Pinal & Upper Pinal Campgrounds

Open — Open May through November. First-come, first-served with no reservations or fees. Access road may be impassable during winter due to snow.

About

Pinal and Upper Pinal Campgrounds are tucked away in tall stands of ponderosa pines and white fir that offer shade in the hot summer months. These small, primitive campgrounds are located in the Pinal Mountains of Tonto National Forest, about 14.5 miles southwest of Globe. Pinal, the larger of the two campgrounds, has 13 camp units while Upper Pinal has 3 units. Both sites occupy a historically significant location that was used by the US Army as a heliographic signaling station during the late 1800s, where mirrors were used to reflect sunlight for communication. Hiking trails are extensive in this area, with at least eight trails accessible within one mile of the campgrounds offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The campgrounds sit in a cool, forested environment at high elevation, providing relief from lower desert temperatures. Access requires traveling 10 miles on unpaved Forest Road 651, a narrow winding mountain gravel road suitable for sedans under dry conditions but not recommended for trailers over 16 feet. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash, as no services are provided.

Directions

From Globe, follow paved Jess Hayes Road southeast to the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/Forest Road 112 and Six-shooter Canyon Road/Forest Road 222. Continue on paved FR 112 for 2.5 miles to the junction of FR 55 and FR 112. Take the right fork and continue on partially paved FR 55 for 2.5 miles. At the junction of FR 55 and FR 651, turn left. Proceed 10 miles on unpaved FR 651 to the site.

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