April 13, 2016

Campgrounds and Road openings on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

 


Arizona State Highways (SR) 261 and 273 to the Big Lake area remain closed, Arizona Department of Transportation’s tentative date for opening those gates is April 15, 2016.

Be aware that road conditions change quickly in a weather event.  Becoming stuck and unprepared for a long hike out or an overnight stay in the mountains can be very unpleasant. When recreating on the forests, you should bring plenty of water, food, and warm clothing, and always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Safety is always a concern to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, so please come prepared.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests by district:  

ALPINE:
Roads
:
All roads are open
Camping:
Diamond Rock Campground’s opening is pending on the removal of hazard trees. All other campgrounds will open May 15.  

BLACK MESA
:
Roads
:
• FR 504 to FR 169 to Chevelon Canyon Lake; Chevelon Canyon Lake, Chevelon Lake Campground and Chevelon Crossing Campgrounds may be accessed through Winslow or Heber.
• FR 300 south of SR 260 to Black Canyon Lake. Dispersed camping opportunities are available in the Black Canyon Lake area.
• FR 149 to Willow Springs Lake.
• FR 9512 west of the Young Road, but may be muddy.
• Currently, dispersed camping is allowed on the east end of the Rim Lakes area on FR 237, off of the Young Road, or forest roads east of Forest Lakes.  

Slated Openings:
• FR 300 north of SR 260 and FR 105 to Woods Canyon Lake and Woods Canyon Lake Store are slated to open Friday, April 1, 2016.  FOR DAY USE ONLY.
• FR 300 beyond FR 105, Woods Canyon will remain CLOSED at this time due to snow fields covering long stretches of road. NO dispersed camping will be available in the Rim Lakes Area until this portion of FR 300 opens. Tentative opening date of May 1, 2016, or sooner if conditions allow. 
• Bear Canyon Lake will not be accessible until FR 300 opens past FR 105, currently scheduled for May 1, 2016.
• Mogollon Rim Visitor’s Center is scheduled to open May 26, 2016, staffing permitting.  

Camping
: All developed campgrounds on the district will open Thursday, April 28, 2016, at 3:00 p.m.    

CLIFTON
: All roads and campgrounds are now open.  

LAKESIDE
: Roads: All roads are open.

Camping:

Campground Date to open
Scott Reservoir Recreation Area Now open
Los Burros May 1
Lewis May 1

Lakeside Campground is under plans to be decommissioned.

SPRINGERVILLE: Roads: FR’s interesting with SR 261 or SR 273 will remain closed until ADOT opens them, tentatively on April 15. All other FR’s on the district are open. 

Camping:
Campground Date to open
Grayling April 15
Brookchar April 15
Cutthroat April 15
Benny Creek April 15
Gabaldon April 15
Apache Trout May 1
Marina Flush Toilet May 1
Marina Vault Toilet May 1
Ralph Hoyer May 1
Winn May 1
Rainbow May 1
Marina Fish Cleaning Station May 15