Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests - Recreational Activities

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West Fork Campgrounds

No Potable Water Available. Must bring water to drink.

Access:

Drive 2 miles north of Alpine on US Highway 191 to Forest Road 249. Turn west and follow this wide, graveled forest road 5 miles to Forest Road 276. Turn south and follow Forest Road 276 for 13 miles to Forest Road 25 at Buffalo Crossing. Continue on Forest Road 25 about 3 miles to Forest Road 68 then turn and drive 3 miles to the campground. An alternate route from Alpine is to go south from Alpine on Highway 191 about 13 miles to Forest Road 26, turn right and stay on this road to the junction of Forest Road 24 where you'll turn right and then stay on this road until it joins with Forest Road 25. At this junction turn left and proceed to Forest Road 68 about 3 miles and follow the signs to the campground.

Elevation:

7740 feet above sea level

Season:

May through October

Facilities:

Approximately 70 undefined campsites

Fire rings

Toilets

Fee:

There are no fees

Features and Setting:

Though West Fork Campground is located just a few miles from its East Fork neighbor, it is located in an area as different from those forest canyon camps... well, as different as east is from west. The country is more open around West Fork Camp, especially downstream of the camp where the river emerges from its forested canyon to meander through an area of broad meadows and marshy wetlands. The transition takes place right in the campground, so that upstream sites have more of a deep forest character while downstream sites tend to be open and grassy. That doesn't mean there's any difference in the clear cool quality of the water, however. Nor does it mean that the fishing isn't as good (or that it's any better). There are still plenty of pools and riffles that just whisper, ``Trout,'' to anyone who's listening. In this area, as along the East Fork, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is moving campsites back away from those pools and riffles to make sure they stay as beautiful as you hoped they would be when you decided to come here.

A cool bubbling spring and rustic three-sided adirondack shelters give this area a quaint historic atmosphere. There is even one shelter with an unusual peaked roof and miniature cupola-a penthouse of sorts. Adding to all the ambience is a congenial group of campground hosts who also have a long history in this area and will make you feel at home right from the start.

If you get tired of fishing or lounging by the stream you could try mountain biking some of the nearby roads, birdwatching in the riparian areas, or hiking the fisherman's trails that extent upriver as well as down.

Notes:

Utility hookups are not available

Pets must be restrained or on a leash

Nearest gas and groceries are in Alpine

Campground hosts available May thru September