How to Camp in the White Mountains in Arizona
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The Apache Tribe has many lakeside campgrounds.Trees reflecting in mountain lake image by Allen Stoner from Fotolia.com
Download a copy of the White Mountain Apache Tribe recreation and campground information from wmatoutdoors.org (see Resources). The tribal lands are sovereign and compliance with tribal law is required. The tribe has its own rangers, police force and court system. - 2). Select primary and secondary campground choices. Campgrounds are first-come, first-set up; the exception being the popular Hawley Lake, where it is possible to rent a campsite in advance.
- 3). Pack complete provisions for the length of the trip. Not all campgrounds have general stores. Selection tends to be limited and pricey. Water is available at some developed campgrounds. Bring warm weather clothing for daytime use and cool to cold weather clothing for after dark.
- 4). Plan travel time to arrive at a campground around noon. Checkout time is 11 am. Purchase a campsite permit immediately upon arrival or buy one at one of the tribe's off-site vendors listed on its website.
- 5). Pack all trash to the available dumpsters. Police the site for small items, like bottle caps, that have fallen. If camping before mid-May or after Labor Day, practice "leave no trace" ethics, and pack out all trash.
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Developed campgrounds in the National Forest are usually not crowded.camping image by BOOJOO from Fotolia.com
Obtain a map of the forest using digital software, such as DeLorme or National Geographic, USGS topo maps, USGS GIS maps, or purchase a Forest Service map from an outdoor store or the National Forest Store. - 2). Select the campground destination. Reservations are accepted for group camping only, so arriving early is the best bet for campsite selection, especially on holiday weekends. Have a second and third choice in mind and mapped.
- 3). Pack for both types of campground facilities, including drinking and washing water if the campground is dry.
- 4). Prepare for the extremes in weather as most Forest Service White Mountain campgrounds are above 6,000 feet and temperatures can differ as much as 30 degrees between day and night. The high elevation campgrounds are only open mid-May to early October, which includes the June-September monsoon season. Be prepared for brief, potentially violent, thunderstorms.
- 5). Police the area and pack out trash if there are no receptacles or dumpsters in the campsite. Practice leave no trace ethics around the campsite.
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Both the Apaches and National Forest Service allow primitive camping.camping image by Colin Buckland from Fotolia.com
Use the Forest Service map to select an area for the dispersed or primitive campsite. Choose primary and secondary locations. Primitive camping areas tend to be far from paved roads and cell phone signals. - 2). Prepare to be completely self-contained. Bring water for drinking and cleaning, toilet paper, adequate food, waterproof/windproof matches and waterproof fire starter. Pack clothing appropriate for the diverse mountain weather. Include heavy-duty trash bags for packing out all waste. Your first aid kit should include components capable of stabilizing a major injury until help is reached.
- 3). Obtain required permits from the Apache Tribe or the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Leave your anticipated primary and secondary locations on a map and written directions with a family-member or neighbor. Ensure a return date and time of day are included. Instructions might include a "If not back by...call authorities" time. Check on fire conditions. If the ratings are "high" or "extreme," campfires may not be permitted.
- 4). Select a campsite that is generally rock-free, level, and more than 150 feet from any stream or river. If camping during monsoon season, set up tents away from trees, especially if there are large or dead limbs above the tent. If the campsite does not already have a fire ring, gather large stones into a circle, and clear ground vegetation and debris in close proximity to the fire circle. Keep fires small.
- 5). Pack out all trash. Ensure human waste is disposed as required by regulations. Police the grounds after everything is packed in vehicles and pick up any small waste item, such as bottle caps or twist ties.
