Cabin rentals near Springerville, Arizona provide relief from the high desert heat at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet in the White Mountains region. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 80°F during the day, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September. Winter access to many cabin facilities becomes limited due to snow accumulation, with some properties closing entirely from November through April.
What to do
Fishing excursions: Lyman Lake State Park Campground offers decent catfish fishing despite sometimes challenging winds. "The fishing was decent for catfish but you have to compete with the strong winds. Very few boaters when we were there," notes one visitor.
Petroglyph viewing: Archaeological enthusiasts can explore ancient rock art at several sites. "Well maintained trail system that offers amazing views of the sandstone rock formations and petroglyphs. There is a rock squeeze in the trail too," reports a camper at Lyman Lake.
Hiking trails: Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res provides access to pine forest trails with wildlife viewing opportunities. "Great place to hike, camp, rent a cabin or relax. Fishing in the area with cabins or camping depending on what you prefer," a visitor explains.
Wildlife observation: The White Mountains region hosts significant elk populations, visible during morning and evening hours. "The elk herds out number the cattle – a morning and evening spectacle!" reports a camper staying at Coronado Trail RV Park.
What campers like
Cabin cleanliness: Many properties maintain high standards despite remote locations. "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," notes a reviewer.
Weather contrast: The alpine environment provides relief from lower elevation heat. Brook Char Campground visitors enjoy the moderate climate: "Over Memorial Day weekend, we saw highs close to 80 and lows in the high 30s/low 40s. Only sprinkled once!"
Modern bathrooms: Coronado Trail RV Park 55+ maintains clean facilities for cabin guests. "We did not make use of the laundry, bathrooms or showers. The WiFi was good as was cell phone reception," notes a visitor.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Well worth the 4 1/2 hour drive from Mesa. Plenty of wildlife and cows for your viewing," reports a Hawley Lake visitor.
What you should know
Supply availability: On-site stores stock basics but selection varies significantly. "The on-site store sold firewood, bait, fishing and boating gear, snacks and souvenirs," notes a visitor at Lyman Lake.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location and carrier. "No internet service and poor phone reception (T-Mobile) which was a little issue for us as we are traveling cross country," reports a Lyman Lake visitor.
Wildlife precautions: Perfect Family Cabin and other locations require proper food storage. At Brook Char, "bears frequent the area so you must lock up all food and trash in your car overnight."
Free-range livestock: Multiple cabins report cattle encounters nearby. "FYI- be sure to put food away nightly, the cows are no joke. They get into everything!!!" warns a Hawley Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: For tent cabins, specific sites offer superior experiences. "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," notes a Brook Char visitor.
Weather preparation: Mountain temperatures fluctuate dramatically. "Being in the mountains, it was pretty cold at night," reports a Hawley Lake visitor, suggesting packing extra layers even in summer.
Grocery planning: Greer Lodge Resort & Cabins and other properties have limited on-site provisions. "It's also just an hour from Pinetop-Lakeside, so it's easy to make grocery stops or even grab a coffee on your way in/out," suggests a Brook Char visitor.
Activity timing: Plan outdoor activities around typical weather patterns. "There is rain almost every day (varying between light afternoon showers and heavy storms)," notes a reviewer about regional conditions.
Tips from RVers
RV/cabin hybrid options: Griswold's Alpine Cabins accommodates both RVs and cabin guests. "This is a very nice, easy access CG with level back-in gravel sites. It is a great base camp to visit the area," reports a visitor at Coronado Trail RV Park.
Road navigation: Many cabin access roads lack clear signage. "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," cautions a Brook Char visitor.
Payment preparation: Most remote cabin rentals require cash payment. "If you plan to purchase your camping permits at the lake be sure to bring cash," advises a Hawley Lake visitor.
