Buffalo Crossing Campground
02 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$3 - $9/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Not explicitly provi...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$3 - $9/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Not explicitly provi...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBuffalo Crossing Campground
$3.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping prices vary based on location and activities between $3 (in-person) and $9 (contact center). Reservation service fees apply. Potential late...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
15 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanrestroomsspacioussites
"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing the campground as peaceful and scenic. Commonly mentioned highlights include spacious campsites, the beauty of the East Fork of the Black River, and opportunities for star-gazing and fishing."
Fees & Passes at Buffalo Crossing Campground
$3 - $9/night
Campsite fees
Cancellation: Cancellations carry fees, including $10 for individual sites. Late cancellations incur both a $10 fe...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official USDA Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Buffalo Crossing Campground
September brings perfect camping weather with daytime temperatures reaching a comfortable 75°F before cooling to crisp 44°F nights ideal for campfire gatherings. As winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a serene wonderland where snow blankets the pines and gentle winds carry the quiet magic of the season. The best camping experiences unfold during those golden weeks of clear skies and moderate temperatures, while winter adventurers should prepare for the exhilarating challenge of freezing conditions and occasional snowstorms that showcase nature's dramatic beauty.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Best
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Not explicitly provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Not explicitly provided.
About Buffalo Crossing Campground
Nestled in the southern reaches of the East Fork canyon, Buffalo Crossing Campground offers an enchanting escape within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Here, towering ponderosa pines cast dappled shadows over the most spacious campsites along the river, creating natural rooms where adventure meets tranquility. Each site is embraced by a living tapestry of native grasses, whispering alders, and majestic cottonwoods, transforming your camping experience into an immersion in one of Arizona's most pristine riparian ecosystems.
Buffalo Crossing Campground offers campsites suitable for various uses including tent camping and accommodating small RVs.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this historic Civilian Conservation Corps campground, where the legacy of America's greatest conservation effort lives on. During the 1930s, young men of the CCC transformed this wilderness into the welcoming refuge you see today, their craftsmanship and vision still evident in the thoughtful layout and enduring structures that have served generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather and SeasonsSeptember brings perfect camping weather with daytime temperatures reaching a comfortable 75°F before cooling to crisp 44°F nights ideal for campfire gatherings. As winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a serene wonderland where snow blankets the pines and gentle winds carry the quiet magic of the season. The best camping experiences unfold during those golden weeks of clear skies and moderate temperatures, while winter adventurers should prepare for the exhilarating challenge of freezing conditions and occasional snowstorms that showcase nature's dramatic beauty.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's position in the East Fork canyon creates a unique microclimate where mountain and riparian ecosystems converge, offering visitors the best of both worlds.
Natural Features and SceneryThe majestic ponderosa pines stand as sentinels over a landscape where mountain meadows meet riverine beauty. Native grasslands sway in the breeze while alders and cottonwoods line the banks of the East Fork of the Black River, creating a photographer's paradise. This easily accessible riparian corridor invites exploration, where every turn reveals new vistas of nature's artistry painted in shades of green, gold, and azure.
Geological RegionBuffalo Crossing rests in a spectacular forested valley carved by time and water within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The East Fork of the Black River has sculpted this canyon into a natural amphitheater where ponderosa pines reign supreme, their roots anchored in ancient soils. The riparian corridor creates a ribbon of life through the landscape, where cottonwoods and alders thrive alongside meadow grasses, forming one of the Southwest's most diverse and accessible wilderness ecosystems.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as having ample space, with one reviewer noting that site #11 offers "the most room," including a fire pit and picnic table.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are located steps from the East Fork of the Black River, offering some level of natural seclusion. However, it is not explicitly stated whether the sites are highly private.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites close to the bathrooms and river access (e.g., Site #11) are recommended.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Approximately 8, based on review data.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are located a few steps from the East Fork River, with one review noting a 55' diameter roundabout near site #16.
Open and Closed SeasonNot explicitly provided.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground, as noted.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It was reported to be half full on a Wednesday evening in September, suggesting lower demand mid-week.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations carry fees, including $10 for individual sites. Late cancellations incur both a $10 fee and forfeiting the first night's payment. Modifications carry a $10 fee. First-come reservations (Scan & Pay) are non-refundable.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Buffalo Crossing Campground can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Fishing and wildlife viewing are prominent, with the Black River being home to Rainbow and Brown Trout. The scenic and tranquil environment is ideal for relaxation and star-gazing.
Fishing
Fishing is a highlight for many visitors. As one user review mentions, "On my trip we landed Rainbow and Brown Trout." However, another reviewer notes that the creek is better for crawdadding than fishing.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers significant wildlife viewing opportunities, as noted in user reviews: "Spectacular views and plenty of wildlife to see."Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies noted.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include challenges for large RVs, as noted by reviews. Wildlife presence is mentioned as part of the natural environment.
Weather at Buffalo Crossing Campground
32
°F
Dec 8
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
The closest emergency services are in Alpine, including police and possible medical facilities, but specific services are not noted.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated steps away from the East Fork River. River access is easy and enhances the riparian zone's nature.
Common complaintsLimited fishing success and challenges for larger RVs (Class A) are reported by reviewers.
Host"A camp host will stop by to collect the fees" - per review details.
Campground Map
Driving directions"Directions from Alpine: Drive two miles north on US Highway 191 to Forest Road 249. Turn west and follow this wide, graveled forest road 5 miles to Forest Road 276. Turn south and follow Forest Road 276 for six miles to the East Fork Recreation Area."
Roads are wide, graveled, and appear generally accessible. Forest Road 249 and Forest Road 276 are unpaved, which may present challenges during certain weather conditions.Nearby places
Alpine (approximately 13 miles, 20 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Alpine is the closest population center for groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Buffalo Crossing Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing the campground as peaceful and scenic. Commonly mentioned highlights include spacious campsites, the beauty of the East Fork of the Black River, and opportunities for star-gazing and fishing.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Spacious campsites, clean restrooms, easy access to the Black River, and star-filled night skies are highlights.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some reviewers noted that fishing opportunities may not meet expectations, mentioning the creek being more suitable for crawdadding.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
One reviewer recommends site #11 for its space and proximity to well-maintained bathrooms.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Users report visiting during the late summer and early fall. Weather during these times is noted as cool and pleasant, with highs around 75°F and lows around 44°F.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "The star-filled night skies at this campground were amazing." - Christopher Emmons
2. "Clean restrooms and drinking water available." - Brad Underwood
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #11 is highly recommended for its size, fire pit, picnic table, and proximity to bathrooms. It is noted to have plenty of overhead cover.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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