May 1, 2015—The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) welcomes visitors back to the Mogollon Rim, White Mountains, and Clifton areas with the opening of many of their campgrounds over the next few weeks. With these openings, nearly all campgrounds throughout the forests are now open, though some will have limited services until mid-May.
Hazards in the areas of the forest that were consumed by fire on both the Apache and the Sitgreaves Forests still exist and we ask you to make sure you watch for stump holes and look up and all around when hiking. A reminder to campers and hikers bears have been sighted and removed from campgrounds already this spring. Please go to the ASNFs website and play the video on ‘Be Bear Aware’ at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r3/recreation/?cid=stelprd3805661
Districts Campgrounds:
Alpine Ranger District (near Alpine, AZ): The majority of campgrounds are open on the Alpine Ranger District. The East Fork Recreation area of the Black River will open on Friday, May 8.
Black Mesa Ranger District (near Heber-Overgaard, AZ): Campgrounds in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area on the Black Mesa Ranger District open May 1.
Notice of Closure for 2015 Season: Forest Road 171 and Forest Road 9512 dispersed campgrounds on the west side of the Young Road are both closed for the 2015 season due to the Fulton Timber Project. Due to ongoing Forest Health projects, other closures may occur without notice.
Clifton Ranger District (near Clifton, Safford/Morenci, AZ): All campgrounds are now open.
Lakeside Ranger District (near Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ): The Lewis Canyon and Lakeside Campgrounds on the Lakeside Ranger District will open May 1.
Springerville Ranger District (near Springerville/Eagar/Greer, AZ): Benny Creek, Brookchar and Cutthroat campgrounds opened Friday, April 24. The Big Lake Store and Marina are now open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Rolf C. Hoyer campground near Greer, and Grayling, Rainbow, and Apache Trout campgrounds open at Big Lake May 1.
For general information call 928-535-9859 and for reservations for most sites where reservations are needed can be made online at www.reserveamerica.com, www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area takes reservations at (520) 568-2283 or www.azstateparks.com.
Lakeside Ranger District 928.368.2100
Location: Water Toilets Status Notes
Los Burros Campground No Yes OPEN
Lewis Canyon — — OPEN
Scott Reservoir No Yes OPEN
Lakeside Campground — — OPEN
Fool Hollow Rec Area Yes Yes OPEN Open year round
Clifton Ranger District 928.687.8600
Location: Water Toilets Status
Stray horse Campground No Yes OPEN Open year round
Honeymoon Campground No Yes OPEN Open year round
Upper Juan Miller Campground No Yes OPEN Open year round
Granville Campground No Yes OPEN Open year round
Frisco Camp Picnic Area No Yes OPEN Open year round
Coal Creek Campground No Yes OPEN Open year round
Sheep Saddle Picnic Area No Yes OPEN Open year round
Bear Track Picnic Area No No OPEN Open year round
Black Jack Campground No Yes OPEN Open year round
Alpine Ranger District 928.339.5000
Location: Water Toilets Status Notes
Alpine Divide No Yes OPEN
Luna Lake Campground No Yes OPEN
Diamond Rock Campground No Yes OPEN
Deer Creek Campground No Yes OPEN
Raccoon Campground No Yes OPEN
Aspen Campground No Yes OPEN
West Fork — — CLOSED Closed after Wallow Fire and still not open due to hazards.
East Fork Recreation area OPEN
Horse Springs Campground No Yes OPEN
Buffalo Crossing Campground No Yes OPEN
Upper Blue Campground No Yes OPEN
Blue Crossing Campground No Yes OPEN
Hannagan Campground No Yes OPEN
KP Cienega Campground No Yes OPEN
Black Mesa Ranger District 928.535.7300
Canyon Point Campground Yes Yes OPEN
Sinkhole Campground Yes Yes OPEN
Rim Campground Yes Yes OPEN
Mogollon Campground Yes Yes OPEN
Aspen Campground Yes Yes OPEN
Spillway Campground Yes Yes OPEN
Woods Canyon Group Site Yes Yes OPEN
Crook Campground Yes Yes OPEN
Black Canyon Lake Campground Yes Yes OPEN
Gentry Campground Yes Yes OPEN
Springerville Ranger District 928.333.6200
Location Water Toilets Status Notes
Gabaldon Campground No Yes OPEN
Apache Trout Campground No Yes OPEN Only RV sites open with electric and sewer, no potable water
Brookchar Campground No Yes OPEN
Cutthroat Campground No Yes OPEN
Grayling Campground No Yes OPEN
Rainbow Campground No Yes OPEN
Benny Creek Campground No Yes OPEN
Hoyer Campground No Yes OPEN
Winn Campground No Yes CLOSED
Big Lake Store & Marina No — OPEN
Big Lake Flush Toilet No No CLOSED
Marina Fish Cleaning Station No No CLOSED
Currently, there are no fire restrictions on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests and conditions are being reviewed weekly by local, state and federal agencies on when restrictions should be implemented. Make sure you bring a shovel and plenty of water to extinguish your fire.
Camping outside of reserved campsites is called ‘Dispersed’ camping and is allowed and there are no services available.
Follow the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on Twitter (@A_SNFs) for instant updates on forest information, recreational opportunities, and fire restrictions.