Sulphide Del Rey Campground
4.4120 reviews7680 S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd, Globe, AZ 85501
Sulphide Del Rey 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
There is no charge for using the campground.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Pinal Mountains at 6,000 feet, Sulphide Del Rey Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This rustic, tent-only haven sits where miners once made their homes, now transformed into a peaceful retreat beneath towering ponderosa pines. Here, the only sounds you'll hear are the whisper of wind through pine needles and the occasional call of wildlife—deer and fox are frequent visitors to this secluded mountain sanctuary.
Sulphide Del Rey Campground offers a primitive camping experience. It features a total of 10 sites, with 7 designated for tents and 3 combined sites. The campground is better suited for tent campers and small RVs due to limitations in site size and accessibility.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to when this mountain refuge served as home to hardy miners seeking respite from the scorching temperatures of the valleys below. These industrious souls established a thriving community here, drawn by both the promise of precious metals and the cool mountain breezes. Today, their legacy lives on in the campground's name and the whispered stories that seem to echo through the pines on quiet evenings.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons in this mountain paradise, where summer temperatures provide a refreshing escape from the desert heat below. While accessible year-round, winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland that may challenge even seasoned adventurers—4x4 vehicles and chains become essential companions when ice glazes the mountain roads. Late spring through early fall offers ideal conditions, with crisp mornings giving way to sun-dappled afternoons perfect for exploration.
ElevationPerched at 6,000 feet in the sky, this mountain retreat offers a dramatic change from the desert floor below. The elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, dropping temperatures by 20-30 degrees compared to lower elevations—a phenomenon the old miners discovered and modern campers continue to appreciate. This lofty position places you in a completely different ecosystem, where ponderosa pines replace saguaros and cool mountain air replaces desert heat.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a cathedral of towering ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark and massive trunks creating a natural sanctuary. From various vantage points, catch glimpses of Signal Peak and Madera Peak rising majestically above the forest canopy. Dawn often brings curious deer picking their way through camp, while dusk might reveal a fox slipping silently between the shadows. This mature forest ecosystem provides both shelter and endless opportunities for wildlife watching and nature photography.
Geological RegionThe Pinal Mountains, your home at Sulphide Del Rey, represent millions of years of geological drama within the vast Tonto National Forest. These ancient peaks, clothed in magnificent ponderosa pine forests, create a sky island ecosystem that rises dramatically from the surrounding desert. At 6,000 feet, you're camping in a biological treasure trove where the Sonoran Desert yields to montane forests, creating a unique convergence of life zones that supports an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly facilities are not available at this campground.
Sites SizeThe sites are noted to be better suited for tents and small trailers, as most sites lack large flat areas for setting up tents, according to numerous user reviews.
Sites PrivacySites are described as being in a forested area with some natural privacy provided by the Ponderosa pines. However, reviews mention that the campground is small and can feel crowded during peak times.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites at the top of the hill for flat ground and larger tents. Avoid sites near the entrance due to parking limitations.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest sites at the top of the hill for larger tents and better usability.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
First-come, first-served.
Check-out
First-come, first-served.
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout10 sites, including 7 tent-only and 3 combined sites. Parking aprons are dirt, and the campground is slanted on a hill.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability; user reviews indicate limited parking and site usability.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system in place; first-come, first-served availability.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Sulphide Del Rey Campground is primarily a location for camping and picnicking. The surrounding Ponderosa pine forest provides opportunities for relaxation and solitude. While there are no designated hiking trails, some users report exploring nearby rugged dirt roads for recreation. Wildlife viewing can also be an enjoyable activity at this site.
Wildlife viewing
The Ponderosa pine forest surrounding the campground offers opportunities to view wildlife, including deer and fox, as reported by user reviews.Winter Activities
Some user reviews mention the campground being icy during winter, making it suitable for winter camping for those prepared with 4x4 vehicles and tire chains. However, winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing are not mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires allowed only when permissible and in designated fire rings. Keep fires small to prevent damage.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWinter ice can make roads challenging, blind curves on dirt roads require cautious driving, occasional generator noise from nearby radio tower, and vault toilets may attract bees (user reviews).
Active alertsNone reported.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 95%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.2 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
Closest emergency services are available at the Globe Ranger Station, located at 7680 S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd, Globe, AZ 85501. Phone: 928-402-6200.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season pricing mentioned.
Trash and recyclingThere is no trash service at this campground. Campers must pack out all their trash and dispose of it properly.
Proximity to water featuresNo nearby water features for swimming or fishing.
Common complaintsLimited usable sites; some campsites lack flat ground for tents. Constant generator noise from nearby radio tower mentioned in user reviews. Vault toilets reportedly attract bees.
HostUnfriendly park ranger reported in one user review; no host amenities explicitly described.
Campground Map
7680 S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd, Globe, AZ 85501
Driving directionsFrom Globe, follow paved Jess Hayes Road southeast to junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/Forest Road (FR) 112 and Sixshooter Canyon Road/FR 22. Continue on FR 112 for 2 ¼ miles to the junction of FR 55 and FR 112. Take the right fork and continue for 2½ miles on FR 55, which soon becomes unpaved. At the junction of FR 55 and FR 651 turn left. Proceed 5 miles to the site. NOTE: The access route turns into dirt 2 miles from the turnoff onto Kellner Canyon Rd. and stays that way to the campground. Forest Rt. 651 is single lane with turnouts. Travel trailers should not exceed 16 ft on Forest Rt. 651.
Road access includes paved sections followed by unpaved roads. Forest Rt. 651 is single lane with turnouts, and trailers exceeding 16 ft are not recommended. Seasonal conditions such as winter ice may require 4x4 vehicles and tire chains.Nearby places
Globe (~9.25 miles southwest, ~20 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are in Globe, approximately 9.25 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.4
20 reviews
Sulphide Del Rey Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed perspective on Sulphide Del Rey Campground. Many appreciate the beauty of the Ponderosa pines, the rustic and secluded atmosphere, and the wildlife viewing opportunities. However, there are consistent complaints about the limited number of usable sites, the constant generator noise from a nearby radio tower, and the lack of potable water and trash services. "Beautiful campground on a hill surrounded by pines. Gets completely silent at night assuming other campers behave," one camper noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's scenic location surrounded by Ponderosa pines and abundant wildlife is often highlighted. "Beautiful area where we saw deer and fox," said one reviewer. Others praise the...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the limited number of flat or usable campsites, generator noise from a nearby Univision radio tower, and a lack of basic facilities such as potable water. Bees in the...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and toilet paper, as there are no water spigots, and vault toilets may be unusable due to bees. Drive carefully on the dirt roads leading to the campground, especially during the...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but winter conditions (icy roads and snow) make it less accessible unless you have a 4x4 vehicle with tire chains. Summers are popular for escaping the valley heat,...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Nice campground that has decent shade and shelter from the winds." "Please be careful with fires, keep them small, because there's already clear fire damage all around the area." "Great for...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites at the top of the hill are noted to be large enough for multiple tents, while others lack flat ground or suitable parking. "Only 3 of the sites have areas that can accommodate a tent...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No wheelchair-friendly facilities are available. Vault toilets are present but may not be accessible due to bee infestations.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet-related policies or experiences at this campground.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025