Mountain Camping in Arizona

Mountain Camping in Arizona

Discover the best mountain camping across Arizona. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.

20+ Campgrounds4.8★ AverageBest: Year-round
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Rock Crossing Campground (Az)
Star
4.8
(256)
Rock Crossing Campground (Az)
Happy Jack
Coconino National Forest Recreation

Perched at 7,316 feet within Coconino National Forest, towering ponderosa pines frame sweeping views of Arizona's legendary Mogollon Rim from your campsite.

Tents
RVs
2
Rainbow (Az)
Star
4.7
(402)
Rainbow (Az)
Springerville
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Perched at 9,000 feet where ponderosa pines and aspens frame sweeping White Mountains vistas, this high-elevation sanctuary delivers the crisp alpine air and expansive horizons that mountain seekers crave.

Tents
RVs
3
Grayling
Star
4.8
(210)
Grayling
Springerville
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Perched in Arizona's White Mountains, this campground surrounds you with towering ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, and shimmering aspen groves that frame stunning alpine vistas.

Tents
RVs

About Mountain Camping in Arizona

Mountain camping Arizona offers some of the Southwest's most dramatic and diverse high-elevation experiences, from the volcanic peaks near Flagstaff to the alpine meadows of the White Mountains. Arizona's mountain campgrounds span elevations from 6,000 to over 9,000 feet, providing cool summer retreats beneath towering ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, and Colorado blue spruce.

Best Time

The prime season for mountain camping in Arizona runs from late May through September, when high-elevation campgrounds are snow-free and accessible. June offers excellent conditions with wildflowers blooming in alpine meadows and streams running high from snowmelt, though some higher campgrounds may not open until mid-June.

Scenery Highlights

  • Stunning mountain panoramas
  • Cool alpine temperatures
  • Alpine lakes and meadows
  • World-class hiking trails

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Arizona

Map of campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Arizona
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Map Key
1
Rock Crossing Campground (Az)
2
Rainbow (Az)
3
Grayling
4
Christopher Creek
5
Kp Cienega Campground
6
Hannagan Campground
7
Pinegrove
8
Bonito Campground (Az)
9
Shannon Campground
10
Sunny Flat Campground
11
Sycamore Campground
12
Eagle Ridge Group Campground
13
Moqui Group Campground
14
Upper Twilight Group Site
15
Showers Point Group Site
16
Los Burros Campground
17
Kendrick Cabin
18
Caldwell Cabin
19
Idlewilde Campground
20
Lewis Canyon
View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Hiking through ponderosa pine forests and alpine meadowsTrout fishing in mountain lakes and streamsWildlife viewing including elk, deer, and wild turkeysMountain biking on forest service roadsPhotography of wildflowers and fall colorsStargazing in dark sky locations

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular mountain campgrounds like Rainbow, Christopher Creek, and Rock Crossing well in advance through Recreation.gov, especially for summer weekends and holidays.
  • 2High-elevation camping requires preparation for cold nights even in summer—bring layers, warm sleeping bags rated to at least 30°F, and extra blankets.
  • 3Afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season can be intense, so secure your tent properly and avoid camping under dead trees or in drainage areas.
  • 4The thin air at 8,000-9,000 feet affects some visitors, so arrive hydrated and take it easy your first day if coming from lower elevations.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Mountain Camping in Arizona

Mountain Camping in Arizona FAQ

We've ranked 20+ mountain campgrounds in Arizona based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.
Mountain camping in Arizona requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.
Mountain camping season in Arizona typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.
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Rock Crossing Campground (Az)
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