Hannagan Campground
4.7514 reviews.
Hannagan Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
No fees are charged for campsites at Hannagan Campground. Donations are gratefully accepted.
About this campground
Perched at a breathtaking 9,100 feet, Hannagan Campground stands as one of Arizona's highest mountain retreats, where the desert state reveals its alpine soul. Here, crisp mountain air replaces the familiar warmth of the lowlands, and towering evergreens create a natural cathedral beneath endless skies. This rustic haven offers essential amenities including restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and spacious trailer parking—though the real luxury lies in the pristine wilderness at your doorstep. While electrical hookups aren't available, the disconnect from modern conveniences becomes part of the adventure.
Hannagan Campground offers a blend of primitive and basic camping facilities, making it ideal for tent campers and those with small RVs or trailers. There are no advanced accommodations such as cabins or glamping setups.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Hannagan occupies a special place in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona—a region that has long served as a sanctuary for both wildlife and weary travelers. This corner of the forest represents centuries of natural and cultural heritage, where ancient forests have witnessed the passage of Native American peoples, early settlers, and generations of outdoor enthusiasts seeking solace in these sacred peaks.
Weather and SeasonsAt this lofty elevation, Hannagan delivers a complete seasonal transformation that defies Arizona stereotypes. Summer brings blessed relief with moderate temperatures perfect for escaping the valley heat, while autumn paints the aspens in brilliant gold. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, creating a magical alpine atmosphere. Spring arrives late but spectacular, as wildflowers push through melting snow. Visitors should pack layers year-round—even summer nights can bring an unexpected chill that reminds you just how high you've climbed.
ElevationAt 9,120 feet above sea level, Hannagan exists in Arizona's rare alpine zone—a world above the clouds where the air grows thin and the views stretch forever. This extraordinary elevation creates a unique microclimate where snow lingers into late spring and summer afternoons bring welcome thunderstorms. The altitude shapes everything here, from the specialized plant communities to the crisp quality of starlit nights, offering visitors a chance to experience Arizona's surprising vertical diversity.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where Colorado Blue spruce and Engelmann spruce tower overhead, their evergreen boughs creating a perpetual twilight on the forest floor. Subalpine and corkbark fir add their distinctive silhouettes to the skyline, while groves of quaking aspen shimmer and dance in the mountain breeze. This pristine wilderness backdrop offers endless opportunities for scenic drives along winding mountain roads and hiking trails that lead deeper into untouched backcountry, where each turn reveals new vistas of Arizona's unexpected alpine grandeur.
Geological RegionThe high country of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest represents millions of years of geological artistry, where volcanic activity and erosion have sculpted a dramatic alpine landscape unique in the Southwest. This elevated terrain supports a remarkable ecosystem more reminiscent of Colorado than typical Arizona, with Colorado Blue spruce, Engelmann spruce, subalpine and corkbark fir creating dense forests punctuated by meadows of quaking aspen. The result is a geological and botanical wonderland that challenges every preconception about Arizona's diverse landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not provide detailed information about accessibility features explicitly, but it does include features like trailer parking and maintained facilities.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates trailers and motorhomes up to 16 feet in length, indicating the sites are relatively small and best suited for smaller setups.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest a quiet and serene atmosphere, but specifics on campsite privacy (e.g., wooded barriers) are not mentioned.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSpace 8 recommended by one user as highly scenic.
Best CampsitesSpace 8 is highlighted as a favorite location by user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated, but likely standard limits apply.
Groups
There is no mention of group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout8 single-unit sites arranged for trailers and motorhomes up to 16 feet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 15. May close during winter due to snow; exact closure dates not provided.
Reservation PlatformsNo advance reservations accepted; campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst come, first served for all sites. "Show up early" recommended by user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable due to first-come, first-served system.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of recreational opportunities aimed at nature enthusiasts. Hiking and wildlife viewing are the primary activities available in this high-altitude, alpine setting.
Hiking
Hannagan Campground is surrounded by nearby hiking trails suitable for day hikes. However, no specific details on trail lengths or difficulty levels are provided in the source materials.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, as noted under 'Outdoor Science and Learning.' Specific wildlife species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No information about winter recreation options is provided; however, the campground is open from May to September, indicating it is not accessible in winter.Water Sports
No details about non-motorized water sports are provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Not explicitly stated.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazards"ZERO cell service at the campsite" noted in reviews. Cold weather and potential snow hazards during shoulder seasons.
Active alerts.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services likely in Alpine, approximately 22 miles north.
Good to know
Peak season datesLikely summer months due to warmer weather and open access.
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific information about trash and recycling facilities, but the campground is described as clean and well-maintained by multiple users.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct mention of water features besides potable water hydrants.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention rainy weather affecting stays and lack of cell service.
HostHosts present May through September. Multiple positive reviews regarding hosts being friendly, helpful, and maintaining clean facilities. "Frank is the best" mentioned by one user.
Campground Map
.
Driving directionsDrive 22 miles south on US Highway 191 past Hannagan Meadow Resort to Hannagan Campground on the west (right).
Accessible via paved roads (US Highway 191). No noted seasonal closures or challenging terrain explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Alpine (22 miles south, approx. 30-40 min drive).
Nearby supplies
Hannagan Meadow Resort (nearby) offers lodge and restaurant services
additional supplies likely available in Alpine, 22 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.8
14 reviews
Hannagan Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Hannagan Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for the site's natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly campground hosts. However, some users noted the lack of cell service as a potential drawback.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities; beautiful alpine setting; friendly and helpful camp hosts; serene and quiet atmosphere; proximity to Hannagan Meadow Lodge for additional amenities.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of cell phone service; some disappointment with limited facilities (e.g., no hookups, no showers).
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Be prepared for cool weather even in summer. Visit the nearby Hannagan Meadow Lodge for Wi-Fi and additional services.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open from May to September, and reviews suggest that summer is the most popular time due to the cool weather in the high-altitude location. Rain and cold temperatures may occur...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This place is absolutely beautiful. It's a long drive from Phoenix, but that's the point.' - Nicholas Crawford
2. 'Whoever heard of a campsite with clean bathrooms? This one has them.' - Pam...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user highlighted campsite 8, describing it as particularly scenic: 'The photo is space 8. Better than any 1000 words from me.'
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, provided they are restrained or on a leash. No specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025