Best Camping near Whiteriver, AZ

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Whiteriver. Whiteriver is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Arizona camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Whiteriver, AZ (113)

    Camper-submitted photo from Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

    1. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground

    42 Reviews
    135 Photos
    507 Saves

    Enjoy this gorgeous slice of Arizona's White Mountain region from your personal campsite! Listen as a gentle breeze blows through pine boughs, watch big, white, fluffy clouds careen through the sky, and feel the cool northern Arizona chill on your skin. Experience the magic of watching a herd of elk feeding lakeside, or the exhilaration of a fish on the end of your line. We'll provide the possibility of adventure, all you have to do is show up and make memories!

    Non-hook-up (Tent Only) Sites 31 sites: Maximum of two vehicles and six adults per site, 10 people total. Concrete pads, fire ring and picnic table, restrooms and showers. RVs are not allowed in non-hook-up (tent only) sites.

    Electric RV sites 92 sites: 30 Amp service (some 50 Amp available). Can accommodate up to 40-foot rigs. Water available at all sites. Mallard and Redhead Loops also have sewer available. Maximum of two vehicles and six adults each, 12 people total.

    April 1 through Oct. 30, there is a two night minimum stay for weekend camping: you must reserve both Friday and Saturday night.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Show Low Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Show Low Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Show Low Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Show Low Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Show Low Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Show Low Lake Campground

    2. Show Low Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    20 Photos
    225 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Lake Campground

    4. Big Lake Campground

    13 Reviews
    10 Photos
    111 Saves

    If getting completely away from it all and experiencing the outdoors for all it has to offer is your camping ideal then plan your camping vacation in the Big Lake Recreation Area. Big Lake itself is 575 acres, and makes a convenient base for other local lakes like Crescent Lake, Lee Valley Lake and the East and West Forks of the Black River. Choose your site from one of nine campgrounds and experience exceptional hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife viewing, and trout fishing. Campers have the convenience of paved roads, a dump station and showers, but no electric hookups. Apache Trout, the largest campground can accomodate RVs (max 45 feet) as well as in sections of Grayling Campground. Two campgrounds give tent campers the entire campground all to themselves. A visitor center and naturalist programs offer plenty of knowledge about the area.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow (az)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow (az)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow (az)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow (az)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow (az)
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow (az)

    5. Rainbow (az)

    10 Reviews
    23 Photos
    70 Saves

    Overview

    Rainbow is the largest campground in the Big Lake Recreation Area in eastern Arizona. Because of its proximity to the lake, size and the many amenities it offers, Rainbow is a favorite for families. Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding and fishing.

    Recreation

    The campground is adjacent to 450-acre Big Lake, one of Arizona's top fishing lakes. The lake is known for its trout fishing, with rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Apache being the most sought-after species.

    The recreation area is also popular for hiking, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing. Curious campers can attend educational programs at the recreation area's visitor center.

    Facilities

    The facility boasts 165 campsites organized into six loops. Four double sites are available for up to 16 people each, which is convenient for larger families, and two single unit accessible sites are also available.

    A small store nearby sells gas, food, boat rentals and firewood. A campground host is available on-site for visitor assistance.

    Natural Features

    Rainbow Campground sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet in the White Mountains. It is a very scenic area, forested with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, spruce and aspen trees, which provide ample shade.

    Summer temperatures are pleasant and cool, a nice respite from the heat of the lower desert. Visitors should come prepared for cool nighttime temperatures and occasional summer thunderstorms.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico. Springerville, Arizona is the closest town to the campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $18 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hon-Dah RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hon-Dah RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hon-Dah RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hon-Dah RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hon-Dah RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hon-Dah RV Park

    6. Hon-Dah RV Park

    4 Reviews
    10 Photos
    3 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Venture In
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Venture In
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Venture In
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Venture In
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Venture In
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Venture In

    7. Encore Venture In

    6 Reviews
    16 Photos
    7 Saves

    Venture In RV Resort in Arizona is an age-qualified community located in the eastern part of the state. Nestled in the relaxed and peaceful city of Show Low, Venture In offers a 30-minute drive from the RV resort to some of the best trout fishing lakes and streams in Arizona. Show Low boasts activities that appeal to any outdoor enthusiast and to the vacationer that just wants to relax and take in the beautiful mountain surroundings. Venture In RV Resort is perhaps best recognized for its extremely comfortable climate. With its location in the White Mountains, this RV resort in Arizona sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet, making the environment a pleasant 25 to 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix and Tucson. Open May through October, make Venture In your summer RV Resort getaway in Arizona! Age-Qualified RV Resort in Arizona Whether you're planning a retreat for a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Venture In RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Log Road Apache Indian Res
    Camper-submitted photo from Cyclone Lake Campground

    9. Cyclone Lake Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    18 Saves

    One Camping Per Vehicle Permit covers up to a maximum of 8 people or 1 vehicle, in a campsite. RV’s towing an unoccupied vehicle is also covered under this permit. Individuals who bike, hike, get bused in, or come as a single person (without vehicle) must purchase a Camping Daily Per Vehicle Permit. Reservation camping permits are NON-TRANSFERABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE. Primitive camping requires the same permit as camping in designed areas. We also offer a monthly (30-day) camping permit for the outdoor lovers. All designated campsites are first-come first-serve basis. Campers are limited to 1 table per daily permit or 2 tables per monthly permit.

    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Burros Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Burros Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Burros Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Burros Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Burros Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Burros Campground
Showing results 1-10 of 113 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Whiteriver

Recent Reviews In Whiteriver

228 Reviews of 113 Whiteriver Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Mesa Trailhead
    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!

  • p
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    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…

  • Candy P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow (az)
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Rainbow (az)

    Arizona’s best kept secret!

    Rainbow campground at big lake is magical! This is the place to beat the heat and make summer memories. Tucked into the pines and aspens this campsite is a quick drive or hike down to the lake. You can’t go wrong with any of the sites, including the first come first serve loops.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beehive Spring Camp
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Beehive Spring Camp

    great but loud trucks

    Nice couple of sites with a variety of trees not just Ponderosa Pine. Logging tucks noisy during the day. At 9200 ft elevation got cold at night in September.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground

    Great campground in Greer ($30)

    Wonderful campground with flat sites, well spaced. Pit toilets and a shower. Dump on site! A bit expensive for dry camping but there in no dispersed camping in Greer and the neighboring apache res requires a $9 permit to dispersed camp. Three reservoirs nearby to hike to or fish at.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hon-Dah RV Park
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Hon-Dah RV Park

    Very large CG, mostly full timers

    Very large CG with full hookups, level sites, flush toilets and showers. Casino and its restaurants next door. Wild horses venture through the camp in the evening! Spots are pretty close together, it is very full and mostly full timer/long term campers. Staff was helpful and courteous. We did not have a reservation until that morning. It is very busy so advance reservations are the norm. casino offers first timers a players pass with $6 for food and $5 casino credit.

  • Gina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from National Forest Road 117C
    Jul. 24, 2024

    National Forest Road 117C

    National Forest

    Only a couple logging trucks on a very nice maintained road. All alone on a mountain top!! Me and my dog are living the life!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alpine Divide Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Alpine Divide Campground

    If you just need to pull off easy to sleep

    Right along the highway on a big climb from both sides. Maybe when the b/w photo was taken it was cool with 10% of the traffic now? The road is crazy busy these days. I would not recommend this location.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Crossing Campground
    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!

  • Rod D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow (az)
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Rainbow (az)

    Still a great place to escape the desert heat

    It had been 28 years since we last camped at Rainbow. It is still a great place to escape the desert heat.  It was 115 when we left the big city. Five hours later we found ourselves camped at 9100 feet, enjoying the cool temps in the mid 60's and the passing rain showers.  Aspens, pines, and wildlife were all in abundance.  Big Lake is a good fishing lake too.  

    The sites have plenty of space, shade, and privacy.  Roads are paved and in good shape. The restrooms were constantly cleaned by the very friendly and capable staff from recreation resource management which operates the campground for the forest service.

    Firewood and ice are available (stage 2 fire restrictions were in effect so no campfires), water was convenient as was gray water disposal.  There is a centralized dump station, showers, and a small but educational visitor center.  Trash dumpsters are centralized and easy to access.  

    If you don't fish there is still hiking to Mount Baldy, and short scenic drives to the very small towns of Greer and Alpine.  We enjoyed exploring the miles of scenic forest roads, and wildlife viewing.  We saw 4 Mexican gray wolves which was very special.  

    This is a very popular campground that accommodates all types of rigs. They do have first come first serve sites available, but it is recommended to make reservations at least 4 days in advance.  Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.  It's always best practice to print a copy of your reservation.   There is no cell service in this area. 

    We look forward to camping again at Rainbow.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hulsey Lake Fishing Site
    May. 26, 2024

    Hulsey Lake Fishing Site

    Been a favorite spot since 1985

    Always great fishing here. There is NO camping here. I repeat, NO CAMPING. But plenty of dispersed to be found up the road further all the way to Terry Flat. There are trails up the road and some OHV and a Jeep trail. There is housing when coming off the highway. Be respectful and don’t drive 45 down the road. Take your time and take it in.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Water Campground
    Apr. 23, 2024

    Jones Water Campground

    Overgrown

    Stayed here a night in early April 2024. There were a lot of positive things about this place. Both vault toilets were very clean. The sites that weren’t overgrown with brush had cement tables and fire rings. The roads were narrow and easily managed in my Forester however much of the road, and camp sites, were covered in brush and overgrown trees. I could only locate about 4 sites that weren’t overgrown. The campsite is off of the highway so there is some road noise. Around 7:30 AM someone stopped by a nearby unoccupied site and started cutting wood for about an hour, and then they left. Overall not a bad place for an escape from the heat not far from Globe.

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Concho lake
    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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gristmill Farms RV Park
    Mar. 16, 2024

    Gristmill Farms RV Park

    New and clean

    Pretty uneventful. They're still putting the place together but all hookups are ready to go. Great online reservation system. Even same day

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Springerville RV Park
    Feb. 29, 2024

    Springerville RV Park

    Nice place to stop

    Just an overnighter, very quiet, looks to very new. Good internet reception. Very level site, we didn't have to unhook.

  • Brodie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lyman Lake State Park
    Feb. 24, 2024

    Lyman Lake State Park

    Great spot!

    We pulled in after hours and a ranger kindly helped us find our spot. She recommended a cool hiking trail to check out the next morning. Bathrooms and showers are super clean and well maintained. There is only one designated bathhouse building so if you park far, you’ll be walking a ways. Did I mention the views are gorgeous? The views alone are worth staying here.

  • Des R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Horn RV Park
    Feb. 5, 2024

    Elk Horn RV Park

    Gross

    They have a registered sex offender here that hits on you if you cross his path. Meth heads around and dirty spaces. I'd avoid the place. Way nicer parks around with nicer management. It's a gross place. The manager walks around with a gun and they have cameras everywhere due to high crime.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Lyman Lake State Park
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Lyman Lake State Park

    Amazing

    The park was practically empty. The views are always amazing, and the weather was perfect. The wind picked up in the evenings to about 10 mph, but then was calm around 9pm. In the morning the lake was very calm, and taking the kayak out was so peaceful. I spoke with the ranger and ahead said next summer a vendor will have boat and jet ski rentals. Good and bad, but maybe that will help keep camping rates low. Highly recommend a trip here when you have a long weekend.

  • brent R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hannagan Campground - Apache Sitgreaves National Forests
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Hannagan Campground - Apache Sitgreaves National Forests

    cool and crisp

    stayed here mostly to do some astrophotography as it’s almost 10k ft elevation and almost perfect bortle 1 skies made this a pretty ideal spot, i’d suggest bundling up as it gets pretty cold most nights of the year but was freezing when i went in october. definitely a wonderful and secluded campground.

  • Beth G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Crossing Campground
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Buffalo Crossing Campground

    Perfect Spot for fishing

    -Update- 🛑Currently Closed 🛑

    The NFS is repairing the bridge to this site, so it is closed until 2024.

    ———- Such a nice little campground- perfect for fishing. Right next to the river with trash bins and toilets.

    The lack of trees make this site seem more crowded then it actually is

    Sites are first come , first served.



Guide to Whiteriver

Camping near Whiteriver, Arizona, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by a lake or explore the woods, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy casting a line at places like Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground. One visitor said, "We had the most beautiful view of the lake and plenty of wide open space for my kids to explore!"
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area. At Lyman Lake State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "The views are always amazing, and the weather was perfect."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Black Canyon Rim Campground have spotted wild horses nearby. One reviewer noted, "We saw quite a few wild horses in the vicinity."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Sitgreaves National Forest Canyon Point Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A camper shared, "Bathrooms and showers are kept very clean. Sites are very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers appreciate the space between sites. At Fr 171 Campground, one visitor said, "The views are amazing! The road is easy, don't need any clearance."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. At Pioneer Pass Campground, a reviewer noted, "The campground and bathrooms were clean. Some of the sites are a little close together, but others are nicely separated."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Concho Lake, don’t have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "Great, great free camping...but a few more primitive spots just have driveways & rock campfire rings."
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds are only open during specific months. For example, Black Canyon Rim Campground is open from May to September. A visitor noted, "The sites felt spaced out and private."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at places like Apache National Forest Rainbow Campground. One camper warned, "There are bears and other wildlife."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like showers and clean restrooms. Campers at Show Low Lake Campground appreciated the cleanliness, saying, "The people who work there clean the bathrooms throughout the day."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. One family at Big Lake Campground said, "Beautiful scenery, quiet, a big lake, fishing, and all away from civilization."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Lyman Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The park was practically empty. The views are always amazing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Some campgrounds, like Sitgreaves National Forest Canyon Point Campground, offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A visitor shared, "Nice to be able to connect to electric a few days."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved access roads. A reviewer at Pioneer Pass Campground cautioned, "Do not go unless you have a 4x4 or are positive about the condition at the top."
  • Plan for Limited Services: Campgrounds like Fr 171 Campground don’t have many amenities. One camper noted, "There are 3-4 outhouses, no running water or amenities."

Camping near Whiteriver, Arizona, offers a great chance to enjoy nature, relax, and create lasting memories. Just be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Whiteriver, AZ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Whiteriver, AZ offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near Whiteriver, AZ and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Whiteriver, AZ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Whiteriver, AZ is Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 42 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Whiteriver, AZ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Whiteriver, AZ.

  • What parks are near Whiteriver, AZ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Whiteriver, AZ that allow camping, notably Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and Tonto National Forest.