinary campground.
Some sites with electrical hookups...
less expensive... quieter...
Not far from the petrified forest.
Short dirt road travel off I-40.
Legend
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.
Ranger
Wonderful campground with flat sites, well spaced. Pit toilets and a shower. Dump on site! A bit expensive for dry camping but there in no dispersed camping in Greer and the neighboring apache res requires a $9 permit to dispersed camp. Three reservoirs nearby to hike to or fish at.
Traveler
Park is looking great. Great location between Show Low and Pinetop with Highway access.
Ranger
Right along the highway on a big climb from both sides. Maybe when the b/w photo was taken it was cool with 10% of the traffic now? The road is crazy busy these days. I would not recommend this location.
GuideIt 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.
RangerThis is not a campground, but a spot to pull off the road when logging trucks are coming up.
Ranger
Always great fishing here. There is NO camping here. I repeat, NO CAMPING. But plenty of dispersed to be found up the road further all the way to Terry Flat. There are trails up the road and some OHV and a Jeep trail. There is housing when coming off the highway. Be respectful and don’t drive 45 down the road. Take your time and take it in.
Ranger
Quiet place not far off a Forest Service Rd.
Ranger
Nice quiet area. Small lake. Didn’t fish, so unsure. No amenities at all, which is fine. Road is a little rough going in, in places.
ScoutA little hard to find but Janet was so helpful! There’s a shower and a communal cooking space and tons of options for camping. There’s not really designated camp spots, so pretty bare bones, but you can’t beat the price.
Scout
Super close to petrified forest, roads are easy to get over with any awd car with decent clearance. Host was very nice and easy to contact! Just make sure to ask/clarify directions before going it's not too obvious when you get in initially.
ScoutWe actually didn’t stay as it just felt uncomfortable. Unfortunately Janet was not there and while we spoke on the phone, the person who was to greet us was not there. No signage at all which would have been helpful. The area is somewhat unkempt - the few rigs there were in rough shape and looked as though they had been there for a while. Sites were not obvious. An old wrecked car is near the site. We were just kind of creeped out so didn’t stay.
Guide
Just an overnighter, very quiet, looks to very new. Good internet reception. Very level site, we didn't have to unhook.
Guide
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.
ScoutVery laid back. Nothing fancy but everything you need. Community space with kitchen and bathroom. Plenty of space to privately disperse camp among the Junipers. Spots with electric too. Janet is an amazing host.
ScoutI recently had the pleasure of staying at Nicks place, and despite a few initial concerns, my overall experience was nothing short of delightful.
Upon arrival, I encountered a slight discrepancy in pricing from what was advertised on Dyrt, expecting $20 but discovering it to be $30. However, any uncertainty quickly dissipated thanks to the exceptional hospitality of the owner, Nick. His warmth and willingness to assist instantly put me at ease, setting the tone for a memorable stay.
While the scenery might not have been as elaborate as anticipated, the tranquility of the surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for a restful night’s sleep. Though I had hoped to find petrified wood, its absence did not detract from the beauty of the natural landscape.
Navigating to the campsite posed a minor challenge despite the provided directions. Eventually with Nick assisting I found the campsite around midnight. Nevertheless, the secluded location added to the allure of the experience, offering a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Admittedly, the unpaved dirt roads leading to the campsite stretched for about 4 miles, which came as a surprise. However, this added element of adventure only served to enhance the overall rustic charm of the location. I should add that the only piece of instruction missing is the left turn on cattleman’s which is the left just before sun country’s campground. Good luck finding the camp area!
In retrospect, while there were minor inconveniences, they were far outweighed by the peace and tranquility that permeated every corner of this area. I would recommend this hidden gem to anyone seeking a serene retreat amidst nature’s embrace. My sincerest thanks to Nick and for providing such a memorable experience.
ScoutThey have a registered sex offender here that hits on you if you cross his path. Meth heads around and dirty spaces. I'd avoid the place. Way nicer parks around with nicer management. It's a gross place. The manager walks around with a gun and they have cameras everywhere due to high crime.
ScoutWonderful property.
ScoutThe Elk Horn is a beautiful and quiet community with great people
GuideThe 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.
Legend
-Update- 🛑Currently Closed 🛑
The NFS is repairing the bridge to this site, so it is closed until 2024.
———- Such a nice little campground- perfect for fishing. Right next to the river with trash bins and toilets.
The lack of trees make this site seem more crowded then it actually is
Sites are first come , first served.
ScoutTHERE IS A a REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER DOING THE MAINTENANCE WORK ON THIS PROPERTY!! KEEP YOUR LOVED ONES AWAY FROM THIS PREDATOR IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOUR FAMILIES!!!
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! Nick's Place is a sprawling piece of land near the petrified forest with great views to take in while you escape the city. Check them out and share your experience on the Dyrt!
Scout
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....
TravelerFor our first place ever, this is a really great place. Janet was awesome and the places off grid, but only 5 minutes from the interstate. She was very helpful and we love it. Our dog also loves all the free reigns running. He can do, thank you, Janet for an awesome day.
TravelerWe just got here and it's amazing and semi offgrid but really close to highway. Janet is amazing and an awesome friendly host. This is our first actual camp site as we were running propane from VA to CA AND VISE VERSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near St. Johns, AZ is Peace of Mind Campgrounds: SHOW LOW, AZ with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near St. Johns, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
