How much does camping cost at Buffalo Crossing Campground?

Camping fees at Buffalo Crossing Campground range from $3-$9/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Buffalo Crossing Campground?

Buffalo Crossing Campground is open Not explicitly provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Buffalo Crossing Campground?

Buffalo Crossing Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Buffalo Crossing Campground?

Fire policies at Buffalo Crossing Campground: No specific fire policies noted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Buffalo Crossing Campground have?

Buffalo Crossing Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Buffalo Crossing Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Buffalo Crossing Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Buffalo Crossing Campground?

Buffalo Crossing Campground offers: Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buffalo Crossing Campground?

Popular activities at Buffalo Crossing Campground include Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buffalo Crossing Campground

Q: Is Buffalo Crossing Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Buffalo Crossing Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It was reported to be half full on a Wednesday evening in September, suggesting lower demand mid-week.

4.19

18 reviews

Quick Facts

7,949 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Not explicitly provi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

7,949 ft

Price

$3 - $9/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Not explicitly provi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Buffalo Crossing Campground

$3.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping prices vary based on location and activities between $3 (in-person) and $9 (contact center). Reservation service fees apply. Potential late...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 18 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspacioussites

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing the campground as peaceful and scenic. Commonly mentioned highlights include spacious campsites, the beauty of the East Fork of the Black River, and opportunities for star-gazing and fishing."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Buffalo Crossing Campground

33.7910, -109.3580

Nearby places

Alpine (approximately 13 miles, 20 minutes drive).

Nearby supplies

Alpine is the closest population center for groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials.

Driving 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 Recreation Area."

Roads are wide, graveled, and appear generally accessible. Forest Road 249 and Forest Road 276 are unpaved, which may present challenges during certain weather conditions.

Best Time to Camp at Buffalo Crossing Campground

September brings perfect camping weather with daytime temperatures reaching a comfortable 75°F before cooling to crisp 44°F nights ideal for campfire gatherings. As winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a serene wonderland where snow blankets the pines and gentle winds carry the quiet magic of the season. The best camping experiences unfold during those golden weeks of clear skies and moderate temperatures, while winter adventurers should prepare for the exhilarating challenge of freezing conditions and occasional snowstorms that showcase nature's dramatic beauty.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Late-summer visits reported as pleasant and cooler (day ~75°F), good camping weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Not explicitly provided.

About Buffalo Crossing Campground

Nestled in the southern reaches of the East Fork canyon, Buffalo Crossing Campground offers an enchanting escape within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Here, towering ponderosa pines cast dappled shadows over the most spacious campsites along the river, creating natural rooms where adventure meets tranquility. Each site is embraced by a living tapestry of native grasses, whispering alders, and majestic cottonwoods, transforming your camping experience into an immersion in one of Arizona's most pristine riparian ecosystems.

Buffalo Crossing Campground offers campsites suitable for various uses including tent camping and accommodating small RVs.

Historical Significance

Step back in time at this historic Civilian Conservation Corps campground, where the legacy of America's greatest conservation effort lives on. During the 1930s, young men of the CCC transformed this wilderness into the welcoming refuge you see today, their craftsmanship and vision still evident in the thoughtful layout and enduring structures that have served generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsSeptember brings perfect camping weather with daytime temperatures reaching a comfortable 75°F before cooling to crisp 44°F nights ideal for campfire gatherings. As winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a serene wonderland where snow blankets the pines and gentle winds carry the quiet magic of the season. The best camping experiences unfold during those golden weeks of clear skies and moderate temperatures, while winter adventurers should prepare for the exhilarating challenge of freezing conditions and occasional snowstorms that showcase nature's dramatic beauty.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's position in the East Fork canyon creates a unique microclimate where mountain and riparian ecosystems converge, offering visitors the best of both worlds.

Natural Features and SceneryThe majestic ponderosa pines stand as sentinels over a landscape where mountain meadows meet riverine beauty. Native grasslands sway in the breeze while alders and cottonwoods line the banks of the East Fork of the Black River, creating a photographer's paradise. This easily accessible riparian corridor invites exploration, where every turn reveals new vistas of nature's artistry painted in shades of green, gold, and azure.

Geological RegionBuffalo Crossing rests in a spectacular forested valley carved by time and water within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The East Fork of the Black River has sculpted this canyon into a natural amphitheater where ponderosa pines reign supreme, their roots anchored in ancient soils. The riparian corridor creates a ribbon of life through the landscape, where cottonwoods and alders thrive alongside meadow grasses, forming one of the Southwest's most diverse and accessible wilderness ecosystems.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Approximately 8, based on review data.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutCampsites are located a few steps from the East Fork River, with one review noting a 55' diameter roundabout near site #16.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground, as noted.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It was reported to be half full on a Wednesday evening in September, suggesting lower demand mid-week.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations carry fees, including $10 for individual sites. Late cancellations incur both a $10 fee and forfeiting the first night's payment. Modifications carry a $10 fee. First-come reservations (Scan & Pay) are non-refundable.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as having ample space, with one reviewer noting that site #11 offers "the most room," including a fire pit and picnic table.

PrivacyThe sites are located steps from the East Fork of the Black River, offering some level of natural seclusion. However, it is not explicitly stated whether the sites are highly private.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesSites close to the bathrooms and river access (e.g., Site #11) are recommended.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Buffalo Crossing Campground can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Fishing and wildlife viewing are prominent, with the Black River being home to Rainbow and Brown Trout. The scenic and tranquil environment is ideal for relaxation and star-gazing.

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include challenges for large RVs, as noted by reviews. Wildlife presence is mentioned as part of the natural environment.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies noted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesThe closest emergency services are in Alpine, including police and possible medical facilities, but specific services are not noted.

Water FeaturesLocated steps away from the East Fork River. River access is easy and enhances the riparian zone's nature.

Camp Host"A camp host will stop by to collect the fees" - per review details.

Weather at Buffalo Crossing Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

18 reviews

Satisfactory

Buffalo Crossing Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing the campground as peaceful and scenic. Commonly mentioned highlights include spacious campsites, the beauty of the East Fork of the Black River, and opportunities for star-gazing and fishing.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious campsites, clean restrooms, easy access to the Black River, and star-filled night skies are highlights.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers noted that fishing opportunities may not meet expectations, mentioning the creek being more suitable for crawdadding.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One reviewer recommends site #11 for its space and proximity to well-maintained bathrooms.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Users report visiting during the late summer and early fall. Weather during these times is noted as cool and pleasant, with highs around 75°F and lows around 44°F.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The star-filled night skies at this campground were amazing." - Christopher Emmons 2. "Clean restrooms and drinking water available." - Brad Underwood

Based on 18 reviews