Los Burros Campground

Star4.70
56 reviews
Los Burros Campground, Lakeside, Arizona

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest site

Official Website
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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.
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

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 56 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspaciousfriendlysites

"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."

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Campground Map

Los Burros Campground, Lakeside, Arizona

Los Burros Campground

Los Burros Campground, Lakeside, Arizona

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Los Burros Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high country, where summer days bring crisp, dry air with comfortable temperatures hovering between the mid-70s and low 80s—perfect for hiking and exploring. As winter descends, the landscape transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, with temperatures plunging below freezing and creating a pristine alpine environment. Note that vault toilets close during the snowy months from late fall through early spring, adding to the authentic backcountry experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Comfortable mid-70s temps and trail access make summer strong, though busier and maintenance issues arise.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Quaking aspens and meadow views make fall (leaf change) especially scenic and popular.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Post-snowmelt access, quiet off-peak season praised; trails reopen and wildflowers/green meadow likely.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round weather permitting, but restrooms closed and snow/road conditions limit winter appeal.

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

Discover a hidden gem where history meets wilderness at Los Burros Campground, a free rustic retreat nestled deep within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This former Forest Service Ranger Station offers 12 generously spaced sites scattered across the landscape, providing ample privacy for those seeking solitude. While equestrian enthusiasts frequent these grounds with their horses, all adventurers are welcome to experience this unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, where weathered barns and time-worn corrals tell stories of the forest's past.
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.
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Stay Limit
14 days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe primary hiking trail at the campground is the Los Burros Trail, a 13-mile loop that connects to the White Mountain Trail System. This trail is suitable for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, with varying difficulty levels.
BikingMountain biking is available along the Los Burros Trail, which is described as scenic and suitable for moderate skill levels.
Wildlife viewingUser reviews consistently mention sightings of elk, deer, turkeys, and other wildlife in the meadow and surrounding forest areas. The quiet and rustic nature of the campground makes it ideal for observing wildlife.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.

Weather at Los Burros Campground

Reviews

4.7
56 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
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

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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