Coal Creek Campground

Star4.10
41 reviews

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

The campground is cu...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Coal Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There is no fee to camp.
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

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
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.10

Satisfactory

Based on 41 reviews

36 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanshade

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Coal Creek Campground

33.1032, -109.0614

Driving directionsLocated 19 miles southeast of Clifton on US 191 and AZ 78.
The campground is accessible via major highways, US 191 and AZ 78. It is approximately 19 miles southeast of Clifton, suitable for road travel.
Nearby places
Clifton: 19 miles southeast
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies likely available in Clifton, 19 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Coal Creek Campground

Experience the full spectrum of mountain weather at Coal Creek, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and transforms the campground into a peaceful wonderland. As spring melts into summer, warm days invite exploration while cool mountain evenings remind you of the elevation. Crystal-clear skies dominate throughout the year, punctuated by refreshing summer rains that keep the forest green and vibrant.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Shaded by tall pines and cooler at elevation, making summer appealing for respite.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Sources note spring/fall as ideal seasons with pleasant temperatures and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal rains enliven Coal Creek; spring highlighted as an ideal camping season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter brings snow and transforms the site, but it's very cold and has limited winter reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campground is currently open.

About Coal Creek Campground

Tucked away where Arizona meets New Mexico, Coal Creek Campground offers weary travelers a tranquil mountain retreat along Highway 78. This intimate campground provides the perfect respite from the road, where the gentle sounds of seasonal Coal Creek create nature's soundtrack and towering trees offer shade and solitude.
Coal Creek Campground provides standard camping facilities ideal for tent camping and possibly for group camping, though no specific group sites are described.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite


Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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 Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

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.

Weather at Coal Creek Campground

Reviews

4.1
41 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Coal Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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...
Show more
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...
Show more
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

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

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Coal Creek Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Arizona

Campgrounds
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Coal Creek Campground