Black Canyon Campground - Lower

4 reviews

Quick Facts

6,739 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,739 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Black Canyon Campground - Lower

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No detailed fee information is provided for this specific campground. "Recreation Use fees are the fees a visitor pays to camp, experience a day-use...

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

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"User reviews highlight the remote beauty of the campground, as well as the clean and functional vault toilets and picnic tables. Some reviews emphasize the need for a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to access the site."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Black Canyon Campground - Lower

33.1842, -108.0340

Driving directionsThe campground is located 30 miles from Wilderness Ranger District office. Take Hwy 35 to MM15 to FR150. Turn right & travel 26 miles over an improved dirt & rock road to Black Canyon Campground. Turn left and travel 0.5 miles, over a steep stream crossing to the Lower Campground.

The campground is accessible from FR 150, requiring approximately 0.5 miles of travel from the road and crossing a stream. "Please be advised - the district recommends high-clearance 4x4 vehicles on FR 150." Roads are described as improved dirt and rock roads.

Best Time to Camp at Black Canyon Campground - Lower

During the second week of monitoring, Black Canyon revealed its characteristic high-country climate personality. Days reach a comfortable 49.8°F while nights dip to a crisp 27.1°F, perfect for campfire gatherings and cozy sleeping bags. The area boasts remarkably clear skies 85% of the time, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities. While very light snow and gentle rain occasionally dust the landscape, the predominantly dry conditions and moderate breezes create ideal camping weather for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

High-country summers are comfortable (noted ~49.8°F days during monitoring) but season likely short.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely scenic with fewer visitors; no seasonal review detail provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring may feature snowmelt and stream crossing challenges; seasonal access can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Cold high-country nights (~27°F) and rugged access suggest limited winter appeal and access issues.

Planning Tips

About Black Canyon Campground - Lower

Tucked away 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District Office, Black Canyon Campground - Lower offers an escape into pristine wilderness that few ever experience. This remote sanctuary rewards adventurous souls who navigate the rugged approach road with their high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Once you arrive, you'll discover a recently upgraded vault toilet facility and a enchanting meadow where a babbling stream provides the perfect soundtrack for your outdoor retreat. Adventure beckons right from your tent flap, with Trail #94 beginning at the rear of the campground, inviting you to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot.

Black Canyon Campground - Lower caters to campers seeking a remote and rugged experience. The campground is primarily accessible via a challenging dirt road and stream crossing.

Historical SignificanceHidden among the trees and meadows, remnants of a historic homestead whisper stories of the hardy pioneers who once called this remote canyon home. These weathered ruins serve as a poignant reminder of the area's rich past, when settlers carved out lives in this beautiful but challenging landscape. Today's visitors can explore these historic remains and imagine the determination required to establish a home in such splendid isolation.

Weather and SeasonsDuring the second week of monitoring, Black Canyon revealed its characteristic high-country climate personality. Days reach a comfortable 49.8°F while nights dip to a crisp 27.1°F, perfect for campfire gatherings and cozy sleeping bags. The area boasts remarkably clear skies 85% of the time, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities. While very light snow and gentle rain occasionally dust the landscape, the predominantly dry conditions and moderate breezes create ideal camping weather for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences.

ElevationNestled within the mountainous terrain of the national forest, Black Canyon Campground sits at an elevation that provides the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere, though specific elevation data remains undocumented for this hidden gem.

Natural Features and SceneryBlack Canyon Campground immerses visitors in a landscape of dramatic contrasts where dense forest gives way to sun-drenched meadows and steep canyon walls frame distant vistas. The crown jewel of the area flows nearby - the East Fork of the Gila River, a waterway so spectacular it's being considered for Wild and Scenic designation. This meandering ribbon of water has carved a path through the wilderness over millennia, creating a corridor of life that supports diverse wildlife and offers endless opportunities for streamside exploration and contemplation.

Geological RegionSet within a remote corner of the national forest, Black Canyon showcases the raw geological beauty of the Southwest. The landscape tells an ancient story through its steep canyon walls, verdant meadows carved by time, and the persistent flow of the East Fork of the Gila River. This diverse terrain creates a natural playground where hikers can traverse everything from gentle streamside paths to challenging canyon routes, all while surrounded by the timeless beauty of weathered rock and pristine forest.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

Group camping specifics are not provided in the data.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Walk-in AvailabilityThe site is non-reservable and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cancellation PolicyCancelling a reservation may incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations may result in forfeiting the first night's fees." There is no capacity for advance reservations for this campground.

AccessibilityThis is a remote campground with access challenges, including a steep stream crossing and the recommendation for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. No specific ADA-compliant features are mentioned.

Site SizeThe specific dimensions or sizes of campsites are not described in the data.

PrivacyThe privacy of individual campsites is not explicitly mentioned, but the remote location and meadow setting may contribute to a feeling of seclusion.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Black Canyon Campground - Lower offers recreational opportunities closely tied to its natural setting. Trail #94 begins at the rear of the campground, providing hiking access, and the nearby scenic stream is a notable feature.

HikingTrail #94 starts directly at the rear of the campground, offering hiking opportunities. Additionally, user reviews have noted the 'Wild and Scenic' nature of the East Fork of the Gila River, which provides excellent hiking terrain due to its steep canyon walls that make it hard to get lost.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStream crossing may pose risks; high-clearance 4x4 vehicles are recommended. The remote location requires preparedness for emergencies.

Weather at Black Canyon Campground - Lower

Reviews

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Black Canyon Campground - Lower has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the remote beauty of the campground, as well as the clean and functional vault toilets and picnic tables. Some reviews emphasize the need for a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to access the site.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the cleanliness of the vault toilets ('the bathroom was clean, with TP and hand sanitizer') and the scenic, remote location ('a nice camping area with the hopefully...

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints are noted in the user reviews, though the necessity of a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to access the site could be a potential downside for some campers.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

A user recommends looking for points of interest such as a historic homestead ruin and a rectangular water trough en route to the campground. High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are highly advised due to the...

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The data does not provide detailed seasonal trends in user reviews.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Black Canyon is a drive to get to (must take 4-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle) but the bathroom was clean, with TP and hand sanitizer, and the picnic tables had seen some years but were...

Based on 4 reviews