Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests open several campgrounds this weekend

Springerville, AZ; May 1, 2014—The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) welcomes visitors back to the Mogollon Rim, White Mountains, and Clifton areas with the opening of several campgrounds this weekend. Although the ASNFs are in Stage I fire restrictions, there is a full range of recreation activities that can be enjoyed, such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, camping, back packing, and sightseeing.

The Lewis Canyon and Lakeside Campgrounds on the Lakeside Ranger District and the Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground near Greer as well as the Rainbow and Apache Trout Campgrounds at Big Lake on the Springerville Ranger District opened today. Campgrounds in the Rim Lakes Recreation Area on the Black Mesa Ranger District open May 2.

With these openings, nearly all campgrounds throughout the forests are now open, though some will have limited services until mid-May. Reservations for most reservable sites can be made online at www.reserveamerica.com, www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area takes reservations at (520) 568-2283 or www.azstateparks.com. 

Courteous, helpful, and enthusiastic volunteers are needed to fill vacancies for campground host at the Los Burros, Lewis Canyon, and Scott Reservoir Campgrounds on the Lakeside Ranger District and at Hannagan Meadows on the Alpine Ranger District. A campground host agrees to spend all or part of the summer living in and managing a campground. Hosts are provided with a free campsite, identifying sign, training materials, a radio or phone for emergency use, maps, literature for public distribution, and a uniform. Campground hosts must provide their own fully self-contained living unit, i.e. motor home, fifth wheel, or travel trailer. Contact the Ranger Districts for more information.

Campfire and smoking restrictions were implemented on the ASNFs on April 22 due to dry conditions, predicted weather, and fire activity on neighboring forests. Under stage I fire restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are allowed only in developed campgrounds. Smoking is limited to within enclosed vehicles, buildings, developed campgrounds or while in a 3-foot diameter area that is cleared of all flammable material. Devices solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off are allowed within an area that is cleared of flammable materials within three feet of the device. Welding or the operation of torches with open flames and possessing, discharging or using any kind of incendiary device is prohibited. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands.

Follow the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests on Twitter (@A_SNFs) for instant updates on forest information, recreational opportunities, and fire restrictions.