Ponderosa (Az)

Tonto National Forest

1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541

Escape to Valentine Ridge Dispersed Camping Area, where the whisper of wind through pine trees and the gentle babble of Canyon Creek create nature's perfect symphony. This hidden gem in the high country offers true wilderness camping without the crowds or fees. Set up camp among towering pines and discover why anglers treasure this spot for its exceptional rainbow trout fishing. Each primitive campsite comes equipped with rustic benches and fire grills, while a single vault toilet serves the area. As evening falls, you might spot majestic elk grazing in meadows, wild turkeys strutting through camp, or catch a glimpse of the elusive Abert squirrel. While black bears and mountain lions call these forests home, they typically keep their distance from respectful campers.

Colcord Ridge Campground, Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Perched high on the dramatic Mogollon Rim at 7,600 feet, Colcord Ridge Campground offers a refreshing escape into Arizona's high country. Here, towering Ponderosa pines mingle with fragrant white fir and stately Douglas fir, creating a cool mountain sanctuary perfect for summer adventures. Whether you're casting a line for elusive trout in nearby waters, quietly observing the abundant wildlife, or introducing young campers to their first outdoor overnight experience, this peaceful retreat provides the ideal backdrop. The dispersed camping opportunities allow you to find your own perfect spot among the trees, making it a favorite destination for families seeking to create lasting wilderness memories.

2100 Houston Mesa Rd

Escape to Houston Mesa Campground, a serene mountain retreat nestled in the northern reaches of Tonto National Forest, just a mile from the charming town of Payson, Arizona. This versatile outdoor haven welcomes everyone from families seeking adventure to equestrians exploring scenic trails and minimalist campers yearning for tent-only tranquility. Wind through hiking paths that reveal breathtaking vistas, saddle up for memorable horseback journeys, or simply lose yourself in the beauty of Arizona's stunning mixed forest landscape.

1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541

Nestled beneath towering Ponderosa pines in the heart of Tonto National Forest, Airplane Flat Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape at 6,600 feet elevation. This dispersed camping haven sits alongside the babbling waters of Canyon Creek, where native trout dart through crystal-clear pools. Morning mist often reveals the local residents—curious Abert squirrels chattering from pine branches, wild turkeys strutting through camp, and if you're lucky, glimpses of elk grazing in nearby meadows. Black bears and mountain lions also call this forest home, adding to the wild authenticity of this pristine mountain retreat.

1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541

Escape to Upper Canyon Creek Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines, white firs, and Douglas firs create a cathedral-like canopy above your dispersed camping adventure. This hidden gem invites you to pitch your tent beneath ancient trees while the melodic sounds of Canyon Creek drift through the forest. Anglers will discover a rainbow trout paradise in the creek's crystal-clear waters, making this the perfect basecamp for those seeking both tranquility and world-class fishing.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Escape to true wilderness at FR 171 Campground, a designated dispersed camping area where adventure-seekers can experience authentic primitive camping in Arizona's backcountry. This undeveloped site at coordinates 34.29191667, -110.8677056 invites self-sufficient campers to create their own outdoor experience amid raw, natural surroundings with no facilities or services—just you and the wild.

1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA

Nestled in Arizona's high country, Sharp Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with 28 thoughtfully positioned sites across three distinct loops. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers with 19 reservable sites for those who plan ahead and 9 first-come, first-served spots for spontaneous explorers. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear waters, setting off on scenic trails, or gathering around the campfire with loved ones, Sharp Creek provides the perfect basecamp. Each site comes fully equipped with your camping essentials: a sturdy picnic table for meals under towering pines, a fire pit and grill for evening cookouts, and a convenient lantern holder to light your way. For larger gatherings, spacious group sites can comfortably host up to 75 people, making it ideal for family reunions or outdoor celebrations.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Nestled beneath the watchful eye of the historic Gentry Fire Lookout, this intimate mountain retreat welcomes adventurers with five thoughtfully spaced family sites carved into a pristine ponderosa pine forest. Whether you're seeking solitude at a single site or planning an unforgettable gathering for up to 75 people, Gentry Campground transforms from a peaceful woodland escape to a natural amphitheater for your group's outdoor adventures.

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA

Escape the crowds and discover Black Canyon Rim Campground, a hidden gem tucked away in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This intimate campground offers just 20 sites, creating a peaceful retreat where the scent of ponderosa pines fills the air and the sounds of nature replace city noise. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV (up to 40 feet), you'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay, including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and regular trash service. Each site comes equipped with its own campfire ring, grill, and picnic table – perfect for those memorable outdoor meals and evening stories around the fire.

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA

Nestled in the heart of pine country near the sparkling waters of Willow Springs Lake, Sinkhole Campground invites you to experience the perfect blend of convenience and wilderness charm. This intimate 26-site retreat offers something for every camping style – secure your spot in advance at sites 14-26, or embrace spontaneity with first-come, first-served sites 1-13. Each spacious back-in site comes complete with its own campfire ring, grill, and picnic table, all connected by smooth asphalt roads that make arrival a breeze. With fresh drinking water on tap, regular trash service, and clean vault toilets, you'll find all the essentials for a comfortable stay. Plus, a friendly campground host is always nearby to share local insights and ensure your mountain getaway is memorable.

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ 85933, USA

Perched on the dramatic edge of the Mogollon Rim, Rim Campground invites you to experience Arizona's high country like never before. Twenty-six thoughtfully spaced campsites nestle among towering ponderosa pines, where the sweet vanilla scent of pine bark mingles with crisp mountain air. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll find modern conveniences including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and regular trash service. Just three miles down a scenic forest road, Woods Canyon Lake beckons with excellent fishing and peaceful paddling opportunities, making this the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility.

1009 East Highway 260

Nestled along the babbling waters of a pristine spring-fed creek, Christopher Creek Campground invites you to experience the magic of Arizona's high country. With 43 thoughtfully placed campsites straddling both banks of the creek, this forest sanctuary creates the perfect backdrop for family adventures and peaceful retreats. Whether you're planning an intimate getaway or organizing a group gathering, the campground's versatile facilities and natural charm offer something special for every outdoor enthusiast.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Nestled in the heart of Arizona's high country, Crook Campground beckons groups seeking an unforgettable wilderness retreat. Two spacious loops, each designed as intimate cul-de-sacs, welcome gatherings of up to 110 adventurers with parking for 26 vehicles. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line for trout in crystal-clear waters, explore winding forest trails on foot or bike, launch your boat for a serene paddle, or simply sit quietly as elk and deer emerge from the towering pines. Just moments away, the shimmering expanse of Woods Canyon Lake and the dramatic cliffs of the Mogollon Rim await your discovery.

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA

Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, Mogollon Campground offers an intimate escape into Arizona's high country wilderness. This peaceful retreat sits on the doorstep of the Woods Canyon Recreation area, where the scent of pine needles mingles with cool mountain air. Adventure seekers will find themselves perfectly positioned to explore the legendary Mogollon Rim and discover the breathtaking Rim Lakes Vista Trail, where panoramic views stretch across endless forests and deep canyons. Whether you're casting a line in nearby waters or setting out on scenic trails, this small but charming campground serves as your gateway to some of Arizona's most spectacular outdoor experiences.

MILE POST 287 - HIGHWAY 260, FOREST LAKES, AZ, USA

Escape to Canyon Point Campground, where 113 thoughtfully spaced campsites await among the towering pines of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars, pulling in with a trailer, or navigating a 75-foot motorhome through the forest roads, you'll find your perfect spot here. With individual, double, and group sites scattered throughout the property, each offering generous elbow room, you'll discover why visitors cherish the feeling of having their own private slice of wilderness—close enough to share s'mores with neighbors, yet far enough to enjoy the forest's peaceful solitude.

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Discover a generously proportioned campsite that offers the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. This expansive site provides ample room for your camping setup, whether you're arriving with a large RV, multiple tents, or simply seeking extra space to spread out and truly relax in nature's embrace.

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Nestled alongside one of Arizona's most beloved mountain lakes, Woods Canyon Lake Group Campground welcomes gatherings of up to 100 adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This primitive camping paradise invites you to cast a line for rainbow trout in crystal-clear waters, explore winding forest trails, and encounter the abundant wildlife that calls this high-country haven home. While embracing the simplicity of outdoor living with vault toilets and fresh drinking water, you'll find yourself immersed in the tranquil beauty of Arizona's pine-scented highlands.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Nestled in the heart of untouched wilderness, this campground offers an escape into nature's embrace where towering trees whisper ancient stories and crystal-clear streams carve their way through the landscape. Whether you're seeking solitude under a canopy of stars or adventures along winding trails, this pristine retreat provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Nestled along the pristine shores of Woods Canyon Lake, Spillway Campground offers an intimate escape beneath a canopy of towering trees. This hidden gem beckons nature lovers with its peaceful ambiance, where the gentle lapping of lake waters mingles with birdsong. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring forest trails, or launching your kayak for an afternoon paddle, this small but cherished campground serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures in Arizona's high country.

Tonto National Forest

Nestled alongside the gentle waters of Tonto Creek, Lower Tonto Creek Campground offers a serene escape beneath towering pines. Each campsite is thoughtfully connected by smooth, paved sidewalks that wind through the forest, making it easy to explore your surroundings or take an evening stroll to the creek. While the nearby Highway 260 provides convenient access to this natural haven, visitors should note that traffic sounds and lights occasionally drift through the pine canopy, adding a touch of civilization to your wilderness experience.

Tonto National Forest

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the wilderness, Upper Tonto Creek offers an intimate camping experience where solitude meets natural beauty. This small, secluded site provides a peaceful retreat far from the crowds, with access to a pristine creek that winds through the landscape. Here, campers discover a hidden gem where the sounds of nature replace the noise of everyday life, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking a genuine escape into Arizona's backcountry.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Nestled in the heart of pristine wilderness, this campground offers an unforgettable escape where towering pines whisper ancient stories and crystal-clear streams dance through sun-dappled meadows. Whether you're seeking solitude under a canopy of stars or adventure on winding trails, this natural sanctuary provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts and peace-seekers alike. Wake to the symphony of birdsong, spend your days exploring hidden waterfalls and scenic vistas, and end each evening around a crackling campfire as the sky transforms into a masterpiece of color.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

<p>Escape the crowds and embrace the freedom of the wilderness at this pristine dispersed camping area. Here, you'll find the perfect balance between adventure and solitude, where you can pitch your tent wherever the landscape calls to you. This untouched haven offers experienced campers the ultimate outdoor experience—no designated sites, no reservations, just you and the raw beauty of nature. Wake up to birdsong instead of generators, and fall asleep under a canopy of stars unobstructed by streetlights or crowded campgrounds.</p>

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Escape the crowds and discover the freedom of dispersed camping in this pristine wilderness area. Here, you'll find no designated sites or amenities—just you, your gear, and the untamed beauty of nature. Set up camp wherever the landscape calls to you, whether it's beside a babbling creek, atop a scenic ridge, or nestled among ancient trees. This is camping at its most authentic, where self-reliance meets serenity, and every sunrise brings a new adventure right to your tent flap.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

<p>Escape the crowds and discover the freedom of dispersed camping, where nature becomes your private retreat. This pristine camping area offers adventurous souls the opportunity to pitch their tent or park their RV away from developed campgrounds, surrounded by untouched wilderness. Here, you'll find the ultimate in solitude and self-reliance, with no designated sites or amenities – just you, your gear, and the great outdoors. Perfect for experienced campers seeking authentic wilderness experiences, this area allows you to create your own basecamp under star-filled skies, wake to the sounds of nature, and explore the landscape at your own pace.</p>

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Hidden deep within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Bear Canyon Lake beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This remote sanctuary, accessible only by foot trail, rewards hikers with a pristine canyon-bound lake cradled by towering mixed conifers, stately oaks, and shimmering aspens. Here, rustic dispersed camping means trading modern conveniences for starlit nights and the symphony of nature - no potable water or trash services remind you that this is true backcountry camping at its finest.

Coconino National Forest Recreation

Escape to the tranquil shores of Knoll Lake, where pristine waters reflect towering ponderosa pines and the dramatic cliffs of the Mogollon Rim. This hidden gem offers meticulously maintained campsites that serve as your basecamp for unforgettable adventures. Cast a line into the crystal-clear lake, paddle across its glassy surface in your kayak, or set out on trails that lead to breathtaking rim-top vistas. Here, where the forest meets the sky, you'll discover why generations of campers have made Knoll Lake their sanctuary in the Arizona highlands.

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024

Nestled among towering ponderosa pines on the legendary Mogollon Rim, Kehl Springs Campground offers an intimate escape into Arizona's high country. This hidden gem provides primitive camping for those who prefer their adventures unadorned—where the whisper of wind through pine needles and panoramic mountain vistas are the only amenities you'll need. Here, at the edge of the world, you'll discover why generations of outdoor enthusiasts have been drawn to this tranquil forest sanctuary.

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

Escape to the hidden gem of Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground, where adventure meets tranquility without the price tag. This free camping haven invites you to pitch your tent among pristine dispersed sites, each thoughtfully equipped with fire rings for those magical evenings under starlit skies. Whether you're casting a line into the crystalline waters, exploring winding trails that reveal breathtaking vistas, or simply savoring the peaceful solitude far from crowded tourist spots, this off-the-beaten-path sanctuary promises an authentic wilderness experience that reconnects you with nature's simple pleasures.

8738 Ranger Rd, Happy Jack, AZ 86024

Nestled in the heart of Arizona's high country, Long Valley Work Center Group Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience perfect for large gatherings and outdoor celebrations. This expansive primitive site welcomes groups of up to 300 people, creating an ideal setting for family reunions, scout troops, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to connect under the stars. Your group will enjoy essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables, grills for outdoor cooking, and a impressive central fire ring that becomes the natural gathering point for evening stories and songs. The campground maintains vault toilets and regular trash collection, ensuring comfort while preserving the pristine mountain environment. For larger gatherings exceeding 50 people, additional portable facilities will need to be arranged to accommodate your group comfortably.

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024

Nestled beneath towering old-growth ponderosa pines, Clints Well Campground invites you to experience the intimate charm of small-scale camping in Northern Arizona's high country. This hidden gem offers the perfect blend of accessibility and serenity, where the whisper of wind through ancient pine boughs replaces the noise of everyday life. Just off well-maintained roads, this tranquil retreat welcomes those seeking a genuine connection with nature without sacrificing convenience.

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Escape to Rock Crossing Campground, where towering ponderosa pines and ancient oaks create a natural cathedral at 7,316 feet above sea level. Tucked within the vast Coconino National Forest, this beloved mountain retreat beckons adventurers with its promise of cool mountain air and endless recreation. Whether you're casting a line into crystal waters, paddling across the mirror-like surface of C.C. Cragin Reservoir, or setting out to explore the legendary Mogollon Rim, Rock Crossing serves as your perfect basecamp for Arizona's high country adventures.

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Nestled in a breathtaking canyon where history meets wilderness, Chevelon Crossing Campground invites you to experience camping as it was meant to be. This rustic retreat, lovingly crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where you'll carry out what you carry in, leaving only footprints in this pristine landscape.

Coconino National Forest Recreation

Nestled in the shadow of C.C. Cragin Reservoir, Blue Ridge Campground offers an intimate escape into Arizona's high country. This cozy mountain retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its network of scenic hiking trails and cool, shaded campsites tucked beneath towering pines. While visitor Mike Martin praises the campground's "quiet and isolated" atmosphere, potential guests should note that the compact layout brings neighbors close together—as Joshua H observed, the proximity of sites can create a lively community feel that may carry into the evening hours. Despite its smaller footprint, Blue Ridge delivers big on mountain charm and serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

8738 Ranger Rd, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, stately oaks, and shimmering aspens, Moqui Group Campground beckons large gatherings seeking an authentic wilderness experience at nearly 7,000 feet. Three thoughtfully designed group sites—Simmons, Spooner, and Ernst—each welcome up to 50 adventurers into nature's embrace. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout expedition, or outdoor celebration, you'll find everything needed for memorable nights under starlit skies: sturdy picnic tables for communal meals, fire rings for evening storytelling, convenient vault toilets, and fresh piped water. While Simmons and Spooner sites accommodate up to three RVs or trailers (22 feet maximum), Ernst offers a more intimate tent-camping experience perfect for those seeking a closer connection to the forest floor.

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ 85933, USA

8738 Ranger Rd, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA

8738 Ranger Rd, Happy Jack, AZ 86024

1009 East Highway 260

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

APACHE-SITGREAVES

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA

Coconino National Forest Recreation

APACHE-SITGREAVES

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Tonto National Forest

MILE POST 287 - HIGHWAY 260, FOREST LAKES, AZ, USA

2100 Houston Mesa Rd

Coconino National Forest Recreation

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

P.O. Box 2337, Overgaard, AZ, 85933, USA

1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541

KP Cienega Campground, Alpine, Arizona

Perched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet in the Arizona high country, KP Cienega Campground offers an intimate escape into the clouds with just five secluded sites nestled among towering pines. This alpine sanctuary welcomes adventurers with tents, trailers, and motorhomes up to 16 feet, providing each site with its own picnic table and fire ring complete with cooking grill. As the gateway to the Blue Range Primitive Area via the adjacent KP Trailhead, this rustic retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world—there are no hookups or running water here, just pure mountain air and endless wilderness. Remember to keep your four-legged companions leashed as they explore this high-altitude haven with you.

8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ, 86024

Escape to Rock Crossing Campground, where towering ponderosa pines and ancient oaks create a natural cathedral at 7,316 feet above sea level. Tucked within the vast Coconino National Forest, this beloved mountain retreat beckons adventurers with its promise of cool mountain air and endless recreation. Whether you're casting a line into crystal waters, paddling across the mirror-like surface of C.C. Cragin Reservoir, or setting out to explore the legendary Mogollon Rim, Rock Crossing serves as your perfect basecamp for Arizona's high country adventures.

Alamo Lake

Picture yourself camping right on the water's edge at Alamo Lake, where full hookups meet wild Arizona beauty. This hidden gem in the Sonoran Desert offers world-class bass fishing, endless boating, and night skies so dark that stargazing becomes an unforgettable experience.

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Tucked away in the heart of the Big Lake Recreation Area, Grayling Campground offers an intimate escape into Arizona's high country wilderness. Twenty-three thoughtfully spaced campsites wind along a single loop road, each one a private sanctuary where towering conifers frame glimpses of sparkling lake waters. Here, the morning mist rises through ancient aspens while the scent of pine fills the crisp mountain air, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking solitude far from the crowds.

APACHE-SITGREAVES

Discover the crown jewel of Big Lake Recreation Area at Rainbow Campground, where 165 thoughtfully arranged campsites across six distinct loops create a vibrant outdoor community beneath towering pines. This well-appointed basecamp combines the comforts of modern amenities—including flush toilets, convenient water spigots, and a nearby camp store—with the wild beauty of Arizona's high country. Friendly camp hosts stand ready to help you make the most of your mountain escape, ensuring every detail of your stay is as pristine as the surrounding wilderness.

1009 East Highway 260

Nestled along the babbling waters of a pristine spring-fed creek, Christopher Creek Campground invites you to experience the magic of Arizona's high country. With 43 thoughtfully placed campsites straddling both banks of the creek, this forest sanctuary creates the perfect backdrop for family adventures and peaceful retreats. Whether you're planning an intimate getaway or organizing a group gathering, the campground's versatile facilities and natural charm offer something special for every outdoor enthusiast.

HC 64 Box 65, Fredonia, AZ 86022, USA

Nestled deep within the Kaibab National Forest, DeMotte Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Grand Canyon North Rim. This hidden gem offers 38 intimate single-family campsites, each thoughtfully designed to welcome everything from cozy tents to compact motorhomes. Known throughout the camping community for its pristine conditions and tranquil atmosphere, DeMotte has earned a stellar reputation thanks to its meticulously maintained grounds and the warm hospitality of its dedicated hosts who treat every visitor like family.

10 Organ Pipe Dr.

Nestled within the stunning Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Twin Peaks Campground serves as your gateway to one of the Sonoran Desert's most spectacular landscapes. This thoughtfully designed campground welcomes adventurers with 208 well-appointed sites, ranging from intimate tent-only spots to spacious RV-friendly locations. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and grill, while solar-heated showers provide a refreshing end to dusty desert explorations. The careful spacing between sites ensures a sense of solitude, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding desert vegetation that creates natural privacy screens between neighbors.

12856 E Rhyolite Creek Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643, USA

Nestled within the otherworldly landscape of Chiricahua National Monument, Bonita Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape among towering stone spires and ancient hoodoos. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers seeking solitude beneath a canopy of shade trees, where winding nature trails beckon exploration and panoramic vistas reward every turn. The campground's thoughtfully designed sites accommodate both tent enthusiasts and those traveling with smaller RVs, creating the perfect basecamp for discovering one of Arizona's most dramatic geological wonders.

1009 East Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541, USA

Nestled in Arizona's high country, Sharp Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with 28 thoughtfully positioned sites across three distinct loops. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers with 19 reservable sites for those who plan ahead and 9 first-come, first-served spots for spontaneous explorers. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear waters, setting off on scenic trails, or gathering around the campfire with loved ones, Sharp Creek provides the perfect basecamp. Each site comes fully equipped with your camping essentials: a sturdy picnic table for meals under towering pines, a fire pit and grill for evening cookouts, and a convenient lantern holder to light your way. For larger gatherings, spacious group sites can comfortably host up to 75 people, making it ideal for family reunions or outdoor celebrations.