How much does camping cost at Los Burros Campground?

Camping fees at Los Burros Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Los Burros Campground?

Los Burros Campground is open Peak season follows snowmelt and lasts through early fall, particularly May through October when restrooms are 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 Los Burros Campground?

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

How many campsites does Los Burros Campground have?

Los Burros Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Los Burros Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Los Burros Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Los Burros Campground?

Los Burros Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Los Burros Campground?

Popular activities at Los Burros Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Los Burros Campground

Q: Is Los Burros Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Los Burros Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 12 sites are first-come, first-served. Reviews suggest some crowding during peak times, though availability is often good.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Los Burros Campground?

Fire policies at Los Burros Campground: Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Visitors must bring their own firewood, as none is sold on-site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.52

56 reviews

Los Burros Campground, Lakeside, Arizona

Top 8% in AZFall

Featured in:Fall Camping Arizona Hiking Camping Arizona Hidden Gem Campgrounds Arizona +6 more

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Los Burros Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at Los Burros Campground is free. There are no charges for individual sites or other facilities.

No paid fee categories listed.

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I manage this campground

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Los Burros Campground, Lakeside, Arizona

Los Burros Campground

Los Burros Campground, Lakeside, Arizona

Nearby places

Lakeside, AZ (approx. 10 miles)

McNary, AZ (approx. 7 miles)

Show Low, AZ (approx. 38 minutes driving distance).

Nearby supplies

Hon-Dah provides gas, limited groceries, and a casino, about 4 miles west on State Rt. 260 from Vernon Rd. An RV waste station with paid services is available at Hon-Dah RV Park.

Driving directionsFrom Lakeside, AZ, take State Rt. 260 east 6.8 miles (through McNary) to Vernon Rd. sign (County Rt. 3140). Turn left onto Vernon Rd. and go 0.2 miles to stop sign. Continue straight on dirt road and go 3.1 miles to where County Rt. 3140 changes to Forest Rt. 224. Continue straight on Rt. 224 for 4.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.4 miles to campground. Alternatively, from McNary, take the gravel road north (Forest Road 224) through the White Mountain Apache Reservation about 7 miles to the signed turnoff to Los Burros; turn right and proceed about 1/4 mile to the campground.

Road access includes gravel and dirt roads. User reviews report that the road conditions into the campground can sometimes include large potholes, ruts, and rough terrain (“Big potholes, ruts, and one is like an inverted speed bump. Shook things loose in my camper.”). The roads are suitable for most vehicles but may require careful navigation, especially for RVs.

Weather at Los Burros Campground

Best Time to Camp at Los Burros Campground

Fall is the standout season. Aspens peak in late September through early October, and the dry weather makes hiking easy. Daytime temps run 50s to 60s in September, cooling into the 40s and 50s by October. Nights drop into the 20s and 30s, so bring layers. Elk rut activity peaks, and you'll avoid the summer monsoons. Summer days reach the mid-70s to low 80s with comfortable, dry air. Winter brings heavy snow and freezing temps. Vault toilets close late fall through early spring.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in AZ

Fall is the standout season; aspens peak late Sept–Oct and scenery is especially notable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season follows snowmelt and lasts through early fall, particularly May through October when restrooms are open.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, weather permitting. Restrooms are available only from May 1 through October 31.

About Los Burros Campground

Los Burros Campground sits at 8,000 feet in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, offering 12 widely scattered sites around a historic ranger station from the early 1900s. The campground is free and rustic, popular with horse campers but open to everyone. Sites are spacious, and the layout feels communal yet private. No water or trash service, and road conditions can be rough.

Los Burros Campground offers primitive camping with no fees, catering to tent and dispersed camping options. It is also suitable for equestrian campers and small RVs, although there are no designated RV sites or hookups.

Historical Significance

An early 1900s Forest Service ranger station still stands here. The weathered barn and corral are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rangers once rode out from this meadow to patrol the backcountry. The structures are intact enough to give you a sense of what remote forest work looked like a century ago.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season. Aspens peak in late September through early October, and the dry weather makes hiking easy. Daytime temps run 50s to 60s in September, cooling into the 40s and 50s by October. Nights drop into the 20s and 30s, so bring layers. Elk rut activity peaks, and you'll avoid the summer monsoons. Summer days reach the mid-70s to low 80s with comfortable, dry air. Winter brings heavy snow and freezing temps. Vault toilets close late fall through early spring.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,000 feet above sea level, Los Burros offers a true high-altitude camping experience. This elevated paradise provides cooler temperatures and crystal-clear mountain air, though visitors should take time to acclimate to the thin air and watch for signs of altitude sensitivity during their first day or two.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a grassy meadow ringed by ponderosa pines and aspen groves. It's transition-zone country where dense forest meets alpine meadow, creating habitat diversity. Elk graze at dawn and dusk. Wild turkeys and deer move through camp regularly. In fall, the aspens turn gold against the darker pines. One visitor summed it up: 'Lots and lots of tall pines! Beautiful area.' The meadow views are open and the forest canopy is thick where it closes in.

Geological RegionSituated in the heart of the White Mountains within the vast Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Los Burros showcases the region's signature landscape of expansive grassy meadows interspersed with dense stands of ponderosa pines and shimmering aspen groves. At elevations between 7,900 and 8,000 feet, this mountain ecosystem represents the transition zone where dense forest gives way to alpine meadows, creating diverse habitats that support an abundance of wildlife and offer endless opportunities for exploration.

Scenic ViewsThe campground provides picturesque views of a large meadow to the west, often showcasing stunning sunsets. "Nice sunset views in the meadow to the west," one reviewer noted.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available at Los Burros Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each site typically accommodates multiple guests due to spacious layouts.

Groups

No group sites are explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwelve sites spread loosely around the meadow in a 'circle your wagons' arrangement. Spacing is generous. Nearly all sites have a fire ring and picnic table. The road in can be rough, especially after weather.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 12 sites are first-come, first-served. Reviews suggest some crowding during peak times, though availability is often good.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable. Sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews. Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.

Site SizeUser reviews indicate that sites are spacious, with most being large enough to accommodate various camping setups, including RVs.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as widely scattered and offering a good level of privacy. The campground has a 'circle your wagons around the fire' feel, emphasizing its communal yet private layout.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the meadow offer scenic views and are preferred by many visitors. Equestrian campers may want to choose sites near the corrals.

Amenities available

There is no water source here

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Los Burros Campground offers outdoor recreational activities suited for nature enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The campground also serves as the trailhead for the 13-mile Los Burros Trail, which is accessible to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rough road conditions leading to the campground, wildlife encounters (including elk and possibly mountain lions), and cold or snowy conditions during winter months.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; users must use the vault toilets provided. These vault toilets have been described by users as clean, although opinions vary based on the season and maintenance schedule.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Visitors must bring their own firewood, as none is sold on-site.

Emergency ServicesSummit Regional Hospital in Show Low, AZ, is approximately 38 minutes away. Rangers monitor the site occasionally.

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site. Campers are required to pack out all their trash and recyclables.

Water FeaturesA non-potable natural spring is located about 200 feet behind the horse corral. No other water features are nearby.

Camp HostA camp host is periodically available. Reviews noted that the host is helpful and provides information and directions when present.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews. Users should not rely on having service at this campground.

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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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

56 reviews

Top-Rated

Los Burros Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the rustic charm, natural beauty, and historical significance of Los Burros Campground. The campground is praised for its peaceful environment, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some users have noted issues with maintenance, road access, and occasional overcrowding during peak seasons.

Review Summaries

Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious sites, free camping, proximity to the Los Burros Trail, horse-friendly facilities, and sightings of wildlife such as elk and turkeys. Users also appreciate the...

Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve poorly maintained vault toilets, trash left behind by previous campers, and the rough condition of the access road. Some users mentioned encountering 'shady characters' and...

Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing sufficient water and supplies as there is no potable water or trash service, using the $3 showers at Hon-Dah RV Park, and exploring the trails for hiking and wildlife...

Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews vary by season, with users praising the campground for its quiet atmosphere during off-peak times. Maintenance issues and overcrowding are more frequently noted during busy summer months....

Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bring plenty of water. Both drinking water and clean dishwashing water, etc!" – ES EagleSpirit. "By far the cleanest vault bathroom I've been in." – Krista Zavatta. "Beautiful place, always see...

Based on 56 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not provide specific insights into accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.

Based on 56 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash. User reviews confirm that dogs are welcome and mention seeing leashed dogs during their stay.

Based on 56 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Horse campers, mountain bikers, and hikers who want a genuine base for the Los Burros Trail will get the most out of this. Fall is the sweet spot: aspen color peaks late September, elk are rutting, and nights in the 20s thin the crowd.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means you haul everything in yourself, and the access road can wash out badly after rain. The vault toilets close November through April, and peak weekends attract trash and occasionally rough company.

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Campgrounds

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Los Burros Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Los Burros Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Los Burros is located at the edge of a beautiful meadow and is characterized by aspen trees scattered throughout the area. This campground is also the site of a former Forest Service Ranger Station with an old barn and a corral that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 8,000 ft. The campground is pack it in, pack it out and is the former site of the Los Burros Ranger Station, which was built about 1909. The Ranger's house and barn are all that remain. There are several corrals for horses. Sites are large and widely scattered and located next to a large meadow. The campground has the "circle your wagons around the fire" feel. It is rustic and attractive with a grassy understory. There is gas, limited groceries and a casino in Hon-Dah, about 4 miles west on State Rt. 260 (from Vernon Rd.). Although Sitgreaves National Forest 312 The White Mountains Trail System is awesome. Trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing crisscross the forest. Most trails start at around 6,300 feet elevation and can reach elevations of 7,900 feet with difficulty levels ranging from moderate to very challenging. used by equestrian campers, it is not designated just for their use.

Seasons & access

Open all year, weather permitting. Restrooms open only from May 1 through October 31.

RV information

The parking aprons are grass and not well defined; will accommodate most any siz RV. An RV waste station with no potable water is available for a fee at the Hon-Dah RV Park, 4 miles west on State Rt. 260 (from Mt. Vernon Rd.).

Directions

From Lakeside, AZ, take State Rt. 260 east 6.8 miles (through McNary) to Vernon Rd. sign (County Rt. 3140). Turn left onto Vernon Rd. and go 0.2 miles to stop sign. Continue straight on dirt road and go 3.1 miles to where County Rt. 3140 changes to Forest Rt. 224. Continue straight on Rt. 224 for 4.1 miles to campground sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.4 miles to campground.

National Forest: Sitgreaves National Forest
Ranger District: Lakeside
Elevation: 8000
Rate: No charge
Maximum Stay: 14