How much does camping cost at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds?

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

Is Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds first-come first-served or reservation?

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds?

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds is open Open year-round, but winter access may be impacted by snow.. 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 Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds?

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds have?

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds?

Pets are not allowed at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds?

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds?

Popular activities at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

Q: Can I have a campfire at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds?

Fire policies at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds: Fires are only allowed in designated areas, but restrictions may apply depending on the time of year.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.39

38 reviews

Featured in:Camping Near Phoenix#3 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Arizona

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

928-402-6200

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

33.2845, -110.8221

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.

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.

Weather at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

Best Time to Camp at Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

Summer brings the best conditions, with June daytime temperatures around 78°F and nights cooling to the mid-50s to mid-60s. The pine shade and elevation make campsite comfort high even on warmer days. July and August bring monsoon thunderstorms in the afternoons, often with lightning. Winter storms can close the access road temporarily, so check conditions before heading up.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer preferred: ~78°F days, cool nights, shaded campsites praised by reviewers.

Planning Tips

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

About Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

Pinal Campground sits at 7,500 feet in Tonto National Forest, offering four secluded sites under ponderosa pines and white firs. The forested setting provides a cool mountain escape from Arizona's desert heat, with vault toilets and picnic tables but no water or other services. Access requires navigating a narrow, winding road that can be challenging in bad weather.

Pinal Campground offers primitive camping with a limited number of campsites. It caters to those looking for a minimalist and back-to-nature experience.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions, with June daytime temperatures around 78°F and nights cooling to the mid-50s to mid-60s. The pine shade and elevation make campsite comfort high even on warmer days. July and August bring monsoon thunderstorms in the afternoons, often with lightning. Winter storms can close the access road temporarily, so check conditions before heading up.

ElevationAt 7,500 feet above sea level, Pinal Campground sits in Arizona's sky island country, where thin mountain air carries the scent of pine resin and wildflowers. This lofty elevation creates a true alpine environment, offering camping conditions that feel worlds away from the Sonoran Desert below—expect cool breezes, crisp mornings, and the kind of refreshing mountain atmosphere that makes summer camping a joy.

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines and white firs dominate this high-elevation campground, creating a shaded alpine environment that contrasts sharply with the saguaro desert below. The forest canopy stays cool even on warm summer days, and the area sits in a transition zone where desert ecosystems give way to mountain forests. Extensive hiking trails wind through the woods.

Geological RegionDiscover Arizona's remarkable vertical diversity at Pinal Campground, where the landscape tells a story of elevation and transformation. Here in the state's high country, the familiar saguaro-studded desert yields to cool mountain forests of pine and oak, creating a unique ecological crossroads. Magnificent stands of ponderosa pines and white firs dominate this alpine environment, offering campers a chance to experience Arizona's lesser-known but equally stunning mountain personality.

Scenic Views"Very beautiful and scenic," remarked one user, with another describing the setting as "green and lush up on the peak" and "pristine beauty of Arizona high country."

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFour small sites spread through the forested area with enough spacing to feel secluded. Upper Pinal adds three more units nearby.

AccessibilityNo specific information regarding accessibility features.

Site SizeCampsites are standard to small-sized. Pinal has 4 units, and Upper Pinal has 3 units.

PrivacySites are described as 'secluded,' providing good privacy in the forested area.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors are advised to prepare for cooler temperatures at night and to bring all necessary supplies, as there are no on-site services. Compact or high-clearance vehicles are recommended due to road conditions.

Best CampsitesCampsite #1 gets mentioned as a favorite for its location, though one reviewer noted a log blocking the firepit area. The four sites are small to standard-sized and described as secluded within the forest.

Amenities available

There are no trash services, water, or electric.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed in designated areas, but restrictions may apply depending on the time of year.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services information unavailable.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash and recycling services are available. Visitors must pack out all trash.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features were mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not mentioned.

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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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

38 reviews

Recommended

Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Phoenix-area campers chasing cool summer air will find 78°F June days here. Site #1 is the crowd favorite. Eight trails start within a mile, and four secluded sites under pine canopy stay quiet past 10 PM.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling everything from Globe, 30 minutes down a narrow, winding road with hairpin turns and no guardrails. Low-clearance vehicles and anyone bothered by bug-infested vault toilets should plan accordingly.

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