Black Canyon Rim Campground (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Az)

4.58

144 reviews

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA

Featured in:Primitive Camping Arizona Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Arizona Family-Friendly Campgrounds Arizona +1 more

Quick Facts

7,625 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 9th through...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

7,625 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open May 9th through...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Black Canyon Rim Campground (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Az)

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fee is $20 per night. Fee includes one vehicle. Payment for a second vehicle ($12) is collected by the camp host. Only cash and check...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

9285359859

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 144 reviews

73 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulclean

"Black Canyon Rim Campground receives generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.4 out of 5. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness, helpful hosts, and serene natural setting. Some complaints include uneven campsites, noise from nearby roads, and lack of rule enforcement."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA

Black Canyon Rim Campground (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Az)

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA

Driving directionsLocated 13 miles west of Heber, Arizona. From Forest Lakes, travel east on Highway 260 for approximately 1 mile. Turn south on Forest Road 300 and travel approximately 2.4 miles. The campground is located at the intersection of Forest Roads 300 and 86.

Access is on both sand and gravel roads. The roads are relatively well-maintained, but some reviews mention large potholes near the entrance. Seasonal closures were not mentioned.

Nearby places

Forest Lakes (8 miles west), Heber (13 miles east).

Nearby supplies

Gas, phone, and groceries are available at Forest Lakes (8 miles west) and Heber (13 miles east).

Best Time to Camp at Black Canyon Rim Campground (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Az)

The towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, offering welcome shade and cooler temperatures during summer months. While this pine canopy provides relief from the heat, be prepared for nature's dramatic moments – powerful wind storms can sweep through, reminding visitors of the raw beauty of high-country camping. As autumn transitions to winter and winter melts into spring, temperatures drop significantly, transforming the campground into a crisp, invigorating wilderness experience. The area's characteristic dry conditions make it ideal for stargazing, though occasional storms can roll through, painting the sky with dramatic clouds and bringing the fresh scent of rain-washed pine.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers cool, pleasant temperatures under pine canopy; campground is in peak season then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 30; fall brings cooler weather and quieter stays, reviewers note pleasant temps.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens May 9; late spring is pleasant though early spring is closed, limiting full-season spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed November–early May; winter stays not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 9th - October 12th annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 9th through October 30th annually.

About Black Canyon Rim Campground (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Az)

Escape the crowds and discover Black Canyon Rim Campground, a hidden gem tucked away in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This intimate campground offers just 20 sites, creating a peaceful retreat where the scent of ponderosa pines fills the air and the sounds of nature replace city noise. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV (up to 40 feet), you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay, including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and regular trash service. Each site comes equipped with its own campfire ring, grill, and picnic table – perfect for those memorable outdoor meals and evening stories around the fire.

The campground supports a range of camping styles including tent and RV camping. Primitive camping features are highlighted, with minimal facilities available beyond basic amenities, setting it apart from dispersed camping in the area.

Historical SignificanceJust a short walk from your campsite lies a sobering reminder of the Old West's turbulent past. The grave site of Stott, Scott, and Wilson – three young men whose lives were tragically cut short during the infamous Pleasant Valley War – stands as a haunting memorial to one of America's bloodiest family feuds. This piece of Arizona history adds a layer of depth to your camping experience, inviting reflection on the dramatic events that unfolded in these peaceful woods over a century ago.

Weather and SeasonsThe towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, offering welcome shade and cooler temperatures during summer months. While this pine canopy provides relief from the heat, be prepared for nature's dramatic moments – powerful wind storms can sweep through, reminding visitors of the raw beauty of high-country camping. As autumn transitions to winter and winter melts into spring, temperatures drop significantly, transforming the campground into a crisp, invigorating wilderness experience. The area's characteristic dry conditions make it ideal for stargazing, though occasional storms can roll through, painting the sky with dramatic clouds and bringing the fresh scent of rain-washed pine.

ElevationPerched high in Arizona's mountainous terrain, Black Canyon Rim sits at an elevation that can literally take your breath away. Visitors ascending from desert valleys and lower elevations should plan for a gradual adjustment period, allowing their bodies to adapt to the thinner mountain air. This lofty position rewards campers with crisp, clean air and a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a natural sanctuary where massive ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor creating an enchanting forest atmosphere. The campground's flat, sandy terrain makes for easy walking and comfortable tent placement, while the surrounding wilderness beckons with scenic drives and hidden trails waiting to be explored. Keep your camera ready for the area's most magical visitors – a wild horse herd that roams these forests, often making their way to nearby Black Canyon Lake for a drink. These majestic creatures, silhouetted against the forest backdrop, create unforgettable moments that epitomize the untamed beauty of Arizona's high country.

Geological RegionBlack Canyon Rim Campground rests within the expansive Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, where ancient ponderosa pines have claimed dominion over a surprisingly level landscape. This unique geological setting features sandy soils that tell the story of ages past, while the flat terrain – unusual for mountain camping – creates an accessible wilderness experience. The towering pines that define this region stand as living monuments, some centuries old, creating a natural architecture that frames your camping adventure in one of Arizona's most pristine forest environments.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by campsite size
see specific regulations.

Groups

Group sites are available with spacious layouts and the ability to accommodate multiple vehicles or larger setups. Exact guest and vehicle limits per group site are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground contains 20 individual sites spaced among ponderosa pines. Sites vary in size and distance from Forest Road 300.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability noted when campground host permits, but may be limited during peak seasons. Reservation is recommended.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellation (starting midnight 1 calendar day before scheduled check-in) incurs additional penalties, such as forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to dates outside the original reservation incur a $10 change fee.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. The presence of a campground host can assist in addressing additional accessibility needs.

Site SizeCampsite sizes vary and accommodate tents, pop-up campers, and motorhomes up to 40 feet long.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some sites are spacious with good distance between them, while others are closer to the road and less secluded.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #14 provides privacy and shelter from road dust. Site #10 is ideal for wildlife viewing (deer and wild horses) and group setups.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Black Canyon Rim Campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Popular options include fishing and boating at nearby Black Canyon Lake, hiking on the General Crook National Recreation Trail, and exploring surrounding dirt roads via UTVs.

HikingThe General Crook National Recreation Trail is a favorite among visitors. Other trails, including the Hangman Trail, offer exploration opportunities close to the campground.

FishingFishing is available at Black Canyon Lake, located about 2.5 miles from the campground. Some reviewers note that the lake water levels are low.

BoatingElectric motor boating is permitted on Black Canyon Lake, providing calm and accessible water recreation for visitors.

Wildlife viewingWildlife frequently observed includes wild horses, mule deer, squirrels, and birds. The wild horses are a unique highlight, with sightings near the lake and occasionally within the campground.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters include skunks and wild horses. Roads leading to the campground have large potholes. Some campsites are uneven or rocky.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted when restrictions are not in place. Firewood can be purchased onsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced but may be inconsistently observed according to reviews.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Forest Lakes (8 miles west) or Heber (13 miles east).

Trash & RecyclingTrash services are provided on-site. Campers are also reminded to follow leave-no-trace principles.

Water FeaturesLocated about 2.5 miles northeast of Black Canyon Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating (electric motors).

Camp HostHosts have been described as friendly and helpful. Reviews mention hosts named Pat, Bob, Manny, Terry, Chick, and Wendy. Hosts provide firewood and helpful advice.

Weather at Black Canyon Rim Campground (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Az)

Reviews

4.6

144 reviews

Top-Rated

Black Canyon Rim Campground (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Az) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Black Canyon Rim Campground receives generally positive reviews, with an average sentiment score of 4.4 out of 5. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness, helpful hosts, and serene natural setting. Some complaints include uneven campsites, noise from nearby roads, and lack of rule enforcement.

Review Summaries

Based on 144 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the helpfulness of camp hosts, and the quiet and peaceful environment. Wildlife sightings, particularly wild horses, added unique value to their...

Based on 144 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues mentioned include a lack of enforcement of rules by hosts, noise from nearby roads, uneven ground at certain campsites, and occasional overcrowding on weekends. Additionally, some reviewers...

Based on 144 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing SUVs for easier access to rough roads, avoiding busy weekends for a quieter experience, and reserving sites in advance. Verizon is the most reliable provider for cell...

Based on 144 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted as particularly peaceful during weekdays but tends to fill up on weekends. Reviewers also suggest that the summer season offers cool, pleasant weather compared to...

Based on 144 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We had a mule deer within 15' of our site and wild horses within 30 feet." "Verizon hotspot works good enough to stream a movie." "Bathrooms were clean, brightly lit, and not stinky inside with...

Based on 144 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #14 is frequently mentioned as spacious and quieter due to its location farther from the road. Site #5 and #16 are noted for being close to roads with dust disturbances. Sites #18 and #19 are...

Based on 144 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are appreciated, though their distance from certain campsites can pose challenges. Visitors with disabilities are encouraged to consult the camp host for assistance.

Based on 144 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome when leashed. However, guests warn about potential encounters with skunks and other wildlife in the area.

Based on 144 reviews

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Black Canyon Rim Campground (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Az)? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated January 13, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds