Campgrounds and RV parks near East Fork, AZ

East Fork sits in Arizona's White Mountains on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, near the confluence of the North and East forks of the White River. The surrounding White Mountain Apache tribal lands cover roughly 1.67 million acres and hold more than 26 lakes and 400 miles of streams, with elevations climbing from around 2,600 feet in the Salt River Canyon to over 11,400 feet at Mount Baldy. Most campgrounds nearby sit above 8,000 feet in pine, spruce, and aspen forest. Camping options within a short drive of East Fork include Rock Creek Apache Indian Res, Lower Log Road Apache Indian Res, Hawley Lake Apache Indian Res, Upper Log Apache Reservation, and Cooley Lake Apache Indian Res. Hawley Lake is the largest developed area, with roughly 100 tent and RV sites plus cabins spread along the lakeshore. The Log Road and Rock Creek areas offer more primitive riverside sites along the White River drainage. All of these sites are on tribal land, so a White Mountain Apache Tribe permit is mandatory before setting up camp.

Campgrounds on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation do not use a traditional reservation system. Tent and RV sites are first-come, first-served, and a White Mountain Apache Tribe camping permit is required for every vehicle. One vehicle permit covers up to eight people or one vehicle, and permits are non-transferable. Permits can be purchased online through the White Mountain Apache Game and Fish Department at wmatoutdoor.org, at the seasonal store at Hawley Lake, at the Hon-Dah convenience store at the junction of SR 260 and SR 73, or at sporting goods stores in Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside. Cabins at Hawley Lake can be reserved in advance by contacting the tribe directly; tent and RV sites cannot.