Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

Star4.63
38 reviews

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Globe Ranger Station site

Official Website
Get Directions
Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
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
928-402-6200
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 38 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulhiking

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews emphasize the campground's scenic beauty, seclusion, and cooler temperatures compared to the Phoenix metro area. However, limited amenities, challenging road access, and maintenance issues with vault toilets are recurring themes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

33.2845, -110.8221

Driving directionsThis site is 14.5 miles southwest of Globe. From Globe, follow paved Jess Hayes Road southeast of Globe to the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/Forest Road (FR) 112 and Six-shooter Canyon Road/Forest Road (FR) 222. Continue on paved FR 112 for 2 miles, to the junction of FR 55 and FR 112. Take the right fork and continue on the partially paved FR 55 for 2 miles. At the junction of FR 55 and FR 651, turn left. Proceed 10 miles on unpaved FR 651 to the site.
FR 651 is a narrow, winding mountain gravel road that is suitable for sedans under dry conditions. However, reviews caution against using low-profile vehicles, and the road's condition worsens during rain or snow, with some sections washed out and narrow enough that two compact cars may struggle to pass. Hairpin turns and steep drop-offs without railings add to the challenge.
Nearby places
Globe (14.5 miles, approximately 30 minutes drive depending on road conditions)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be sourced from Globe, which is 14.5 miles away and offers groceries, fuel, and other essentials. Campers are advised to have sufficient gas and supplies before heading to the site as no services are provided on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

Perched at 7,500 feet, Pinal Campground offers a dramatic escape from desert heat, with June temperatures hovering around a pleasant 78°F during sun-dappled days before cooling to a crisp 65°F under star-filled nights. Winter transforms this mountain sanctuary into a snow-dusted wonderland, though adventurous souls should note that winter storms may temporarily close access roads—always check conditions before your journey to this alpine retreat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 10% in AZ

Preferred in summer as a cool escape; ~78°F in June cited by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

High-elevation forest and scenic views imply pleasant fall conditions; less explicit data.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely pleasant at elevation, but few explicit spring reviews; monsoon not a factor yet.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviewers warn snow can limit access and make roads hazardous.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but winter access may be impacted by snow.

About Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

Escape to Pinal Campground, where four intimate campsites await beneath a cathedral of towering ponderosa pines and fragrant white firs in the heart of Tonto National Forest. This hidden gem offers a refreshing mountain retreat when Arizona's desert floor sizzles in summer heat. As you settle into your campsite, you're camping on historic ground—these peaceful woods once echoed with the clicks and flashes of US Army heliographic signals in the late 1800s, when soldiers used mirrors to relay messages across vast distances from this strategic mountaintop outpost.
Pinal Campground offers primitive camping with a limited number of campsites. It caters to those looking for a minimalist and back-to-nature experience.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, picnicking, and nature observation. Visitors appreciate the extensive network of nearby trails and the serene forest setting.
HikingEight hiking trails are accessible within one mile of the campground. These trails offer spectacular views and are part of the extensive trail system in the area.
Wildlife viewingThe tall ponderosa pines and white fir create an excellent environment for enjoying nature and wildlife. User reviews highlight the 'green and lush' setting.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoads leading to the campground can be challenging, with narrow, winding sections, drop-offs, and hairpin turns. Some user reviews mention the road being washed out in places and unsuitable for low-profile vehicles during rain or snow. There are also no railings on the steep sections.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

Reviews

4.6
38 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's scenic beauty, seclusion, and cooler temperatures compared to the Phoenix metro area. However, limited amenities, challenging road access, and maintenance issues with vault toilets are recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is commended for its beautiful and scenic environment, cool temperatures even in summer ('about 78 degrees in June'), and quiet atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciated the extensive...
Show more
Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviewers noted the challenging access road, describing it as narrow, primitive, and potentially hazardous during rain or snow. Vault toilets were criticized for poor maintenance and bug...
Show more
Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing sufficient supplies, including water and gas, due to the lack of on-site services. High-clearance vehicles are advised, especially in inclement weather. Campsite #1 is...
Show more
Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is preferred for its cooler temperatures compared to lower elevations. Winter access can be difficult due to snow, and monsoon rains may make roads hazardous.
Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very beautiful and scenic. About 78 degrees in June... so very nice change from PHX metro area.' 2. 'This is my favorite place. It is quiet, very secluded.' 3. 'Road is extremely narrow in some...
Show more
Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #1 is frequently mentioned as a favorite, but reviewers noted maintenance issues such as a log across the firepit and proximity to the picnic table.
Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences.
Based on 38 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds? 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
Tonto National Forest
Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds