14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Springerville, Arizona, with several primitive sites available on public lands. National Forest Road 117C offers free camping at higher elevations, while Carnero Spring Road and Beehive Spring Camp provide alternatives with varying terrain and amenities. Concho Lake, approximately 30 miles from Springerville, features about 10-20 established sites with concrete pads at some locations and basic amenities including trash receptacles and portable toilets. According to reviews, wildlife viewing is excellent, with prairie dogs, rabbits, and various bird species commonly observed.
Road conditions vary significantly by location and season. National Forest Road 117C becomes difficult to navigate after snowmelt, with rocky and rutted sections requiring careful driving. Several campers noted that while some spots are accessible with 2WD vehicles, high-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially after precipitation. Beehive Spring Camp sits at approximately 9,200 feet elevation and experiences cold overnight temperatures even in September. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, requiring visitors to bring adequate supplies for their stay.
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests manage most camping areas around Springerville. No permits are required for dispersed camping, though fire restrictions frequently apply during dry periods and summer months. These free dispersed campsites offer a more secluded outdoor experience compared to developed campgrounds, allowing visitors to enjoy Springerville's natural beauty without crowds. Campers report varying levels of cellular service, with Concho Lake offering reliable Verizon coverage. Logging trucks occasionally create daytime noise on forest roads near Beehive Spring Camp. Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, as maintenance of these free sites depends on responsible use. Pack out all trash and come prepared with necessary supplies, as most locations have no facilities or services available.
"Nice secluded sites for dispersed camping. Pretty level."
"Always looking for a good dispersed campground. This is it. I can see 3 other campers from this spot although it is Saturday. Sweet standard spot. Cool place to party probably."
"BLM land so camping where I want. Middle of March n the pond 125 yards away has frogs singing for love. There's coyote n grey wolves."
"Camped in the clearing by the lake. Some traffic came through but not bothersome. No amenities, must be self-contained."
"We visited Greer and this location is less than 10 miles away. There are existing fire rings and spots to camp just past mile marker #2. Quiet and very dark at night."
"Logging tucks noisy during the day. At 9200 ft elevation got cold at night in September."
"Nice spot along the highway. You can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it. There’s prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus. Clean porti potties and decent AT&T signal."
"Great, great free camping. ~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings. Great Verizon Service."
ScoutThere is no camping at the trailhead, but if you continue up the trails you will see sites just off the road. There were deep ruts and places where the gravel road was washed out which stopped us from going farther in. It was a wonderful uneventful stay.
LegendStayed one day on my way to Reno. Nice spot along the highway. You can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it. There’s prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus. Clean porti potties and decent AT&T signal. I only checked out one loop but place has as least 10 spots. Some have cement pads and fire rings. No picnic tables that I saw.
RangerQuiet place not far off a Forest Service Rd.
RangerNice 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.
RangerGreat, great free camping. ~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings. Great Verizon Service. WINDY. Pretty, too.
ScoutGot here at night and found it quite easily. Not the most scenic as the lake is dried up and the highway is visible (and audible). Trash cans were overflowing with trash, and a few of the sites were trashed as well. I also think I saw human poop by the bushes. At around midnight some guy came by our tent asking if we knew where the portopotties went, and said the site we were at is where he usually stays…
ScoutWe visited Greer and this location is less than 10 miles away. There are existing fire rings and spots to camp just past mile marker #2. Quiet and very dark at night.
ScoutGreat fire pit and some flat spots for a tent. The highway got quieter in the middle of the night for a little while. We stayed right next to some ruins and all three of us had wild dreams about ghosts, ghost horses, and animals. The next morning we found we were only a few steps away from a mountain lion kill site! WOW! So many kinds of animals. Elk. Coyote. Cow. Sheep. You name it! It was an exciting way to spend the evening. Enjoy!
GuideEvery year my wife and I attend the Luna New Mexico Rodeo. This is one of our favorite places to visit, it always rains when we are there but this could not dampen our fun! the camping is dispersed and first come first serve. We suggest you pick a high spot! Although we camp during the rodeo weekend, there is no reason you cant camp other times of the year. Surrounded by towering pine and waking up to the fresh smell of wet camp fires mixed with the pine is an unforgettable memory.
Trees are too far apart for Hammocks
There are plenty of hiking and UTV trails nearby
Facilities:
No fire rings or BBQ pits.
Restrooms are available and running water near the Rodeo arena.
Dispersed camping options around Springerville, Arizona provide budget-friendly stays in the high country. The region features ponderosa pine forests and elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,200 feet, creating significant temperature variations between seasons and even between day and night hours. Most free camping areas near Springerville require self-sufficiency, with campers needing to bring all supplies including adequate drinking water.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Concho Lake showcases diverse animal species throughout the year. "There were lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake," notes Monte W., while Abby M. mentions "prairie dogs and bunnies galore, which was a nice bonus."
Fishing at small water bodies: Pratt Lake Dispersed offers fishing access, though Shane W. describes it as "more of a pond than a lake. Nice quiet area. Small lake. Didn't fish, so unsure."
Winter activities: The frozen conditions create unique recreation options during colder months. At Concho Lake, campers report that "the lake was frozen over which made for tons of fun for us throwing rocks and listening to the ripple."
Solitude and quiet: Many dispersed sites offer peaceful settings away from crowds. At National Forest Road 117C, one camper shared they were "All alone on a mountain top!! Me and my dog are living the life!"
Temperature relief: Higher elevation camping provides escape from summer heat. At Beehive Spring Camp, visitors note the cool temperatures: "At 9200 ft elevation got cold at night in September."
Tree diversity: Beyond standard pine forest, some areas feature varied vegetation. Gerald P. appreciated "a variety of trees not just Ponderosa Pine" at Beehive Spring Camp, providing different camping environments and shade patterns.
Road challenges: Many access roads require careful driving or specific vehicle types. Linda C. warns about National Forest Road 117C: "Don't try to make it to the shared coordinates soon after a snow melt. Grateful for our GoTreads. Road is rocky and rutted in places."
Seasonal closures: Fire danger can limit camping options during dry periods. At Concho Lake, Lex B. reported: "Close to highway pass mile marker 369 - Due to fire danger in the area currently it's closed."
Firewood scarcity: Gathering adequate burning materials presents challenges. Monte W. notes: "I was able to find fire wood around for a fire but it was a little challenging finding larger pieces of wood, I would probably bring some wood of my own if I ever returned."
Choose sites with basic amenities: For family comfort, select areas with minimal facilities. Michael R. recommends Concho Lake, noting "Nice spread out campsites right on concho lake. Trash, port-a-potties on site."
Monitor weather conditions: Temperature variations affect comfort, especially with children. Heather E. recalls winter camping: "The lake was frozen over which made for tons of fun for us throwing rocks and listening to the ripple."
Be aware of vehicle traffic: Some sites experience periodic disruptions. At Carnero Spring Road, Linda C. observed: "Camped in the clearing by the lake. Some traffic came through but not bothersome."
Look for concrete pads: Several dispersed sites offer improved parking surfaces. At Concho Lake, Twan M. found "~20 sites, most official sites have concrete pads & trashcans but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly by location and provider. Andy reported from Concho Lake: "Good Verizon!" while other campers note that "Great Verizon Service" is available, though it can be "WINDY" which may affect stability.
Low clearance access: Not all dispersed camping requires high-clearance vehicles. Shane W. noted about State Line: "Road is a little rough going in, in places" but still accessible with careful driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Springerville, Arizona?
The Springerville area offers several dispersed camping options. Concho Lake provides approximately 20 free sites, many with concrete pads and trash cans, located along the highway. For a quieter experience, try Pratt Lake Dispersed, which offers a peaceful setting around a small lake, though the access road can be a bit rough in places. Other options include Mud Spring, Carnero Spring Road with lakeside camping, and Timber Mesa Trailhead which is close to town with marked trails. National Forest Road 117C also has several spots accessible with careful driving, particularly after snow melts when roads can be challenging.
What is the best time of year for dispersed camping around Springerville?
Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around Springerville. At Beehive Spring Camp, which sits at 9,200 ft elevation, temperatures can get quite cold at night even in September. Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping is popular during rodeo week but often experiences rain. Late May through June provides pleasant temperatures before the summer monsoon season begins in July and August, which brings afternoon thunderstorms. September and early October offer stable, dry conditions with cooler temperatures. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to snow, especially at higher elevations like National Forest Road 117C.
What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in the Springerville area?
Dispersed camping near Springerville typically follows Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest regulations. No specific permits are required for most sites, but camping is generally limited to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Fire restrictions are common, especially during dry seasons - Timber Mesa Trailhead and other areas have designated fire pits that should be used when permitted. At National Forest Road 117C, practice pack-in/pack-out principles as there are no waste facilities. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as closures can occur during high fire danger periods.
Keep Exploring
