Is Coal Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Coal Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are not available.

What is the best time to visit Coal Creek Campground?

Coal Creek Campground is open The campground is currently open.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Coal Creek Campground?

Coal Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Coal Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Coal Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Coal Creek Campground?

Coal Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Coal Creek Campground

3.92

41 reviews

Featured in:Tent Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground is cu...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground is cu...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Coal Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

There is no fee to camp.

No paid fee categories listed.

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

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Coal Creek Campground

33.1032, -109.0614

Nearby places

Clifton: 19 miles southeast

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies likely available in Clifton, 19 miles away.

Weather at Coal Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Coal Creek Campground

Fall brings the best conditions. Daytime highs range from the 50s to 70s°F, with nights dropping into the 20s and 40s. October typically delivers peak oak color and lower fire danger after monsoon season ends. Summer sees warm days with afternoon thunderstorms. Winter can bring snow at this elevation, transforming the campground into a quiet, cold-weather destination. Spring mornings stay chilly even as afternoons warm up.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as best: pleasant temps, peak oak color, and lower fire danger.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is currently open.

About Coal Creek Campground

Coal Creek Campground sits at 5,900 feet in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, about a mile from the Arizona-New Mexico border along Highway 78. The campground offers primitive tent sites beneath ponderosa pines and oaks, with vault toilets and picnic tables. It's a convenient overnight stop for travelers crossing between states, though some sites near the road catch highway noise.

Coal Creek Campground provides standard camping facilities ideal for tent camping and possibly for group camping, though no specific group sites are described.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions. Daytime highs range from the 50s to 70s°F, with nights dropping into the 20s and 40s. October typically delivers peak oak color and lower fire danger after monsoon season ends. Summer sees warm days with afternoon thunderstorms. Winter can bring snow at this elevation, transforming the campground into a quiet, cold-weather destination. Spring mornings stay chilly even as afternoons warm up.

ElevationPerched at 5,900 feet above sea level, Coal Creek Campground offers a refreshing escape from desert heat. The elevation brings crisp, pine-scented air and noticeably cooler temperatures, especially after sunset when the mountain air creates perfect conditions for campfire stories and stargazing.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines and weathered oaks dominate the canopy, creating shaded sites across the campground. A seasonal creek bed runs through the area, flowing after monsoon rains but often dry by fall. The forest here marks a transition zone between Arizona's high country and New Mexico's terrain. Understory oaks add color in October, sometimes stretching into November.

Geological RegionSituated in the transition zone where Arizona's rugged terrain meets New Mexico's distinctive landscape, Coal Creek Campground showcases the best of both states. Ancient ponderosa pines and weathered oaks tell the story of centuries past, while the seasonal creek bed reveals the geological forces that have shaped this borderland sanctuary over millennia.

Scenic ViewsOffers scenic views of tall pines and surrounding nature.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge-style accommodations are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No details about designated group sites are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are shaded and spacious, though some sit close enough to the highway to catch traffic noise. A few sites are set back into the forest for better separation from the road.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are not available.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as shaded and spacious in one user review.

PrivacySeveral user reviews indicate that the campground is quiet, with many sites offering privacy. However, some are noted to be close to the road.

Recommended SitesUsers recommend choosing campsites set back from the road for more privacy and reduced noise.

Amenities available

Coal Creek Campground is a small campground located under large ponderosa pine and oak trees near the Arizona/New Mexico state line. It is a convenient stop for travelers along AZ Hwy 78. The campground is clean and quiet, offering scenic views and a seasonal flow of Coal Creek nearby. The campground features restrooms but lacks potable water.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Coal Creek Campground

The primary recreational activity mentioned for Coal Creek Campground is picnicking. Reviewers note the scenic beauty of the area, which could complement picnicking and other passive recreational activities.

Winter Activities2.0/5

High-elevation cold winters possible, but no groomed winter-sport facilities or activities noted.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Quiet, low-light area favorable for stars; heavy tree canopy may limit wide-sky views.

Photography3.5/5Tall ponderosas, oak color in October and general scenic beauty make for good nature shots.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention the campground is near a prison and that bullet holes were observed in the ladies' toilet door. Coyotes can be heard in the area.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned. Vault-style restrooms appear to be the available option.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

41 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Coal Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Coal Creek Campground is consistently praised for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and tranquil environment. Several reviews note that it is an excellent place to stop along a journey due to its proximity to the highway and the Arizona/New Mexico border.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic beauty with large ponderosa pines and oak trees - Clean facilities - Quiet and peaceful atmosphere - Proximity to AZ Hwy 78 and Arizona/New Mexico border - Spacious and shaded campsites

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

- Close proximity to the road, with some sites impacted by road noise - No cell phone service (specifically for T-Mobile users) - Lack of potable water - Campground primarily used as a rest stop

Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Sites close to the road are noisier. - Some sites set back from the road offer more privacy.

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own potable water as there is none available on site. - Plan for no cell reception, especially if using T-Mobile. - Choose sites further from the road for more privacy and reduced noise.

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Winter: Likely very cold, as indicated by weather descriptions, but no specific reviews for winter camping. - Spring/Fall: Ideal seasons for camping, considering the cooler and pleasant...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Awakened at 5 AM to the eerie yet beautiful sounds of coyotes howling in the distance for about 10 minutes. Awesome experience!' - Frank 2. 'Quiet and beautiful campground all to ourselves for 5...

Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet-related policies or amenities.

Based on 41 reviews

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Coal Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

There is no fee to camp.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Go if

Road-trippers crossing Highway 78 who need a quiet, shaded pull-off for the night will find this ideal, especially in October when the oaks turn. Grab a site set back from the road and bring all your own water.

Skip if

No potable water, no cell service, and bullet holes in the toilet door are the reality here. Anyone planning more than a night or two will run out of reasons to stay, and the highway noise on front sites gets old fast.

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