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Arizona's National Forests

"Discover the Wild Heart of Arizona"

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Arizona Countys Image
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Coconino National Forest
Coronado National Forest
Kaibab National Forest
Prescott National Forest
Tonto National Forest

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Explore the stunning landscapes of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, where pine-covered mountains, clear rivers, and wildlife-rich meadows create the perfect backdrop for camping, hiking, fishing, and outdoor adventure in eastern Arizona.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is a vast and diverse expanse of protected public land spanning over 2.6 million acres across the high country of eastern Arizona. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, cool mountain air, and abundant outdoor opportunities, this forest is a haven for adventurers, campers, hikers, anglers, and wildlife watchers alike.


This area is made up of two distinct forests — the Apache National Forest to the east and the Sitgreaves National Forest to the west — which were administratively combined in 1974. Together, they feature dramatic mountain ranges, lush pine forests, meadow-filled valleys, and more than 30 lakes and 1,000 miles of rivers and streams, including the scenic Black River, Little Colorado River, and Blue River.


Recreational activities abound here, from dispersed and developed camping, fishing, kayaking, and horseback riding, to ATV trails, hiking through canyons and high-elevation pine forests, and wildlife photography. The region supports a rich diversity of animals, including elk, deer, black bears, wild turkeys, foxes, and wild horses, along with many bird species.


With elevations ranging from 3,500 to over 11,000 feet, the climate varies widely, offering a cool retreat in summer and snow-filled landscapes in winter. Popular camping areas include the Mogollon Rim, Big Lake, Hannagan Meadow, Black River, and the White Mountains. Whether you're looking for peaceful solitude, riverside camping, or a base for multi-day hiking and fishing adventures, this forest delivers.


Plan Your Visit

  • Seasons: Spring through Fall are the most popular; some areas are accessible year-round.

  • Nearest Towns: Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Springerville, Alpine, Heber-Overgaard, and Greer.

  • Camping Options: Dispersed camping is widely available; developed campgrounds offer vault toilets and picnic areas. Most sites are first-come, first-served.

  • Permits: Not required for dispersed camping; fees may apply in developed areas and campgrounds.

  • Wildlife Caution: Be bear aware and follow Leave No Trace principles.


AZplaces operates under permit on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest within the Black Mesa Ranger District.

Ranger

Ranger Districts

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Alpine Ranger District

(928) 339-5000

P.O. Box 469 42634 Hwy. 180/191, Alpine , AZ 85920

Black Mesa Ranger District

(928) 535-7300

P.O. Box 968 2748 East AZ 260, Overgaard, AZ 85933

Clifton Ranger District

(928) 687-8600

397240 AZ 75 Duncan, AZ 85534

Lakeside Ranger District

(928) 368-2100

2022 W White Mtn. Bl. Lakeside, AZ 85929

Springerville Ranger District

(928) 333-6200

30 S. Chiricahua Drive Springerville, AZ 85938

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Bear Canyon Lake

Black Mesa Ranger District

Arizona

Coconino County

Bear Canyon Lake, AZ 85541

34.40271, -111.00302

2 hours 30 minutes

134 miles

Bear Canyon Lake is one of the most rewarding dispersed camping destinations on the Mogollon Rim — a beautiful, narrow, canyon-bound lake at 7,560 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, stocked with rainbow trout six times a year, surrounded by mixed conifer and aspen, and tucked far enough off the main road that solitude is almost always guaranteed.

Bear Springs | Sunny Park (FR 124)

Black Mesa Ranger District

Arizona

Navajo County

8HV6+VMJ Heber-Overgaard, Arizona

34°20'43.5"N 110°26'15.6"W

2 hours 45 minutes

153 miles

Discover the beauty of Arizona along Forest Road 124 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This scenic destination features rugged forest terrain, towering ponderosa pines, and open meadows dotted with vibrant wild mushrooms. Visitors can also witness burn scars from the historic Rodeo-Chediski Fire, now blending with vibrant new growth—a powerful testament to nature's resilience. Wildlife you may encounter include wild horses, jackrabbits, deer, foxes, and squirrels.

Black Canyon (FR 300)

Black Mesa Ranger District

Arizona

Navajo County

866W+V23 Forest Lakes, Arizona, USA

34°18'43.7"N 110°45'17.8"W

2 hours 15 minutes

130 miles

Black Canyon Rim Road (FR 300) in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is a ponderosa pine forest corridor at 7,060 feet on the Mogollon Rim — home to wild horses at Black Canyon Lake, the historic Stott, Scott and Wilson gravesite from the Pleasant Valley War, Gentry Lookout Tower views across the rim, dispersed camping, and the General Crook Trail through one of the quietest and most rewarding corners of northeastern Arizona.

Black Canyon Lake

Black Mesa Ranger District

Arizona

Navajo County

87HX+WM8 Forest Lakes

34.32979, -110.70081

2 hours

115 miles

Black Canyon Lake is a scenic 78-acre trout fishing lake on the Mogollon Rim in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest — a quiet alternative to the more visited Rim Lakes, with forested shoreline, electric motor boating, and wild horses known to stop at the water's edge.

Black River (Fork Confluence)

Alpine Ranger District

Arizona

Apache County

QJ3P+MX6 Three Forks, AZ

33°45'15.0"N 109°21'45.3"W

4 hours 40 minutes

231 miles

The confluence of the East Fork and West Fork Black River in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is one of Arizona's most rewarding dispersed camping destinations — reached via the short but rough Home Creek Road (FR 8750), with trout fishing, a spillway swimming hole, and genuine high-country solitude at nearly 7,500 feet.

Black River (West Fork)

Alpine Ranger District

Arizona

Apache County

QHQQ+MXW Three Forks, Arizona

33°47'22.5"N 109°24'39.7"W

4 hours 45 minutes

231 miles

The West Fork of the Black River along FR 68 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is one of Arizona's most rewarding high-elevation dispersed camping destinations — a clear mountain river at 7,740 feet surrounded by towering ponderosa pine, wild horses, abundant wildlife, and a short hike to Colonel Spring for fresh cold water, in the heart of White Mountains country that bears the scars and recovery of Arizona's largest wildfire.

Chevelon Canyon Lake

Black Mesa Ranger District

Arizona

Coconino County

Chevelon Canyon Lake, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, AZ, USA

34°30'33.8"N 110°50'27.4"W

3 hours

160 miles

Chevelon Canyon Lake, nestled on the Mogollon Rim in northern Arizona, is a serene, hidden gem offering fishing, hiking, and camping. Accessible via a challenging hike, this narrow reservoir is surrounded by rugged canyon views, perfect for nature lovers seeking adventure.

Mogollon Rim — FR 171 (Old Rim Road)

Black Mesa Ranger District

Arizona

Gila County

74VF+857 Forest Lakes, Arizona

34°17'32.2"N 110°52'03.5"W

2 hours

122 miles

Escape into Arizona’s rugged high country along FR 171 and Young Road, where peaceful pine forests, dispersed campsites, and rim-edge views invite backcountry adventure. Located within easy reach of Willow Springs Lake for fishing and picnics, this quieter alternative to the main Rim Road is perfect for wildlife watching, off-grid camping, and exploring the cool, scenic landscapes of the Mogollon Rim region.

Mogollon Rim — FR 9350

Black Mesa Ranger District

Arizona

Navajo County

82V5+CCX Christopher Creek

34°20'37.0"N 110°59'29.0"W

2 hours

123 miles

Forest Road 9350 on the Mogollon Rim in the Coconino National Forest is a dispersed camping corridor at approximately 7,400 feet in the ponderosa pine and aspen country of the Rim Road 300 corridor — a popular rim-edge destination with sweeping views that draws consistent crowds, easy access to Woods Canyon Lake 3.6 miles from the FR 9350 and FR 300 junction, and the fall aspen color that makes this section of the rim one of the most visited dispersed camping areas in the Coconino National Forest.

Willow Springs Lake

Black Mesa Ranger District

Arizona

Coconino County

Willow Spring Canyon, Arizona 85931, USA

34°18'49.9"N 110°52'35.1"W

2 hours 5 minutes

120 miles

Willow Springs Lake is the second most visited lake on the Mogollon Rim — a beautiful 158-acre reservoir set in the ponderosa pine forest at 7,500 feet, offering excellent trout and bass fishing, kayaking, and one of the most scenic shoreline views on the rim.

Woods Canyon Lake

Black Mesa Ranger District

Arizona

Coconino County

83M4+WC Forest Lakes Estates, AZ

34°20'00.7"N 110°56'40.9"W

2 hours 10 minutes

123 miles

Woods Canyon Lake is the most popular and accessible lake on the Mogollon Rim — a beautiful 158-acre reservoir surrounded by ponderosa pine, stocked weekly with rainbow trout, and equipped with a general store and boat rentals for a full day on the water.

Bucket Locations

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

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