Sunny Flat Campground
Campsites are clustered around a grassy meadow in this relatively open streamside camp. All sites are shaded, some more than others, and all are reasonably close to Cave Creek. Birdwatching is good right in camp (as it is in all Cave Creek camps) with elegant trogons and many other interesting species sighted regularly among the sycamores and oaks that border the creek.
The open character of the area makes for exciting views of Cave Creek Canyon’s famous rock formations which tower over the area. Other recreation attractions in Cave Creek Canyon, such as birding areas along South Fork and a number of hiking trails, are just a short drive from this campground, which is along the Cave Creek Canyon/Portal to Paradise Loop scenic drive.
Some attractions you may want to take advantage of while you’re camped at Sunny Flat are the scenic Vista Point Trail located a short distance downstream of the campground, and the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center a little farther downstream. The Center, is open year-round, offers interpretive information, books and pamphlets on the natural and cultural history of the area, and a few examples of local wildlife species.
Note: Black bears in area.
General Information
Open year-round. Campsites or taken on a first-come-first served basis. No reservations are accepted. If forecasts indicate rainfall of 1 1/2" or greater, campground will be evacuated due to flood danger.
No hook-ups. Trailers limited to 28 feet. Pack and saddle stock are not permitted in campground. Limit 2 vehicles and 10 persons per site. 14 day stay limit.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $20 per night
Double Site: $40 per night
Day Use:
$8 per vehicle per day
$10 per vehicle per week
Buy a pass online, or purchase a day pass on-site with cash or check. Proof of payment, or a valid Coronado National Forest Annual Pass or Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, including the Annual, Senior, Access, or Military Pass, must be displayed on the driver's side of the vehicle dashboard. Learn more about accepted passes.
Camping discounts apply only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not any additional campsite(s) occupied by the pass holder's party.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 31.88472222
Longitude: -109.17501
Directions
150 miles east of Tucson. Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80 (you will cross the New Mexico border to get to this intersection). Turn right (south) and drive 28 miles, then turn right (west) on the road to Portal, 7 miles. From Douglas, take US 80 east approximately 50 miles to Rodeo, NM. Two miles past Rodeo, turn left (west) on Portal Road. From Portal drive west on Forest Road 42, approximately 3 miles to Sunny Flat Campground. All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.
Parking
Yes
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Yes