Strayhorse Campground — Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Strayhorse sits at around 6,600 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves, right where the Blue Range Primitive Area starts getting serious. It’s a small, quiet campground — maybe a handful of sites — shaded by ponderosa pine and alligator juniper. Fire rings, vault toilets, no hookups. This is not a resort; it’s a functional camp for overlanders and hunters working the Mogollon high country. Expect solitude outside of elk season, when it gets busy fast.

Access is via US-191 south of Alpine — paved to the turnoff, then a short dirt pull. High-clearance rigs are fine; most stock trucks handle it without drama. Water availability can be seasonal — treat any creek water and don’t count on developed sources being reliable. Cell service is essentially zero. Carry what you need.

Blue Range basecamp in the ponderosa.