Kp Cienega Campground
4.947 reviewsKP Cienega Campground, Alpine, Arizona
Kp Cienega 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
The campground does not charge any fees for using its campsites.
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About this campground
Perched at a breathtaking 9,000 feet in the Arizona high country, KP Cienega Campground offers an intimate escape into the clouds with just five secluded sites nestled among towering pines. This alpine sanctuary welcomes adventurers with tents, trailers, and motorhomes up to 16 feet, providing each site with its own picnic table and fire ring complete with cooking grill. As the gateway to the Blue Range Primitive Area via the adjacent KP Trailhead, this rustic retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world—there are no hookups or running water here, just pure mountain air and endless wilderness. Remember to keep your four-legged companions leashed as they explore this high-altitude haven with you.
KP Cienega Campground is a primitive camping site located at a high elevation. It offers spaces for tent and small trailer camping, with a focus on a natural and serene experience.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this high mountain refuge remains quietly tucked away in the whispers of the wind through ancient pines, the land itself tells stories of centuries of natural cycles, wildlife corridors, and the enduring spirit of the American wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full dramatic range at KP Cienega, where winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures plummeting to a crisp 12°F, while summer brings perfect camping weather with daytime highs reaching a comfortable 80°F. The changing seasons paint the forest in different moods—from snow-dusted pines and frost-kissed mornings to wildflower meadows and afternoon mountain showers that keep the forest lush and alive.
ElevationAt 9,000 feet above sea level, KP Cienega Campground reigns as one of Arizona's loftiest camping destinations, where the air is thin, crisp, and intoxicatingly pure. This remarkable elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, offering cool refuge when the desert valleys below swelter in summer heat. Here in this high-altitude forest sanctuary, you'll find yourself literally above the clouds on some mornings, watching the mist roll through the valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the enchanting high country of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, where towering conifers create a natural cathedral and wildlife roams freely through the understory. Visitors consistently marvel at the spectacular vistas that unfold from this mountain perch, while the peaceful ambiance is punctuated only by birdsong, rustling leaves, and perhaps the distant bugle of an elk. This pristine wilderness setting offers photographers and nature lovers endless opportunities to witness Arizona's wild heart, from delicate wildflowers to majestic wildlife wandering through ancient forest corridors.
Geological RegionKP Cienega Campground sits majestically at 9,000 feet within the rugged embrace of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of peaks, valleys, and dense coniferous forests. This high-elevation wonderland represents a unique sky island ecosystem, where cool mountain temperatures and abundant moisture create a verdant oasis dramatically different from the iconic desert landscapes Arizona is known for. The mountainous terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, offering campers a chance to sleep among the clouds in one of the Southwest's most remarkable geological settings.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe sites accommodate trailers and motorhomes up to 16 feet, making them suitable for small to medium-sized setups.
Sites PrivacyReviews often mention the solitude of the sites, with some users stating they had the campground entirely to themselves.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping during weekdays may offer more solitude, as visitors have reported having the campground entirely to themselves.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not identified as the best, but user reviews highlight the tranquility and views as major strengths.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limit information is not provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The maximum number of guests per site is not specified.
Groups
No dedicated group sites are mentioned in the provided materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 5 single unit sites suitable for tents and small motorhomes.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is currently open, but specific open and closed seasons are not provided.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites at KP Cienega Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not applicable as this is a first-come, first-served site.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
KP Cienega Campground offers a range of outdoor activities that emphasize the natural beauty and serenity of its high-altitude location. Hiking and backpacking opportunities abound, with the KP Trailhead directly adjacent to the campground. This trail connects to the Blue Range Primitive Area and other trails in the vicinity. Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, as user reviews frequently highlight encounters with deer, elk, and other animals.
Hiking
The KP Trail (#70) starts at the campground and offers access to the Blue Range Primitive Area. This provides opportunities for both day hikes and longer backpacking trips. User reviews like Kal C's note the 'great and adventurous hike nearby.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight of this campground. User reviews describe sightings of deer, elk, bats, and owls. Rob Baldwin mentions, 'Our first day in we saw a herd of about twenty deer grazing in the field next to the grounds.'Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, but the high elevation and seasonal weather patterns suggest potential for snow-related activities during winter months.Water Sports
No information about water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but only in designated fire rings with cooking grills.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as bears have been mentioned in user reviews. Additionally, the high elevation and cooler temperatures could pose a risk for those not prepared for the environment.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Emergency services are located in Alpine, which is 27 miles from the campground. For medical emergencies, there is no information about hospitals or ranger stations provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpecific peak season dates are not provided.
Trash and recyclingNo information regarding trash and recycling facilities is provided in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific water features are mentioned within the campground.
Common complaintsReviews mention the lack of potable water and absence of a campground host as potential drawbacks.
HostNo campground host is available at KP Cienega.
Campground Map
KP Cienega Campground, Alpine, Arizona
Driving directionsFrom Alpine: Drive 27 miles south on US Highway 191 past Hannagan Meadow Resort to a sign that points the way to KP Cienega. Turn east (left) onto the access road and drive 1.3 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible by paved roads leading from US Highway 191. The access road to the campground is 1.3 miles and well-maintained. Seasonal conditions may affect accessibility due to snow or heavy rain.Nearby places
Alpine (27 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies can be found at the Hannagan Meadow Lodge and Restaurant, located nearby. Distance to other supply centers was not specified.
Camper Reviews
4.9
7 reviews
Kp Cienega Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for KP Cienega Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Many users appreciate the sense of solitude, with several noting that they had the entire campground to themselves during their visit.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
- Tranquility and lack of crowds
- Clean and well-maintained vault toilets
- Proximity to hiking trails
- Frequent wildlife sightings (deer, elk, bats, owls)
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
- No potable water or campground host
- Wildlife encounters (e.g., one user mentioned a bear sighting, attributing it to their own actions rather than the campground's fault)
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own potable water, as none is available on-site.
- Be prepared for wildlife encounters and store food securely.
- Visit during weekdays for the best chance at having the place to...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is most enjoyable during the warmer months, when the high elevation provides cool respite from the heat elsewhere. Wildlife sightings and solitude are frequently...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'A well-maintained campground well off the highway.' - Linda Topping
2. 'The cleanest vaults we have ever had the pleasure to use.' - rob baldwin
3. 'Love this campground! Could live without the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers or locations within the campground are not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews are provided.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No pet-specific reviews are provided, but pets are allowed if restrained or on a leash.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025