Its called God's Country.. lakes.. mountains... The Mogollon Rim made famous by Zane Grey... The White Mountains.. made green by ponderosa pine, gentled by cold waters flowing to the valleys below and far beyond. It is a physically challenging and rewarding recreational landscape. A place of spiritual renewal.. and more...
Recreation Conditions
Roads
Highway 273 is CLOSED from its junction at Forest Road 87 to Crescent Lake. Please use Highway 261 to access the Big Lake Recreation Area.
Lakes
There is NO VEHICLE ACCESS to Lee Valley Reservoir (near Winn Campground) due to road reconstruction work on Highway 273
Trails
There are downed trees across many higher elevation trails in the Alpine and Springerville Ranger Districts. Please call the district office for specific trail information.
Campgrounds
The cooler weather has arrived again on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Many of the campgrounds are closing due to freezing temperatures and lack of accessibility because most of the roads in the high-country are not plowed. The following is a schedule for the status of the campgrounds:
Alpine Ranger District (928) 339-5000
- Luna Lake campground is closed.
- Caldwell Cabin closes November 3.
- Hannagan and K.P. campgrounds** are open until winter weather makes them inaccessible; there will be no water at Hannagan as of October 23 and there is no fee to camp at either campground.
- Alpine Divide, Upper Blue, Blue Crossing, West Fork, and all of the campgrounds on the East Fork of the Black River** are open until winter weather makes them inaccessible; there are no water or trash services are available and there is no fee to camp.
Black Mesa Ranger District (928) 535-7300
- Black Canyon Rim and Rim campgrounds close on October 15.
- Mogollon campground closes October 31.
- Spillway and Aspen campgrounds are open until November 15 (weather permitting).
- Canyon Point, Crook, and Sinkhole campgrounds will remain open until winter weather makes them inaccessible. Water and trash services may not be available after November 15, if this is the case, fees will be adjusted accordingly.
- Chevelon Lake and Chevelon Crossing campgrounds** will remain open until winter weather makes them inaccessible; there are no water or trash services and there is no fee to camp.
Clifton Ranger District (928) 687-8600
- All campgrounds**—Blackjack, Coal Creek, Granville, Honeymoon, Lower and Upper Juan Miller, and Stray Horse—will remain open until winter weather makes them inaccessible and there is no fee to camp.
Lakeside Ranger District (928) 368-2100
- Lewis Canyon campground closes October 1.
- Lakeside and Scotts Reservoir campgrounds close November 1.
- Fool Hollow Lake campground will have a portion of the sites open year round.
- Los Burros campground** will be open until winter weather makes it inaccessible; the bathrooms will close sometime in November and there is no fee to camp.
Springerville Ranger District (928) 333-4372
- Grayling, Hoyer, and Winn campgrounds are closed.
- Rainbow campground is open with a portion of sites until October 31; it will close after this date.
- Benny Creek campground is open with potable water and vault toilets until October 31; it will close after this date.
- Brook Char and Cutthroat campgrounds** are open with potable water and vault toilets until October 31; after this date, they will remain open until winter weather makes them inaccessible and there will be no fee to camp.
- South Fork campground** is open, but there are no water or trash services and there is no fee to camp.
** These campgrounds are not closed with gates, however, they may be inaccessible after the winter snow storms have set in and many of the roads are either closed or extremely difficult to travel on because of the snow and/or wet, muddy conditions. To find out about the roads that are typically closed during the winter season or more information about any of the campgrounds, please contact the local ranger district.
Dispersed camping
All dispersed areas are open across the Forests.
Cabin Rental
Nestled amongst the tall pine trees overlooking a large grassy meadow, Caldwell Cabin sits at an elevation of 7,600. Caldwell originated as a one room cabin constructed in approximately 1920's from hand hewn logs. more »
Wildlife and Fisheries
The Apache-Sitgreaves provides habitat for over 400 species of wildlife. The
forest is home to most big game animals, such as antelope, elk, deer, bighorn
sheep, and turkey, as well as a variety of songbirds, waterfowl, small mammals,
fish, amphibians and reptiles. There are opportunities throughout the forest
for photographers, casual observers, hunters, and anglers. more »
Safety
Backcountry travel requires special preparation and precautions.
Plan your route of travel and schedule. Let someone know your plans. At
least one member of your party should have first aid training. Be prepared to turn
back if severe problems are encountered.
Dead Trees can be dangerous. During high winds, avoid traveling near
standing dead, burned or decadent trees. Camp away from such trees.
Emergency help in case of severe accident, missing persons, or fire
may be obtained by calling 911 or contacting the nearest law enforcement
office or Forest Service office.
It is your responsibility to be aware of the potential risks and
take safety precautions at all times when you visit the National
Forest. Changing terrain, forest and weather conditions present a wide variety of hazards.
Hazards include, but are not limited to: snow and ice fields, landslides,
wildfire, falling trees or limbs, sudden rushing water, contaminated water,
wild animals, severe weather, becoming lost or over exerted, and
exposure to unreasonable acts of other people.
