Coal Creek Campground

Introduction / Overview

Nestled within the vast and beautiful Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Coal Creek Campground is a serene and peaceful retreat near Clifton, Arizona. This small campground is a fantastic destination for those seeking a quiet escape from the noise and demands of daily life. Characterized by a natural setting under large ponderosa pine and oak trees, it provides a cool and shaded environment that is particularly inviting during the warmer months. As a primitive campground, it offers a back-to-basics experience, yet it is equipped with enough amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Coal Creek Campground is a popular spot for travelers and locals alike who are passing through the area, but it also serves as a wonderful base camp for an extended stay. The campground's atmosphere is known for being quiet and beautiful, with some sites offering a sense of seclusion despite the campground’s proximity to a highway. This is a place where you can relax, breathe the fresh air, and feel a million miles away from the city, even if you’re only an hour or two from home. It's a true gem for those in Arizona looking to reconnect with nature in a simple and refreshing way.

Location and Accessibility

Coal Creek Campground is conveniently located near Clifton, AZ, situated on Highway 78 near the Arizona/New Mexico state line. Its address is Clifton, AZ 85533, USA, and it is a popular stop for those driving the scenic route between the two states. The campground's proximity to the highway makes it easily accessible for all types of vehicles. However, while it is close to the road, some sites are set back, offering a more secluded feel.

The campground offers on-site parking, which makes it simple to pull in and find a spot. While it is a primitive campground, it is accessible to vehicles up to 16 feet in length, including trailers and motorhomes, making it a viable option for a range of campers. The convenience of its location, coupled with the natural beauty of the surrounding forest, makes it an attractive and practical choice for a quick overnight stop or a longer, more relaxing camping trip.

Services Offered

• Public Restrooms: The campground provides vault toilets, which are noted by visitors to be clean and well-maintained, a key feature for a primitive site.

• Running Water: Based on public data, running water is not available at this campground. Campers should come fully prepared with all the water they will need for their stay, including for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient and clean surface for meals and gatherings.

• Tent Sites: The campground offers dedicated tent sites with prepared fire rings, making it a suitable and comfortable spot for traditional camping.

• Camping Fee: The campground is a fee-based site. A camping fee is required, which helps with the upkeep of the facilities and the maintenance of the grounds.

Features / Highlights

• Quiet and Beautiful Setting: The campground is known for being peaceful and beautiful, with a serene atmosphere that makes it a great place to relax and unwind.

• Proximity to Coal Creek: Coal Creek flows nearby seasonally, offering a scenic backdrop and opportunities for year-round hiking and exploration in wildflower-covered meadows.

• Family and Pet-Friendly: The campground is considered a good place for kids and is a dog-friendly spot, so the entire family can enjoy the outdoor adventure together.

• Access for Small RVs and Trailers: The campground can accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 16 feet in length, making it a more accessible primitive option for those with smaller camping vehicles.

• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding forest is home to a variety of wildlife, offering opportunities for bird watching and observing native animals.

• Natural Shade: The large ponderosa pine and oak trees provide ample shade, making for a cooler and more pleasant camping experience, especially during the summer months.

• Convenient Stopover: Its location on AZ Highway 78 makes it a popular and convenient rest stop for travelers passing through the area.

Contact Information

For more information or to inquire about Coal Creek Campground, you can contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests office:

• Address: Clifton, AZ 85533, USA

What is worth choosing

Choosing Coal Creek Campground is choosing a simple and authentic camping experience in one of Arizona's most beautiful national forests. While it may lack some of the modern amenities found at larger, more developed campgrounds, this is precisely its charm. It offers a genuine escape into the wilderness without being overly remote or difficult to access. The quiet and beautiful setting, with the soothing presence of Coal Creek flowing nearby, provides a perfect backdrop for a relaxing trip.

For Arizonans, this is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway that doesn't require a long and arduous drive. The fact that it is a dog-friendly and kid-friendly campground makes it an inclusive option for the whole family. The presence of basic amenities like clean restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings ensures a comfortable stay, allowing you to focus on enjoying the stunning surroundings. As one visitor noted, this is a place you'll want to come back to. If you are looking for a peaceful, no-frills camping experience that is both beautiful and accessible, Coal Creek Campground is a fantastic choice for your next Arizona adventure.

Coal Creek Campground

Clifton, AZ 85533, USA