Pioneer Pass Camping Area

Star4.45
81 reviews
7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd. Globe, AZ 85501
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Tonto National Forest site

Official Website
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Pioneer Pass Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There are no fees required for camping at 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

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USFS
Provider
928-402-6200
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 81 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswell-maintainedsites

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews consistently praise the campground for its scenic beauty, clean facilities, and tranquil environment. Many highlight the lack of cell service as a benefit for a 'zen getaway.' However, some raise concerns about maintenance, such as eroded roads and benches in need of repair."

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Campground Map

7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd. Globe, AZ 85501

Pioneer Pass Camping Area

7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd. Globe, AZ 85501

Driving directionsThis site is 9 miles south of Globe. From Globe, follow paved Jess Hayes Road to the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/Forest Road (FR) 112 and Six-shooter Canyon Road/Forest Road (FR) 222. Continue on FR 112 for 2 miles to the junction of FR 55 and FR 112. Stay to the left and continue following FR 112 (which soon becomes unpaved) for another 6 miles to the site.
The final stretch of the access route becomes a winding, single-lane dirt road with turnouts approximately 2 miles past the stop sign at the intersection of FR 112 and FR 55. The road exhibits signs of winter erosion and deep rutting, making it unsuitable for RVs or trailers over 16'.
Nearby places
Globe: 9 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and other essentials are available in Globe, which is 9 miles away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Pioneer Pass Camping Area

Experience nature's perfect climate control at Pioneer Pass, where mountain breezes keep summer temperatures refreshingly cool while desert dwellers swelter below. As autumn paints the pines in golden hues, crisp air signals the approach of winter's transformation. Snow occasionally blankets this mountain sanctuary, creating a winter wonderland that may temporarily close access roads—nature's way of preserving the pristine beauty for those patient enough to wait for spring's return.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool mountain breezes make it a pleasant summer retreat from low-elevation heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn colors in the pines and comfortable temps noted; good season for visiting.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers pleasant temps and trail access; general outdoor activity seasonality is favorable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but snow can make campsite inaccessible; 4WD sometimes required.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, though it may become inaccessible during winter due to snow.

About Pioneer Pass Camping Area

Escape to Pioneer Pass, where four distinct camping clusters nestle among towering pine forests at 6,000 feet in the Pinal Mountains. This dispersed camping haven offers an authentic wilderness experience across its four unique areas—Granite, Toll Gate, Wagon Wheel, and Cattle Trap—each with its own character and charm. Whether you're seeking a quiet family retreat or an intimate gathering spot for your camping crew, Pioneer Pass delivers the perfect blend of accessibility and backcountry solitude beneath a canopy of mature pines.
Pioneer Pass offers dispersed camping with options for tent camping, equestrian camping, and group camping. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the campground's rough roads.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Pioneer Pass Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Trails like the Bobtail Spring and East Mountain Trails are accessible for various skill levels, providing opportunities for family outings and nature exploration.
HikingThe East Mountain Trail, located 0.8 miles south of the campground, is a five-mile loop suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Other trails like Bobtail Spring Trail lead to Pinal Peak.
BikingMountain biking is permitted on the East Mountain Trail, offering a five-mile loop.
Wildlife viewingThe campground and surrounding trails provide opportunities for observing wildlife amidst the Pinal Mountains' natural beauty.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground has been impacted by fire damage in the past, although facilities and trees have largely been spared. Visitors are advised to exercise caution around any erosion or rutting in the roads.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant food lockers are available at some sites, including those in the Toll Gate area.

Weather at Pioneer Pass Camping Area

Reviews

4.5
81 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Pioneer Pass Camping Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the campground for its scenic beauty, clean facilities, and tranquil environment. Many highlight the lack of cell service as a benefit for a 'zen getaway.' However, some raise concerns about maintenance, such as eroded roads and benches in need of repair.
Review Summaries
Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, spacious sites, and beautiful surroundings. The campground being free and offering fire pits with grill attachments is frequently noted...
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Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough and eroded roads leading to the campground, the lack of potable water, and occasional maintenance issues with benches and vault toilets. Some users also mentioned...
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Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early to secure a spot, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. - Bring all necessary supplies, including water and firewood, due to limited amenities. - A 4WD...
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Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter snow can make the campground inaccessible, while summer offers a cool retreat from Phoenix's heat, with towering pines and comfortable temperatures.
Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This campground is a jewel. Hidden in a small pocket of the southern Tonto Forest, it’s a spot I’ll definitely return to.' - Cody Fincher 2. 'Lovely campground. Includes fire pits with grill...
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Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Toll Gate is highlighted as one of the best areas within the campground for its proximity to Pinal Creek and overall scenic beauty.
Based on 81 reviews

Accessibility Features

Only one site offers handicap accessibility with compacted dirt and slopes of 5%-10%.
Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There is no clear information about pet policies; one reviewer explicitly asked if dogs were allowed.
Based on 81 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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