Kp Cienega Campground

Star4.95
22 reviews
KP Cienega Campground, Alpine, Arizona
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

9,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

The campground is cu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest site

Official Website
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Kp Cienega Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground does not charge any fees for using its campsites.
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

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What Campers Say

4.95

Top-Rated

Based on 22 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingwell-maintained

"User reviews for KP Cienega Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Many users appreciate the sense of solitude, with several noting that they had the entire campground to themselves during their visit."

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Campground Map

KP Cienega Campground, Alpine, Arizona

Kp Cienega Campground

KP Cienega Campground, Alpine, Arizona

Driving directionsFrom Alpine: Drive 27 miles south on US Highway 191 past Hannagan Meadow Resort to a sign that points the way to KP Cienega. Turn east (left) onto the access road and drive 1.3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible by paved roads leading from US Highway 191. The access road to the campground is 1.3 miles and well-maintained. Seasonal conditions may affect accessibility due to snow or heavy rain.
Nearby places
Alpine (27 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies can be found at the Hannagan Meadow Lodge and Restaurant, located nearby. Distance to other supply centers was not specified.

Best Time to Camp at Kp Cienega Campground

Experience nature's full dramatic range at KP Cienega, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures plummeting to a crisp 12°F, while summer brings perfect camping weather with daytime highs reaching a comfortable 80°F. The changing seasons paint the forest in different moods—from snow-dusted pines and frost-kissed mornings to wildflower meadows and afternoon mountain showers that keep the forest lush and alive.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

High‑country respite in summer; reviews say campground most enjoyed during warmer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely excellent fall colors and quiet conditions; reviewers note scenic vistas.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

High elevation spring likely pleasant but fewer reviews/detail on spring conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winters are cold and snowy (to ~12°F); site still scenic but less comfortable and services limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Specific peak season dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is currently open, but specific open and closed seasons are not provided.

About Kp Cienega Campground

Perched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet in the Arizona high country, KP Cienega Campground offers an intimate escape into the clouds with just five secluded sites nestled among towering pines. This alpine sanctuary welcomes adventurers with tents, trailers, and motorhomes up to 16 feet, providing each site with its own picnic table and fire ring complete with cooking grill. As the gateway to the Blue Range Primitive Area via the adjacent KP Trailhead, this rustic retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world—there are no hookups or running water here, just pure mountain air and endless wilderness. Remember to keep your four-legged companions leashed as they explore this high-altitude haven with you.
KP Cienega Campground is a primitive camping site located at a high elevation. It offers spaces for tent and small trailer camping, with a focus on a natural and serene experience.
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Stay Limit
Stay limit information is not provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

KP Cienega Campground offers a range of outdoor activities that emphasize the natural beauty and serenity of its high-altitude location. Hiking and backpacking opportunities abound, with the KP Trailhead directly adjacent to the campground. This trail connects to the Blue Range Primitive Area and other trails in the vicinity. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, as user reviews frequently highlight encounters with deer, elk, and other animals.
HikingThe KP Trail (#70) starts at the campground and offers access to the Blue Range Primitive Area. This provides opportunities for both day hikes and longer backpacking trips. User reviews like Kal C's note the 'great and adventurous hike nearby.'
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight of this campground. User reviews describe sightings of deer, elk, bats, and owls. Rob Baldwin mentions, 'Our first day in we saw a herd of about twenty deer grazing in the field next to the grounds.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears have been mentioned in user reviews. Additionally, the high elevation and cooler temperatures could pose a risk for those not prepared for the environment.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Kp Cienega Campground

Reviews

5.0
22 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Kp Cienega Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for KP Cienega Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Many users appreciate the sense of solitude, with several noting that they had the entire campground to themselves during their visit.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

- Tranquility and lack of crowds - Clean and well-maintained vault toilets - Proximity to hiking trails - Frequent wildlife sightings (deer, elk, bats, owls)
Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

- No potable water or campground host - Wildlife encounters (e.g., one user mentioned a bear sighting, attributing it to their own actions rather than the campground's fault)
Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own potable water, as none is available on-site. - Be prepared for wildlife encounters and store food securely. - Visit during weekdays for the best chance at having the place to...
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Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is most enjoyable during the warmer months, when the high elevation provides cool respite from the heat elsewhere. Wildlife sightings and solitude are frequently...
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Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'A well-maintained campground well off the highway.' - Linda Topping 2. 'The cleanest vaults we have ever had the pleasure to use.' - rob baldwin 3. 'Love this campground! Could live without the...
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Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers or locations within the campground are not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility-related reviews are provided.
Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-specific reviews are provided, but pets are allowed if restrained or on a leash.
Based on 22 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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