Arizona Leisure vacation guide

Benny Creek Campground Near Greer, Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .

Current Campground Status: Benny Creek Campground is temporarily closed while repairs from the Greer Fire are completed. Do not travel to the campground expecting overnight camping until the Forest Service or Recreation.gov confirms that it has reopened.

Benny Creek Campground is a high-elevation camping area near Greer in Arizona's White Mountains, located about 2.5 miles north of town along State Route 373. Set beneath ponderosa pines at approximately 8,250 feet, the campground normally accommodates tents, trailers and small motorhomes and provides convenient access to Benny Creek, Bunch Reservoir, Greer Lakes and the Little Colorado River. Fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives are popular throughout the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The campground is currently closed while fire-related repairs are completed, so visitors should confirm reopening status before making travel plans.

Mountain creek and pine forest scenery in Arizona's White Mountains near Greer

Current Benny Creek Campground Status

Benny Creek Campground is temporarily closed while repairs from the Greer Fire are completed. Recreation.gov currently advises visitors to check back for updated information rather than assuming the campground is available.

Because reopening dates, fire restrictions and facility availability can change, verify the current campground status immediately before traveling. Nearby camping alternatives in the Greer area may include Hoyer Campground and other Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest campgrounds when they are open.

Benny Creek Campground Overview

Benny Creek Campground occupies an open ponderosa-pine forest above Benny Creek in Arizona's White Mountains. Its location near Greer provides a combination of forest camping, trout fishing, hiking and access to nearby lakes while remaining close enough to town for groceries, fuel, restaurants and equipment rentals.

  • Approximately 2.5 miles north of Greer
  • Elevation approximately 8,250 feet
  • Ponderosa-pine forest setting
  • Tent, trailer and small-motorhome camping when open
  • Individual and group camping areas
  • Bunch Reservoir within walking distance
  • Greer Lakes nearby
  • Little Colorado River recreation nearby
  • Fishing and hiking opportunities
  • Wildlife viewing in surrounding forest and meadows

Elevation is 8,250 feet, so expect cool to cold night temperatures. Gas, restaurants, groceries, and rentals are available in Greer. Be prepared for heavy rain through July and August and heavy snow during the winter months. Located in the magnificent Arizona White Mountains.

More Greer Camping And Travel Information

Benny Creek Campsites And RV Information

Benny Creek is designed primarily for tents, trailers and smaller recreational vehicles rather than large motorhomes. Recreation.gov currently states that trailers and small motorhomes up to 24 feet can be accommodated. Individual sites are generally first-come, first-served when the campground is operating, while designated group areas can be reserved.

  • Tent camping
  • Travel trailers
  • Small motorhomes up to approximately 24 feet
  • Non-electric campsites
  • Individual first-come, first-served sites when available
  • Three reservable group camping areas
  • Group capacities vary by site
  • No individual campsite utility hookups
  • Dump station available across the highway at Hoyer Campground when operating

Always review the current campsite description before arrival because site configurations, campground access and vehicle limits may change after repairs are completed.

Benny Creek Campground Amenities And Facilities

Benny Creek is a relatively simple Forest Service campground rather than a full-service RV park. Facilities historically focus on basic camping needs and outdoor recreation.

  • Picnic tables
  • Campfire rings or grills where fire restrictions permit
  • Campground restrooms
  • Seasonal drinking water when available
  • Non-electric campsites
  • No full RV hookups at individual sites
  • Dump station nearby at Hoyer Campground
  • Greer stores, restaurants, groceries and equipment rentals nearby

Facilities may be different after the current repairs are completed, so confirm drinking water, restroom and other services before arriving.

Reservations And Group Camping

Benny Creek includes three group camping areas intended for small to medium gatherings. Recreation.gov currently describes group sites accommodating approximately 24 or 32 guests, depending on the site. These group areas are the primary reservable portion of the campground.

  • Three group camping areas
  • Group capacity varies by campsite
  • Reservations normally available for designated group sites
  • Individual family sites are generally first-come, first-served
  • Unreserved group sites may sometimes become available for walk-in use
  • Extra-vehicle fees and parking arrangements may apply

Reservations cannot be relied upon while the campground remains closed. Check Recreation.gov after reopening for current site availability, fees and booking rules.

Fishing, Hiking And Recreation Near Benny Creek

Benny Creek Campground is surrounded by some of the White Mountains' most appealing outdoor recreation. Trout fishing is available in nearby creeks and lakes, while hiking routes and scenic drives extend throughout the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

  • Benny Creek: Creekside scenery and nearby fishing opportunities.
  • Bunch Reservoir: Within walking distance of the campground.
  • Greer Lakes: Nearby lakes popular with anglers and paddlers.
  • Little Colorado River: Additional trout-fishing opportunities near Greer.
  • Squirrel Springs Trail: Nearby hiking opportunity.
  • White Mountain Scenic Byway: High-country forest and mountain scenery.
  • Coronado Trail Scenic Byway: One of eastern Arizona's signature mountain drives.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Elk, deer and forest wildlife are common in the area.

Wildlife And Bear Safety

The forests around Benny Creek support Abert squirrels, chipmunks, mule deer, elk and black bears. Wildlife should be observed from a distance, and campers should never leave food or scented items where animals can reach them.

  • Store food securely whenever it is unattended.
  • Keep pet food with human food rather than outside overnight.
  • Secure trash and scented toiletries.
  • Never store food in a tent.
  • Do not feed deer, elk, squirrels or other wildlife.
  • Keep pets controlled and away from wildlife.
  • Follow all posted bear-storage requirements.
  • Obtain firewood near the destination rather than transporting it long distances.

Benny Creek Weather And Best Time To Visit

At approximately 8,250 feet, Benny Creek has a much cooler climate than Arizona's lower deserts. Summer days are generally comfortable, but nights can become quite cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer monsoon, particularly from late June through August.

  • Late Spring: Cool nights and variable weather as seasonal access improves.
  • Summer: Mild mountain temperatures with recurring afternoon thunderstorms.
  • Early Fall: Cooler nights, quieter conditions and changing mountain scenery.
  • Winter: Heavy snow and seasonal road conditions generally make conventional campground use impractical.

Opening and closing dates have historically been weather dependent. Once repairs are complete, check the current operating calendar rather than relying on a fixed annual opening date.

Planning A Stay At Benny Creek Campground

  • Confirm that Benny Creek has reopened before traveling.
  • Check current campground and road conditions.
  • Review current fire restrictions.
  • Bring warm clothing even during summer.
  • Carry rain protection during monsoon season.
  • Confirm whether drinking water is available.
  • Bring sufficient food and backup water.
  • Store food and scented items securely.
  • Review Arizona fishing regulations before fishing.
  • Confirm RV length limits if traveling with a trailer or motorhome.
  • Fill the fuel tank before exploring remote forest roads.
  • Do not rely on mobile-phone service throughout the area.

Directions To Benny Creek Campground From Greer

Benny Creek Campground is approximately 2.5 miles north of Greer along State Route 373. From Greer, travel north on Highway 373 toward Highway 260 and watch for the Benny Creek Campground entrance.

From Show Low, travel southeast on Highway 260 toward the Greer turnoff, then follow Highway 373 south toward Greer. Check current road and campground closure information before departure.

Benny Creek Campground Map

Map of Benny Creek Campground near Greer Arizona showing campsites and campground roads

Benny Creek Campground FAQ

Is Benny Creek Campground currently open?
No. Recreation.gov currently reports that Benny Creek Campground is temporarily closed while repairs from the Greer Fire are completed. Check the official campground listing before traveling.

Where is Benny Creek Campground?
Benny Creek Campground is about 2.5 miles north of Greer, Arizona, along State Route 373 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

How high is Benny Creek Campground?
The campground sits at approximately 8,250 feet above sea level.

Can RVs camp at Benny Creek?
When the campground is open, tents, trailers and smaller motorhomes are accommodated.

What is the RV length limit?
The current federal campground description lists trailers and small motorhomes up to approximately 24 feet.

Does Benny Creek Campground have hookups?
No. Campsites are non-electric and do not provide full RV utility hookups.

Is there a dump station?
A dump station has traditionally been available across Highway 373 at Hoyer Campground when that facility is operating.

Can campsites be reserved?
Designated group campsites normally accept reservations. Individual family sites are generally first-come, first-served when the campground is open.

How many people can use the group sites?
The group camping areas are designed for small to medium gatherings, with current federal descriptions listing capacities of approximately 24 or 32 guests depending on the site.

Is fishing available near Benny Creek?
Yes. Trout fishing is available in nearby creeks, Bunch Reservoir, Greer Lakes and portions of the Little Colorado River.

Are bears found near the campground?
Yes. Bears occur in the area, and campers must follow current food-storage rules.

Does Benny Creek get summer thunderstorms?
Yes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during the summer monsoon, especially from late June through August.

What services are available in Greer?
Greer offers restaurants, groceries, fuel and equipment rentals, although hours and availability vary seasonally.

When will Benny Creek Campground reopen?
No reopening date should be assumed. Recreation.gov advises visitors to check for updates while fire-related repairs are being completed.

More Campground Information

Springerville Ranger District
928 333-6200

Greer Weather and Temperatures
Greer Map and Directions
Greer Arizona Cabin Rentals
Greer RV Parks

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