Best Campgrounds near Springerville, AZ
The White Mountains region surrounding Springerville, Arizona features diverse camping options at elevations between 6,000-9,000 feet, offering a stark contrast to Arizona's desert landscapes. Lyman Lake State Park, located 11 miles south of St. Johns, provides year-round camping with full hookup sites directly adjacent to the water. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests contain several established campgrounds including Rolfe C. Hoyer, Benny Creek, and Rainbow, which operate seasonally from May through October. Big Lake Campground, situated about 30 miles southwest of Springerville, offers both tent and RV camping with boat access to one of the area's popular fishing lakes. For those seeking urban convenience, Springerville RV Park provides full hookups within city limits.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Springerville area. Most forest service campgrounds close during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures, while lower elevation sites like Lyman Lake remain accessible year-round. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms, particularly during the July-August monsoon season. "The elevation of 6,200 feet makes for very pleasant weather most of the year," notes one camper about a nearby campground. "I have spent Thanksgiving at this location and loved that it got cold at night and a little warmer during the day." Fire restrictions frequently affect camping during dry periods, typically May through July. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with most forest campgrounds offering limited or no connectivity.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly among camper experiences in the Springerville area. "The elk herds outnumber the cattle—a morning and evening spectacle!" reports one visitor to a nearby RV park. Many campgrounds near meadows provide regular sightings of elk, deer, and various bird species. Fishing access drives campground selection for many visitors, with Big Lake, Benny Creek, and Lyman Lake offering different fishing experiences. Campers consistently mention the cooler temperatures as a primary attraction during summer months. "Pristine views, cool weather during the summer and clean facilities almost make you feel like you're not in Arizona anymore," writes one reviewer. Tent campers particularly appreciate the pine forest settings that provide natural shade and privacy between sites, while RV campers value the full hookup options available at several locations.
