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Best Dispersed Camping near Springerville, AZ

17 Reviews

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. 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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Springerville, Arizona (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Springerville, AZ

12 Photos of 13 Springerville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Springerville, AZ

17 Reviews of 13 Springerville Campgrounds

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Concho lake

    Good one night stay

    Stayed 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2024

    Mud Spring

    Quiet Area, several lakes not far

    Quiet place not far off a Forest Service Rd.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2024

    Pratt Lake Dispersed

    More of a pond than a lake

    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.

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 30, 2024

    Concho lake

    Concho Pronto

    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. WINDY. Pretty, too.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Concho lake

    Ehh

    Got 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…

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Timber Mesa Trailhead

    Haunted with a kill site

    Great 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!

  • Adam R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2018

    Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping

    Luna New Mexico Rodeo Camping

    Every 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.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2023

    Concho lake

    Peaceful and quiet

    Stayed here for a couple nights towards the end of May. There were a few other people camping while I was here but it was very quiet. I would estimate there are about 10 sites. Most appeared to have garbage cans. There were two port o potty’s that were not too bad. There were lots of cattle free range grazing around the lake. 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. Overall it was a great place to stay for free especially since there aren’t lots of campsites in this area. Directions were accurate.

  • L
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Concho lake

    Pretty but closed due to fires

    Close to high way pass mile marker 369 - Due to fire danger in the area currently it’s closed.

Guide to Springerville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Springerville, Arizona, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the serene landscapes and the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Springerville, Arizona

  • Be prepared for cooler temperatures at night, especially at higher elevations like Beehive Spring Camp, where temperatures can drop significantly in September.
  • Always check for logging truck activity during the day, as some areas, such as National Forest Road 117C, may experience noise from passing vehicles.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, as places like Pratt Lake Dispersed lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets.

Dispersed campers should check out National Forest Road 117C

  • This location offers a well-maintained road and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Campers can enjoy solitude on a mountain top, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection, as noted by visitors who have enjoyed their time there.
  • The area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure.

Enjoy nature while free camping near Springerville

  • Carnero Spring Road provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings without the need for permits.
  • For those seeking a quiet retreat, Dispersed camping near FR117 near Greer offers a serene environment where you can truly connect with nature.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, consider visiting Fish Creek Camp, where you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without the usual campground restrictions.

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.

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