Plan your Camping Trip at one of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Campgrounds

Release Date: May 16, 2016

Springerville, AZ—May 16, 2016—It’s time to start planning those getaways! Camping is one of the many attractions of the Apache–Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs). There is over two million acres of land and you can camp at developed campgrounds or dispersed and designated dispersed sites. Some of these options are described below. Visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf for a full list.

Each district on the ASNFs offers a unique experience. The Sitgreaves side has two ranger districts: Lakeside and Black Mesa. The Lakeside Ranger District has no-fee camping at several sites including Scott Reservoir, a few miles outside the town of Lakeside. There is a friendly volunteer host on site. The district also has an innovative partnership with Arizona State Parks for camping and recreation in the popular Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area. There is abundant fishing, beautiful scenery, and 11 loop trails within 15 miles. To make a reservation at Fool Hollow Lake call 520-568-2283 or visit their website http://azstateparks.com/find/f_fac_reservations.html where they now offer on-line reservations.

About two hours from the Phoenix metro area is the frequently visited Rim Lakes Recreation Area on the Black Mesa Ranger District. It offers seven campgrounds, three group sites, three picnic areas, and plenty of designated dispersed camping. The concessionaire Thousand Trails operates and maintains the campgrounds and fee areas. There are also free designated dispersed camp sites with a 14 day stay limit. The area offers miles of hiking, fantastic fishing, cool summer temperatures and amazing scenery.

Reservations for Rim Lakes and other reservable sites listed below can be made online at www.reserveamerica.com, www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  Reservations for single camp sites can be made up to 6 months in advance and up to 12 months in advance for group sites and day use sites.

The Apache side of the forest has three ranger districts: Alpine, Clifton and Springerville. The most popular campgrounds on the Alpine Ranger District are in the East Fork Recreation Area. These campgrounds, operated by the concessionaire Recreation Resource Management of America (RRM of A), charge a fee and are all first come, first serve. The East Fork of the Black River offers cooler temperatures, majestic scenery, and for those anglers, plenty of fish.

The Blackjack and Granville campgrounds get the most use on the Clifton Ranger District. Both are free and are on a first come, first serve basis. The Big Lake Recreation Area on the Springerville Ranger District is the premier location in the Round Valley area for camping and fishing in the White Mountains. They are run by the concessionaire RRM of A and there is a fee to camp. About 60 percent of the sites in the recreation area can be reserved while the other 40 percent are first come, first serve.

Please make sure if you camp at a dispersed campsite that you are aware this is “primitive” camping and you must “Pack it in and Pack it out”. If you are having a campfire Be Aware. Once your fire is lit, NEVER leave it unattended. Be sure to have water and a shovel close by at all times. Keep an eye on the weather. If it looks like a storm is coming in, consider putting out your fire, as strong and gusty winds are usually associated with incoming storms. When you’re done with your fire, drown it with lots of water. Use a shovel to stir the ashes and water, making sure all ashes are mixed in. Then drown the ashes again with water. If you feel heat when holding your bare hands just over the ashes, then it’s still too hot!  Do not try to touch the ashes. If you feel heat pour more water into your ring and stir it again. Once you are confident that your fire is cold and you can’t feel any more heat, disassemble your ring. Only scatter the rocks when you are confident they are also cold. Smokey Bear says “REMEMBER: If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.” For more information and to take Smokey’s pledge visit www.smokeybear.com.

If you have a favorite spot, make sure you reserve your campsite early. Fee-operated campgrounds will all be open before Memorial Day weekend. 

For more information please visit the ASNFs web site at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf  and follow ASNFs on Facebook at www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs or on Twitter at @AS_NFs.

 

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