White Mtn. Apache Res.

[AZCAMPPINAL]

Anyone camped on the White Mtn. Indian Reservation in Arizona. Done numerous hikes, have not used any of the campgrounds.

[maromeo]

We have stayed at Big Lake, AZ, here is a site that may help you.

http://www.biglakeaz.com/Big%20Lake%20Campgrounds.html

They are nonelectric sites but elevation is 9000 ft.  The campground has flush toilets and showers, but showers are $5.  If you intend to fish you will need to get a reservation fishing pass.  

Another place we have boondocked is around Clint Wells, no facilities but in the tall pines, elevation around 7000 ft. These roads close around mid October for the winter.

What area are you looking at?

Mary Romeo

[AZCAMPPINAL]

Had a week long stay at Big Lake last year. 11 inches of rain two storms with over three inches of hail on the ground and lightning took out two trees nearby. Most everybody left and I was tent camping at the time. Like to post pictures of that trip. I was prepared for it, just not expecting that much. The area that I am interested in is actually on the White Mtn. Indian reservation.

[G Bird]

I do it frequently. Where are you thinking?  

Some places are better/easier than others. Those areas off of 260 are easy to get into. The higher roads, especially into Res. lake are rough in spots so watch your speed. I have a heavier than stock axle and put an extra leaf in the spring system so my Flagstaff is a bit higher than most. Everything inside gets tossed - and dusty. If you need to keep things in tidy and in order, I wouldn't go there. Big lake (off Res) is a better choice. The reservation is primitive camping (just they way I like it). No hookups anywhere and rarely a level campsite. You have to camp in designated areas (usually marked by tables) and you must have a camping permit for each day for each vehicle. Google White Mountain Apache to find the tribes website for details - some people feel they permit you to death. But don't try to skirt by without the proper permits. Inspection is spotty, but fines are harsh.

Anything specific or a particular campsite you want to know about?

Gary

[AZCAMPPINAL]

No specific area I am interested just in general for future trip plans that would include popup camping. I also backpack, mtn. bike camp and tent camp.

[G Bird]

No specific area I am interested just in general for future trip plans that would include popup camping. I also backpack, mtn. bike camp and tent camp.

Many of your activities are a bit hard to do on the res. The tribe doesn't really maintain trails and they keep a lot of the areal closed to non-tribe members (the Mt. Baldy area). My main activity is fishing and I like to get away from the crowds. Honestly, you can enjoy your activities without having to deal with the permits.

I would check the tribes website for the rules and regs. and go from there. The camping, like I said is strictly boondocking, but you can get away from things pretty well up anywhere up there.

When do you think you might plan your next trip?

[AZCAMPPINAL]

Been on the White Mtn. Rez. in the past know about the permits and that some areas are closed. Just looking for feedback on popup camping trips. Just looking for future trip plans not my next trip.