Arizona Leisure vacation and travel guide

Luna Lake Campground Near Alpine Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .

Luna Lake Campground is a high-elevation Forest Service campground approximately five miles east of Alpine, Arizona, near the New Mexico border in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Set among ponderosa pines at about 8,000 feet elevation, the campground provides a cool mountain setting for tent camping, RV camping, fishing, boating, hiking and wildlife viewing.

The campground is within walking distance of Luna Lake, a popular trout-fishing lake surrounded by forest, meadow and wetland habitat. Individual campsites and three reservable group sites are available, while the nearby lake recreation area provides a boat ramp, fishing access and seasonal visitor services.

Ponderosa pine mountain scenery near Alpine Arizona and Luna Lake

Luna Lake Campground Quick Facts

  • Location: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near Alpine, Arizona
  • Distance from Alpine: Approximately five miles east
  • Elevation: Approximately 8,000 feet
  • Camping: Individual and group campsites
  • Group sites: Three reservable group campsites
  • RV camping: Allowed, with maximum equipment length varying by campsite
  • Electrical hookups: None at standard campsites
  • Drinking water: Available during the campground operating season
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets
  • Lake access: Luna Lake is within walking distance
  • Pets: Allowed under current campground rules
  • Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov for reservable sites

Luna Lake Campsites & RV Camping

Luna Lake Campground accommodates both tents and recreational vehicles. Standard campsites are nonelectric, and individual campsite dimensions and maximum RV or trailer lengths vary significantly. Campers with larger RVs should review the equipment limits for the specific campsite before making a reservation.

Do not rely on the older 32-foot maximum previously published on this page. Current Recreation.gov listings show that some campsites accommodate considerably longer RVs and trailers, while other sites may be smaller.

Standard campsites generally accommodate one camping unit. Additional vehicle restrictions and parking arrangements vary, so review the individual campsite description when reserving.

Camping Season & Reservations

Luna Lake Campground operates seasonally, and opening and closing dates are weather permitting. High-elevation snow, freezing temperatures and road conditions can affect the beginning and end of the camping season.

Some campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov, while first-come, first-served sites must be obtained at the campground. Advance reservations are recommended for popular summer weekends and holidays.

Group Camping At Luna Lake

Luna Lake Campground currently has three reservable group campsites. The sites accommodate different group sizes, including one for up to 40 people, another for up to 56 people and a larger group site for up to 120 people.

Group-site availability, fees and occupancy requirements should be confirmed through Recreation.gov when planning a trip.

Because services can change outside the primary summer season, confirm current water availability, campground status and visitor services before traveling.

Luna Lake Campground Facilities

Campground facilities include vault toilets and drinking water during the operating season. Standard campsites are rustic and do not provide electrical hookups, so RV campers should plan for dry camping.

The nearby Luna Lake day-use area provides additional recreation facilities including a boat ramp, fishing access, picnic facilities and seasonal services. Recreation.gov currently lists a marina area, fishing pier, bait shop and boat rentals near the lake, although visitors should verify current operations before relying on these services.

High elevation forest and mountain scenery near Alpine Arizona

Fishing & Boating Near Luna Lake Campground

Luna Lake is within walking distance of the campground and is primarily known for trout fishing. Rainbow trout are stocked in the lake, and fishing is generally strongest during spring and early summer before irrigation withdrawals reduce water levels later in the season.

A developed boat ramp provides access for fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and other permitted watercraft. Luna Lake favors small-boat fishing and quiet recreation rather than high-speed water sports. Check current Arizona Game and Fish and Forest Service boating restrictions before launching a motorized boat.

For additional information about fishing, boating and lake recreation, see our Luna Lake Arizona Guide.

Things To Do Near Luna Lake Campground

  • Fish Luna Lake: Target stocked rainbow trout from shore or a small boat.
  • Boat & Paddle: Launch a fishing boat, kayak or canoe at the nearby boat ramp.
  • Hike: Explore trails through the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
  • Mountain Bike: Ride designated non-motorized trails in the recreation area.
  • Watch Wildlife: Look for waterfowl, osprey, bald eagles and other mountain wildlife.
  • Visit Alpine: Drive into nearby Alpine for dining, fuel, supplies and lodging.
  • Drive The Coronado Trail: Explore one of eastern Arizona's most scenic mountain highways.
  • Visit Escudilla Wilderness: Explore additional hiking and high-country scenery north of Alpine.

Luna Lake Camping Tips

  • Check the individual campsite's RV and trailer length before reserving.
  • Bring appropriate equipment for dry camping because standard campsites do not have electrical hookups.
  • Store food securely because bears frequent the area.
  • Bring layers because temperatures can become cold at the campground's 8,000-foot elevation even during summer.
  • Expect afternoon thunderstorms during the summer monsoon season.
  • Confirm drinking-water availability and campground operating status before traveling early or late in the season.
  • Obtain firewood near the campground rather than transporting firewood long distances.
  • Follow all current fire restrictions and food-storage regulations.

Directions To Luna Lake Campground From Alpine

From Alpine, travel east approximately five miles on U.S. Highway 180. Turn north onto Forest Road 570 just east of Luna Lake and follow the gravel road approximately one mile to the campground.

The campground sits at high elevation, so road and weather conditions can change quickly during storms and at the beginning or end of the camping season.

GPS Location
Latitude: 33.83533611
Longitude: -109.0821056

GPS Location
Latitude: 33.83533611
Longitude: -109.0821056

Luna Lake Campground Information & Reservations

More Alpine & White Mountains Camping

Luna Lake Campground FAQ

Where Is Luna Lake Campground?

Luna Lake Campground is located about five miles east of Alpine, Arizona, in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near the New Mexico border.

What Is The Elevation Of Luna Lake Campground?

The campground sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation in a ponderosa pine forest.

Can You Camp In An RV At Luna Lake Campground?

Yes. RVs and trailers are allowed, but maximum equipment length varies by campsite. Check the individual Recreation.gov site dimensions before reserving.

Does Luna Lake Campground Have RV Hookups?

No. Standard campsites are nonelectric and do not provide individual utility hookups.

Does Luna Lake Campground Have Tent Camping?

Yes. Individual campsites accommodate tent camping, and group camping is also available.

Does Luna Lake Campground Have Group Sites?

Yes. Three reservable group campsites are currently available, accommodating groups of different sizes.

Can You Reserve Luna Lake Campground?

Yes. Reservable campsites and group sites can be booked through Recreation.gov. Some campsites may also be available first-come, first-served.

Is Luna Lake Campground Open Year-Round?

The campground's opening and closing dates are weather permitting. Snow, freezing temperatures and other high-elevation conditions can affect seasonal access.

Can You Fish Near Luna Lake Campground?

Yes. Luna Lake is within walking distance and is stocked with rainbow trout. Spring and early summer are generally among the best fishing periods.

Are Pets Allowed At Luna Lake Campground?

Yes. Pets are permitted subject to current Forest Service and campground rules. Campers should also use caution because bears and other wildlife occur in the area.

Arizona Lakes

 

 

Top Arizona Destination Areas

Pleasant, Rainbow, Willow Springs, Big Lake, More...

Greer, Strawberry, Cabins, Heber-Overgaard, More...

Peaks Drive, Map, Williams, San Francisco Peaks, More...

Javalinas, Bats, Bobcats, Tarantulas, Bear, More...

Oak Creek Canyon, Palatki Ruins, Map, Weather, More...

Map, Jerome, Weather, Camping, Cabins, More...

Apache Junction, Mesa, Chandler, Parks, More...

Parks, Map, Route 66, Cabins, Distance Guide, More...

Sledding, Painted Desert, Antelope Canyon, More...

Wahweap, Map, Facts, Houseboats, Distances, More...

Tucson, Nogales, Tombstone, Rocky Point, More...

Phoenix To South Rim, Wildlife, Weather, Falls, More...

Hoover Dam, Parker, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, More...

Most Popular Arizona Attractions