Journey to Thompson Trail 629 in Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Experience lush greenery, tranquil streams, and diverse wildlife.
Diamond Rock Campground
Campground Information
Diamond Rock Campground
Region: East Fork Black River
Best for: Tent campers, very small trailers or camper vans, anglers and visitors interested in historic CCC shelters
Diamond Rock Campground is a quiet, forested campground along the East Fork of the Black River in Arizona's White Mountains. Surrounded by towering ponderosa pines, it offers excellent trout fishing, peaceful camping, and a unique glimpse into history with several Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Adirondack-style shelters that remain in use today.
Quick Facts:
🏕 Number of Campsites: 12
📏 Max RV Length: ft.
🐕 Pets: No
💧 Drinking Water: No
🚻 Flush Toilets: No
⛰ Elevation: 7890 ft.
🧺 Picnic Tables: Yes
🚿 Showers: No
🔥 Fire Ring: Yes
🌊 Lake Access: No
🚻 Vault Toilets: Yes
🏪 General Store: No
🚤 Boat Rentals: No
🎣 Lake Fishing: No
🏞️ Stream Fishing: Yes
Latitude: 33.81879167
Longitude: -109.2998306
📅 Reservations: No - (If "No" then first come - first served)
Additional Details:
Diamond Rock Campground is one of six campgrounds within the East Fork Recreation Area, approximately 13 miles west of Alpine at an elevation of about 7,900 feet. The campground contains 12 campsites, including three historic Adirondack-style, three-sided log shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. These rustic shelters are a distinctive feature rarely found in Arizona campgrounds.
The campground sits just a short walk from the East Fork of the Black River, with campsites intentionally set back to help protect the river's sensitive riparian habitat while still providing easy access for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts. The East Fork is well known for its populations of Apache, brown, and rainbow trout, making Diamond Rock a favorite destination for fishermen.
Campers enjoy a peaceful setting beneath mature ponderosa pines with frequent sightings of elk, mule deer, wild turkey, squirrels, and numerous bird species. Black bears also inhabit the area, so proper food storage is essential. Summer temperatures are pleasantly cool due to the high elevation, while afternoon monsoon storms are common from July through August.
Amenities include:
12 individual campsites
Three historic CCC Adirondack shelters
Picnic tables and fire rings
Vault toilets
Seasonal drinking water (available only in the first campground loop during the operating season)
No hookups or dump station
Pets welcome on leash
Maximum stay: 14 days
Please Note:
Campground roads are gravel, and larger RVs may have difficulty maneuvering in some loops.
There is little to no cell phone service.
Bring food, drinking water (especially late in the season), and all camping supplies.
Fire restrictions may be in effect during dry conditions—always check current forest regulations before your trip.
The campground operates seasonally, generally from May through October, depending on weather.
Directions:
Directions from Alpine: Drive two miles north 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 six miles to the East Fork developed camping area.
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