Tent camping near Strawberry, Arizona includes primitive sites surrounded by ponderosa pines at elevations between 5,000-6,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while winter camping sees frequent snow and freezing temperatures. Forest roads become impassable during winter months and after heavy rainfall, requiring campers to check conditions before arrival.
What to do
Creek exploration: Visit Manzanita Campground where campers can enjoy Oak Creek. A visitor noted, "The Creek is gorgeous, clean water that's great for a morning plunge," making it perfect for cooling off during summer months.
Hot springs hiking: From Childs Camping Area, take the 1.5-mile trail to Verde Hot Springs. "The 1.5 mile hike from the campground to the hot springs is absolutely worth the effort. You will have to cross the river, so don't take anything that can't get wet," explains one camper who made the journey.
Stargazing: Forest Service dispersed sites provide exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. A camper at Molitor Spot Along Rim Road shared, "The stars... I mean, wow! The starry sky at night was one of the best we've see anywhere, just stunning."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers prefer the privacy found at FR95 Dispersed Camping near Blue Ridge Reservoir. One visitor mentioned, "Our small group (8 people/4 vehicles) had a great time at one of the secluded dispersed sites located off the forest road."
Shade coverage: The dense pine forests provide natural protection from summer heat. At FR95 Dispersed Camping, "The trees at the site provided a lot of shade and places to hang up our hammock," according to a camper who appreciated the natural overhead cover.
Rim views: Camping spots along the Mogollon Rim offer vantage points over extensive terrain. A Molitor Spot Along Rim Road camper described, "We arrived around noon on Friday, and within an hour or two there were two others who arrived--but thankfully turned around to find another spot. The views were extraordinary."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Edge of the World (East Pocket), a camper advised, "It is a bumpy road with large portion of potholes so drive cautiously but once you get to the location you get a number of different spots to camp at."
Wildlife encounters: Forest camping means animal interactions are possible. Childs Camping Area visitors were warned to "Watch for bulls roaming the campground!" by one camper who experienced livestock wandering through.
Water access challenges: While camping near water sources is popular, reaching them can require effort. A visitor at Childs Camping Area noted, "The drive is about an hour on a dirt road, but this does not deter visitors. Depending on the season the campground can get full."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly spaces: Some rim camping spots provide safer terrain for children. A Molitor Spot Along Rim Road camper shared, "Felt very safe in the area for our 3 year old boy to explore with us, so if you expect any sheer cliffs or dangerous drop-offs, they aren't really there."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds near highways experience traffic sounds. At Lower Tonto Creek, one camper warned, "It is really close to the 260 and there is a decent amount of road noise. Expect semis and motorcycles to wake you up in the night."
Educational opportunities: Visit nearby fish hatcheries with children. A Lower Tonto Creek camper recommended, "Always have to visit the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery as well, many gigantic 3 foot rainbow trout fishies in the feeding/storage pond, thousands of smaller rainbows separated by size."
Tips from RVers
Group site options: Bearhide Group Site accommodates larger parties with multiple vehicles. A visitor described, "The site opens to a large area with 5-6 fire pits. There are plenty of pines throughout and lots of shade!"
Road accessibility: Forest roads vary in condition for RVs. A Bearhide Group Site camper noted, "The road in to this site is really well maintained. Easily drivable in a sedan. Getting off the road and into the campground is a little rougher, but still no issue for a small car."
Site selection strategy: Arrive early for better spots at popular locations. An Edge of the World camper recommended, "The best sites do fill up early but you won't go without a site as there is tons of room all over the road."
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