The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Springerville, AZ

224 Reviews

Tent camping options around Springerville, Arizona primarily consist of primitive and established campgrounds throughout the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Hulsey Lake Fishing Site and Beehive Spring Camp offer contrasting experiences, with Beehive Spring providing drive-in tent access at 9,200 feet elevation where campers can have fires and bring pets. While Hulsey Lake gets high ratings for fishing access, reviews clarify that no overnight camping is permitted directly at the lake, though dispersed camping can be found nearby along forest roads toward Terry Flat.

Most tent sites in the Springerville area lack modern amenities, requiring campers to pack in all necessary supplies. Drinking water is only available at select established campgrounds such as Cutthroat and Reservation Lake, which also offer vault toilets. Many dispersed camping areas, including Beehive Spring Camp and Pratt Lake, have no facilities whatsoever. A camper noted, "Road is a little rough going in, in places," which is typical for accessing many of the more remote tent sites. Seasonal considerations are important, as some campgrounds like Cutthroat are only open from mid-May through mid-November, and higher elevation sites can experience cold temperatures even in September.

The region provides varied tent camping environments from lakeside to forest settings. Reservation Lake Campground receives excellent reviews for its quiet, clean grounds and fishing opportunities. South Fork Campground operates seasonally from April to September but lacks amenities. Tent campers at Beehive Spring should be prepared for potential noise, as one review mentioned, "Logging trucks noisy during the day." Pratt Lake Dispersed camping area offers a small lake in a quiet setting suitable for tent camping, though the lake is described as "more of a pond than a lake" according to feedback on The Dyrt. The area is known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, with bears occasionally spotted near waterways in the region.

Map showing campgrounds near Springerville, ArizonaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Springerville, Arizona (35)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Springerville Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Springerville, AZ

8 Photos of 35 Springerville Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Springerville, AZ

224 Reviews of 35 Springerville Campgrounds

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 17, 2020

    Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res

    Camping for Nearby Lake Access

    We camped here when we had a permit to fish at nearby Christmas Tree Lake. Christmas Tree Lake is a beautiful little lake nestled in the White Mountains of Arizona on Apache land. It boasts some amazing fishing for the native trout species- the Apache trout. The fish are stocked, so it may not be a true experience for some but most of the access to the native fish in their native habitat is restricted or non existent to protect these beautiful creatures. The lake offers paid access on a day to day basis. A total of 25 permits per day are offered to keep fishing pressure in check. But these permits are non refundable so don't reserve too early. 

    Permits and information can be found on the website but customer service can be difficult. Camping is available on a first come basis at Hawley Lake which also offers great fishing and beautiful scenery. Be aware that I did experience some free range cattle snooping through the camp at 2am which was a bit unexpected. Also, being in the mountains, it was pretty cold at night. 

    The area we camped in was open and the roads were well marked. Campsites were situated near fire rings with only the occasional picnic table. There were four pretty well maintained portable toilets near our camp as well. Be sure to review the rules and regulations on the website as some areas are off limits and to make sure you have all the proper permits for fishing and/or camping.(State and local licenses required for fishing)

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Apache Creek Campground

    Perfect for a Stopover

    Apache Creek CG: Apache Creek store is right across the street. Up the road an eighth of a mile. Ice is available there.

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 5 for a one night stop over Security: no Usage during visit: light Site Spacing: Spread out campsites Pad surface: dirt Reservations: Looks to be first come first serve. Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: no Potable Water Available: I did not see any water spigots. Generators: allowed Bathroom: Vault toilet Showers: no Pull Throughs: yes Setting: in open Ponderosa Forest and deciduous trees. Solar: Sites look to have nice solar Rig Size: Large rigs Sites: All sites are pretty nice.

  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Hannagan Campground - Apache Sitgreaves National Forests

    Lovely Little Campground

    This is a great campsite that is full of amenities for FREE (donations accepted).

    There are just a few spots and they are first come , first serve. We enjoyed chatting with the camp host and taking a walk along the hiking trails.

    At over 9000 feet elevation, this is a great spot to beat the AZ summer heat. The sites are nestled away among the tree and feel very secluded considering how close together they actually are to each other.

    Great for tent camping or a small camping trailer. Site have picnic tables, vault toilets, and drinking water

  • Ashley A.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Alpine Divide Campground

    Great Setting, Average Site

    Alpine Divide is nestled in the Ponderosa Pines just outside of Alpine, AZ. It is pretty typical for a USFS site of its type. Perforated style picnic table, fire ring with grill attachment, vault toilet. The views are amazing, though! It is right off the highway so there is some road noise and half of the 12 sites are currently inaccessible (as of 2021).

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Buffalo Crossing Campground

    Love this river and area

    The location is wrong! This is the coordinates - 33.76672° N, 109.35443° W This was so much more beautiful before the Wallow Fire. Please put out your fires! I grew up not far from here and always enjoy coming. There are small trout in the river and Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Mexican Hat Lake, Reservation Lake, and Lee Valley Reservoir all close. There is picnic tables, potable water in tanks if needed, vault toilets, fire rings all in the campground. The marina store at Big Lake and Crescent Lake both have stores with firewood. At the time of the posting, the camp host at Diamond Rock campground had firewood for sale not far up the road. Watch the corners going in and out as the OHV guys drive pretty fast and the road is narrow in many places. Bear Wallow Cafe is in Alpine and I recommend the pie!

  • Tiffany B.
    May. 12, 2022

    Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

    5 star if you pick the right sites

    We booked the last site available so I think with some careful reviewing of site map and asking over the phone about specific needs this is a 5 star spot, but it isn’t particularly pop up friendly. There are primitive tent sites and an assortment of electric + sites. The grounds are gorgeous, lots of space around the lake, so so so very quiet and clean. We have a small pop up. Generally we chose more primitive or small electric only sites. No rigs like ours were in the tent area so not sure if that is an option. Almost ALL the spaces are side by side shared double lots in the cinnamon teal loop. At least 40% - amazing if you’re group camping, but I like my space and privacy. Quiet hours 8pm- 7am. Showers/toilets in each loop. No outlets in bathroom for hair drying etc. showers were cold after minute 2 and each unit was a full bath so also cold and wet. None of this would matter at a cheap site but a hook up is $65/night. Surrounding town is cute with amenities. Visit The House for a meal.

  • Travis D.
    May. 22, 2017

    El Caso

    Worth Being Further From The Lake

    This is a pretty sweet spot. Great little meadows between camp areas under Ponderosa pines. There is a vault toilet and big camp fire rings but no picnic tables. I'm not sure if it's the lack of picnic tables or the distance from the lake but there were very few people here on a beautiful weekend in mid May. We hiked towards the lake right from camp and it was gorgeous - a little creek meandering through trees and meadows. Skip the developed campgrounds near the lake a stay here for a bit more peace.

  • Krista Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2017

    Show Low Lake Campground

    RIGHT on the edge of town.

    Cute little Campground literally on the edge of town. If you look in one direction you'll see the apartment buildings about a quarter mile away (you can see it in the video). Each "Loop" has about 4 to 6 spots and a hauled water dispenser with a faucet. There is a men's and women's bathroom for each Loop and a set of bear boxes. The bathrooms have wooden barn looking doors and a 5 gallon bucket in the corner for trash. Each campsite has a picnic table, a standing Grill, and a metal fire pit with Grill. Less than a quarter-mile away there is a canyon so if you have little ones you may want to pick your spot accordingly. The plus side to the canyon is there were people parked near the boat dock that had hiked down it to fish. Some campsites are pull in and some are pull through. A lot had reserved tags but there were still plenty open. There is a lake probably half a mile walk to where you can fish. Otherwise you can drive to it and park fairly close to the dock.

  • Rara B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Rainbow (AZ)

    Beautiful Hiking, Serene Camping

    Camped here in October 2016. My all-time favorite campgrounds. We tent camped and it was freezing cold, poured rain. We had huge sleeping bags and a little propane heater, and still really enjoyed it. Lots of area to hike and tons to see.

Guide to Springerville

Springerville, Arizona, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With stunning landscapes and diverse amenities, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Enjoy the convenience of drinking water and toilets at the well-reviewed Deer Creek Campground, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • The Cutthroat campground features designated parking and private sites, perfect for those who value a bit of seclusion while still being close to the lake.
  • At Sunrise Lake Campground, campers can enjoy access to drinking water and toilets, ensuring a more pleasant stay.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the great opportunities at Hulsey Lake Fishing Site, known for its excellent fishing conditions.
  • For those who enjoy hiking, the scenic trails near Cutthroat provide breathtaking views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • Campers at Pratt Lake Dispersed can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the tranquility of nature.

Tent campers should check out these features

  • The Ditch Campground offers a unique experience with its remote location, ideal for those seeking solitude away from the crowds.
  • At Government Springs Trailhead, campers can access various trails, making it a great starting point for outdoor adventures.
  • The picturesque views from Cutthroat enhance the camping experience, providing a stunning backdrop for your outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Springerville, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Springerville, AZ is Elderberry Spring Campground with a 1-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Springerville, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Springerville, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring