Location: West of Alpine, Arizona.

Elevation: 7,885 feet

Season: May through October

Access: Dirt road

Fee: $14.00 per camp unit per night

Reservations: No reservations. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Usage: Medium

Days Limit: 14 days

Amenities: 12 single unit sites, tent camping, trailer camping, trailers and motorhomes up to 10 foot, no hookups, picnic tables (at each campsite), rock fire rings, water (large water tank near camp host), vault toilets, pets must be restrained or on a leash, concessionaire operated

Information: Alpine Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, (928) 339-5000 or www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

Alpine, AZ WEATHER

Directions: From Alpine, drive two miles north on US Highway 191 to Forest Road 249 (Three Forks Rd). Turn west and follow this paved forest road 5 miles to Forest Road 276 (graded dirt road). Turn south and follow Forest Road 276 for six miles to the East Fork developed camping area.

Diamond Rock Campground is located about 13 miles west of Alpine, AZ. Take Road 249 which begins a couple of miles north of Alpine. After 5 miles turn left onto FR 276 which is a graded dirt road. Follow it for 6 miles through some beautiful forest and meadows. Watch for grazing cattle.

Diamond Rock is the uppermost campground on this section of the East Fork of the Black River.
When you drop into a canyon you’ll see a dead end road which is actually part of the campground with the first 6 camp sites. If you stay on the dirt road you’ll see the other 6 sites on left, including camp host’s spot with his trailer.
The campground is small and closely knit, only small trailers can fit into these campsites.
Host’s name is Red and he’s been there for few years. Very nice and helpful guy. When the campground is not busy you can pick your spot and I would highly recommend site #11 which is next to the host, but it also has a covered shelter in case of rain (these few wooden shelters here were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s).

Diamond Rock is nicely shaded by ponderosa pine and sits just a few paces away from the river.
From your spot you just need to cross the road and after about 30 steps you are at the bank of the river. There’s a small trail that follows the river in both directions. If you want to do some fishing, you’ll find several good locations along the river. There are not a ton of fish in the river, but they do stock it with young trout several times a year.

If you’re ready for a next adventure and want to plan it right, check out some of these camping guides – Arizona has so many awesome destinations to explore!