Author: traveloutside.admin

Overview

Cave Springs sits in the scenic Oak Creek Canyon and is one of Coconino National Forest’s most popular campgrounds.

The campground is nestled in a forested canyon near the town of Sedona, Arizona, and its famous red rock cliffs. The scenery is unmatched, the stream is stocked with trout, and swimming, hiking and birding spots are nearby.

Recreation

There are several hiking trails in the vicinity. Some lead up the canyon slopes to offer good views of the surrounding scenery. The creek is bordered with paths that lead along its picturesque course, offering great bird watching and fishing.

Facilities

Cave Spring is a large campground with 84 campsites, including one tent-only site. All sites have picnic tables, campfire rings and cooking grills. Token-operated showers, drinking water and vault restrooms are provided for convenience. The facility can host RVs, trailers and motor homes up to 36-ft.

Natural Features

The area is a heavily wooded, lush riparian zone. Campsites are located in a shady stand of ponderosa pines in the upper reaches of the canyon. Many of the campsites are located right on the banks of Oak Creek. The creek has crystal clear, cool water that is refreshing on hot summer days.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest town is Sedona, popular for its red rock vistas, resorts and shopping. One of Arizona’s best swimming spots, Slide Rock State Park, is down the road.

Campers can also explore the 1.8-million acre Coconino National Forest, which boasts a spectacular variety of scenery and outdoor activities.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Photography
• Swimming
• Birding

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

From Phoenix, take I-17 to Highway 179 north toward Sedona. Turn north on Highway 89A and continue for 11 miles into Oak Creek Canyon.

From Flagstaff, take I-17 to Highway 89A south. Follow 89A for 18 miles to Oak Creek Canyon.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 59′ 47.0000″ N

Longitude 111° 44′ 21.0001″ W

Overview

Pinegrove Campground sits in the lush Coconino National Forest of northern Arizona, offering visitors countless recreation opportunities set in a stunning landscape.

Recreation

Nearby Upper and Lower Lake Mary, Ashurst, Marshall and Kinnikinick Lakes serve as a recreational focus for this campground. All are stocked with fish including trout, bass and channel catfish. Upper Lake Mary is popular with power boaters, and Ashurst attracts a following of windsurfers along with anglers and boaters.

Several excellent hiking and biking trails are located within a short drive. Visitors also enjoy wildlife viewing and picnicking.

Facilities

The campground is comprised of 46 spacious individual sites. The facility provides coin-operated showers, picnic tables, campfire rings, cooking grills, drinking water and accessible flush toilets.

There are boat ramps at the lakes, as well as accessible fishing access at Lake Mary Narrows.

Natural Features

Coconino National Forest’s 1.8 million acres offer clear lakes, red rock cliffs, desert basins and canopies of pine trees.

The lakes around these forested campgrounds are used as a stopover for migrating waterfowl, a wintering site for rare bald eagles and a feeding ground for resident ospreys. The area is also home to a considerable number of elk and mule deer.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest town is Flagstaff, Arizona, about 20 miles away. Camping supplies, groceries, gas, restaurants, shopping and more are available.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

From Flagstaff, Arizona, go southeast on Lake Mary Road/Forest Highway 3. Travel on Lake Mary Road for 19 miles. Access to the campground is via a short spur off of Lake Mary Road.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 35° 1′ 48.0000″ N

Longitude 111° 27′ 47.9999″ W

Overview

Dairy Springs is a comfortable campground tucked away in a scenic area of northern Arizona. Its main attraction is the seasonal Mormon Lake which, when filled with water, draws visitors for fishing, windsurfing and wildlife watching.

Hiking, biking, horseback riding and photography are available year-round. The facility has both individual and group sites that can accommodate groups of many sizes, including large families.

Recreation

Recreation usually centers around fishing in nearby Mormon Lake (seasonally). The area is ripe with additional outdoor activities. Three hiking trails originate at Dairy Springs and one at nearby Double Springs. The trails lead to scenic overlooks of Mormon Lake and surrounding prairies, forests and volcanoes.

Wildlife watching is also popular. It’s a very good place to spot hawks, including northern harriers and ospreys. The area boasts a healthy population of elk and mule deer too.

Facilities

The moderate-sized campground has 30 single unit campsites with tables and cooking grills, in addition to two group sites that can each hold 40 people and may be reserved at the same time for a group of up to 80 campers.

Campsites are nicely spaced with plenty of room and shade. Visitors can walk along a self-guided nature trail or attend a campfire program at the facility’s amphitheater.

Fifteen single unit sites are available at the adjacent Double Springs Campground on a first-come, first-served basis.

Natural Features

Dairy Springs sits in a picturesque forest of old Ponderosa pine and oak trees with a grassy understory. The campground is at an elevation of 7,100 ft. and has summers that are characteristically sunny, warm and dry, with the occasional afternoon thunderstorm.

Dairy Springs is adjacent to Double Springs Campground, which has a spring that runs to the surface just above the camping area.

Nearby Attractions

The closest town is Mormon Lake, Arizona. This small and scenic mountain resort village is conveniently close to the campground and offers horseback rides, mountain bike rentals, a country store, service station and steakhouse.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Picnicking
• Wildlife viewing
• Day use area

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

From Flagstaff, Arizona, go southeast on Lake Mary Road/Forest Road 3, for 21 miles. Turn right (west) on Forest Road 90 at the north end of Mormon Lake. Proceed 4 miles to Dairy Springs Campground (4.6 miles to Double Springs Campground).

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 57′ 29.9999″ N

Longitude 111° 28′ 48.0000″ W

Overview

Chavez Crossing Group Campground is in the picturesque Red Rock district of Arizona, with famous red rock formations and breathtaking painted sunsets. Placed beside a creek and surrounded by sycamore and cypress groves, the campground’s location offers a fresh sense of the great outdoors. It’s also conveniently close to developed entertainment like golf courses and stylish restaurants in the resort town of Sedona.

Drive through Oak Creek Canyon to view majestic red-hued cliffs, buttes, and canyons. At night, relax by the campfire at your site or take advantage of Sedona’s trendy shopping and nightlife.

Recreation

Go wading or fishing in the crystal clear waters of Oak Creek or take a stroll with your camera to photograph the unique flora, fauna and rock formations. Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are famous nearby attractions, perfect for exploring or photographing.

Facilities

The campground’s location makes it a convenient place to mix outdoors time with shopping trips in the resort town of Sedona. Three group sites are available, and all three can be reserved for a total capacity of 110.

Natural Features

Chavez Crossing is in a high desert region situated at the base of the Mogollon Rim, a 200-mile long slope that ranges between 5,000 and 7,000 ft elevation. The unique landscape creates erosion that has shaped spectacular canyons and buttes that make the region an appealing attraction.

Nearby Attractions

A variety of hiking trails and swimming holes are a short drive away. Seek out your favorite panoramic views at Munds Mountain Wilderness, or explore the Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness area in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon. Here, you can find abandoned dwellings and rock art from early inhabitants.

Nearby Activities

• Camping

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

201 Oak Creek Cliffs Dr. Sedona, AZ 86336
If coming from Flagstaff, take I-17 south to Hwy 89A. Go south on 89A
through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona. Left to State Highway 179. Go South on Hwy 179 approximately 2
miles. Turn right on Oak Creek Cliffs Dr. to the campground on the left hand side adjacent to Poco Diablo Resort.
From Phoenix get off on Sedona Exit 298 travel 12.7 miles North on HW 179,
turn left on Oak Creek Cliffs Dr. to the campground on the left adjacent to The Poco Diablo Resort along Oak Creek.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 50′ 37.0000″ N

Longitude 111° 46′ 35.0000″ W

Overview

This cozy group campground is tucked in the Lower Sonoran Desert along the banks of the fresh, chilly Clear Creek. Campers can wade in the creek, fish, or curl up with a book under the umbrella of cottonwood trees. Another popular pastime here is birdwatching, where you might just spot a hawk or bald eagle in flight.

Clear Creek Campground is seven miles southeast of the small ranching town of Camp Verde. It’s part of the Coconino National Forest, one of the most diverse forests in the country. Landscapes range from alpine tundra to desert valleys and red canyons.

Recreation

The campground is part of an oasis that attracts a variety of wildlife. Colorful songbirds and raptors are common birdwatching finds, and cool water species such as smallmouth bass and green sunfish make for enjoyable fishing. Wildlife watching includes black bears, elk, turkey, deer, and bison.

Facilities

Clear Creek Campground is grassy and flat, with some shade from surrounding cottonwoods. The group campsite holds 80 people with a maximum of 30 vehicles. The campsite is a popular destination, with its relaxed, open atmosphere, so be sure to book early for holiday weekends. This facility also has 18 standard family sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Natural Features

Clear Creek sits in the Verde Valley at 3,200 feet elevation. It’s part of the Sonoran desert near the base of Cactus Mountain, and the climate is arid with hot summer days and mild winters.

Nearby Attractions

A must-do day trip is the Montezuma Castle National Monument, where you can marvel at a well-preserved Native American cliff dwelling that dates back 1,000 years. Near the dwelling is the Montezuma Well, which is a naturally-formed well that collects over a million gallons of fresh water a day.

Hot-air ballooning and horseback riding are also fun outings near the campsite.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Birding

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

From Interstate 17, take Exit 287 for AZ-260 toward Cottonwood/Payson/89-A. Turn right onto AZ-260 and follow for approximately 8 miles to the campsite.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 30′ 56.0002″ N

Longitude 111° 45′ 51.9998″ W

Overview

The Long Valley Work Center Group Campground sits among stately ponderosa pines at an elevation of 6,950 feet offering a cool respite from the summer heat of the valley below. It is also the site of a historic Forest Service work center. The campground is designed to meet the needs of large groups and can accommodate 300 people, offering picnic tables, grills, and a large fire pit. There are vault toilets. For every 25 people after the first 50, the group will need to provide additional port-a-pots.

Recreation

Many visitors spend time relaxing and exploring the area. The nearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake offer opportunities for water based recreation, while the Arizona National Scenic Trail, General Crook National Recreation Trail, and historic Cabin Loop Trail System offer opportunities for hikers, bicyclist, and equestrian users. There are also several Fire Lookout Towers in the area.

Facilities

The group campground is in a primitive setting on 5 acres. The site has grills, picnic tables, a large fire ring, trash collection and vault toilets. It is important to know that for every 25 people after the first 50, the group will need to provide additional port-a-pots. The site can accomodate up to 300 people and 50 vehicles.

Natural Features

The campground is in a forested setting adjacent to a meadow. The nearby Mogollon Rim is one of the most striking geologic features in the state. This steep escarpment, measured in thousands of feet, stretches from New Mexico diagonally across two thirds of Arizona and offers sweeping views of the landscape.

Nearby Attractions

The community of Happy Jack, Arizona has a gas station, two convenience stores and two restaurants.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Photography
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Star gazing

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

From Flagstaff, Arizona, drive 55 miles south on FH 3 (Lake Mary Road) to AZ 87 at Clint’s Well. Turn right onto AZ 87. Drive approximately one mile and turn left onto Forest Road 141. Travel 1/2 mile on Forest Road 141, turn right onto Forest Road 147A for 0.7 miles. The Group Campground will be on your left. 

From Payson, Arizona, drive 36 miles north on AZ 87 toward Clint’s Well. Turn right onto Forest Road 141. Travel 1/2 mile on Forest Road 141, turn right onto Forest Road 147A for 0.7 miles. The Group Campground will be on your left.

GPS Coordinates; 34°31’16.2″N 111°19’47.6″W

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W

Overview

The Moqui Group Campground sits in a beautiful setting surrounded by ponderosa, oak, and aspen at an elevation of 6,915′. The campground consists of 3 individual group sites: Simmons, Spooner, and Ernst. Each site can accomodate up to 50 people offering picnic tables, fire rings, grills, vault tolets, trash collections, and piped drinking water. For groups larger than 50 people, multiple sites can be reserved. The Simmons and Spooner Group sites can each accomodate a maximum of 3 trailers or RV’s up to 22′. The Earnst Group site is best suited for tents and smaller equipment.

Recreation

Many visitors spend time relaxing and exploring the area. The nearby C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake offer opportunities for water based recreation, while the Arizona National Scenic Trail, General Crook National Recreation Trail, and historic Cabin Loop Trail System offer opportunities for hikers, bicyclist, and equestrian users. There are also several Fire Lookout Towers in the area.

Facilities

The group sites include fire rings, grills, picnic tables, vault toilets, trash collection, and piped drinking water.

Natural Features

The campground is in a forested setting. The nearby Mogollon RIm is one of the most striking geologic features in the state. This steep escarpment, measured in thousands of feet, stretches from New Mexico diagonally accross two thirds of Arizona and offers sweeping views of the landscape.

Nearby Attractions

The community of Happy Jack, Arizona has a gas station, two convenience stores and two restaurants.

Nearby Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Photography
• Mountain biking
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Star gazing
• Amphitheater

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

From Flagstaff, Arizona, drive 55 miles south on FH 3 (Lake Mary Road) to AZ 87 at Clints Well. Turn left onto AZ 87 Drive approximately 9 miles to milepost 298.8. Turn right on FR 138 and drive about one mile to the campground.

From Payson, Arizona, drive 46 miles north on AZ 87 toward Winslow. Turn right onto FR 138 and drive about one mile to the campground. 

GPS Coordinates 34°35’46.1″N 111°11’55.2″W

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 34° 35′ 46.1220″ N

Longitude 111° 11′ 55.2264″ W

If you looking for an equestrian style base camp to explore area trails or a destination campground with plenty of room for your family, try the Horseshoe Lake Recreations Area located north of Ino, Wisconsin on the Washburn Ranger District. The terrain is gently rolling with a sandy loam surface ideal for horse riding. The trail weaves through towering pine and hardwood forests as well as through the area’s open barrens. Whether you are interested in plants, scenery or wildlife, touring the trail with binoculars or camera can allow you to take advantage of fantastic viewing and photographic opportunities. 

The Horseshoe Lake campground features nine family camping units; one group site that allows up to 14 people. All other sites allow up to eight individuals and up to four vehicles. The sites here are not exclusive to campers with horses however, highlines are present at each campsite. Shared amenities include two vault toilets, two manure pit, and garbage service. Both back in and pull-thru sites are present. Please note there is water available onsite that is non-potable (not safe for drinking) so please plan accordingly. 

A parking area is available for visitors looking to ride the trails for the day. There is a $5 use fee for day use of the recreation area or you can purchase an annual pass. 

Whether you are looking for a pleasant afternoon ride or an extended visit, the Horseshoe Lake Saddle Trail is a perfect adventure for any horseback rider. The combined trail loop length is 12 miles. Some distances overlap between the loops.

Trail Length: A Loop 9.25 miles, B Loop 3.7 miles, Outside Loop 10.25 miles.

So, if you like camping and horseback riding with scenic views of the forest, then the Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area is the place for you.

Forest Roads are also open to horseback riding. For a map of roads on the Motor Vehicle Use Map please click here.  

The nearby Moquah Barrens provides a great place to ride, view wildlife, bird watching and berry picking in the late summer. 

Bring your trailer with your OHVs (ATVs and UTVs) and access the Iron River Trail from open OHV use roads. OHV use in the campground is prohibited.

Directions

Directions to Horseshoe Lake Recreation Area: From Ashland drive 14 miles west on US Highway 2 to Ino and Forest Road 236, turn right (north) and go 11 miles on Forest Road 236 to Forest Road 245. Turn right on Forest Road 245 and go 2.2 miles to the campground. 

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 46° 38′ 31.9200″ N

Longitude 91° 11′ 2.7600″ W

Officially designated as a Wilderness in 1978, this 5,800 acre area is located 7 miles northeast of Eagle River, Wis. in Vilas County. Blackjack Springs main feature is a series of four large, crystal clear springs that form the headwaters of Blackjack Creek, in the midst of dense forest cover. This Wilderness contains diverse vegetation typical of the Lake Superior Highlands of northern Wisconsin. The terrain is somewhat rolling and uneven. Wildlife such as deer, bear, fisher, ruffed grouse, and various species of songbirds are common. One lake, three streams with associated spring ponds and wetlands are also found here. Fishing, hunting, hiking, canoeing and nature study are popular recreational uses.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 45° 57′ 50.8320″ N

Longitude 89° 5′ 18.4236″ W

Overview

Early settlers from Kentucky gave the name to Kentuck Lake. Kentuck Lake Campground is located on the east lake shore of Kentuck Lake in a stand of maple. The 955-acre lake is popular with anglers and has abundant walleye, bass, crappies and panfish. Kentuck lake is connected to Spectacle Lake Campground by a scenic 2.5-mile-long hiking trail.

Recreation

The lake provides visitors with ample opportunities for boating and fishing. Anglers can expect a catch of musky, walleye, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, crappie and perch. The lake is open to all types of boating, motorized and non-motorized. A trail linking the campground to the Spectacle Lake Campground begins near the boat landing and stretches 2.5 miles though mature upland hardwoods and lowland conifer areas. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area and visitors are encouraged to keep watch.

Facilities

The campground offers 31 single family campsites, available for tent or RV camping. The campground offers both first-come, first-served (13) campsites as well as sites which can be reserved in advance (18). Sites are equipped with tables and fire rings with grills. A pressurized water system is available for drinking water.

Natural Features

The campground is situated in a stand of maple, at an elevation of 1,730 feet. The adjacent Kentuck Lake is accessible by the boat landing which is located within the campground.

Nearby Attractions

The City of Eagle River is located about 17 miles west of the campground. A variety of services and activities are offered in Eagle River.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Kayaking
• Canoeing

Gallery

• 

Directions

From Eagle River travel east 13.4 miles on STH 70 to FR2176 (Divide Road). Turn left (north) on FR2176 and continue 2.7 miles to the campground entrance on the left.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 45° 59′ 28.3499″ N

Longitude 88° 58′ 33.9100″ W