Raccoon Campground – East Fork of the Black River

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Raccoon Campground

Raccoon is a small campground on the East Fork of the Black River. The river runs about 50 yards to the south of the campground. Raccoon is one of the first campgrounds that I try to set up camp if the nearby Aspen campground is full. The entire stretch of the East Fork from Diamond Rock campground downstream to Buffalo Crossing campground is my favorite place to camp and fly fish in Arizona. Ponderosa pines shade the campground.  Make sure you bear proof your campsite as this is prime bear territory.

Raccoon campground is a first come first served campground, reservations are not accepted. Access is by dirt road and during the weekends dust can dampen your taste for this campground literally. But through the weekdays, hardly a car will wander through the area, leaving privacy for those who wish to camp here. If Raccoon is full, there are several other campgrounds in the area including Diamond Rock, Aspen, Horse Springs, Deer Creek and Buffalo Crossing.

Fishing at Raccoon is awesome. Rainbow trout are stocked weekly by the Game and Fish Dept. during the spring and summer months. Brook trout, brown and Arizona’s State fish the Apache trout are also in this stretch of the river.

Directions

From the Big Lake entrance head up the dirt road east towards Three Forks 7.5 miles on FR 113 which turns into FR 249. Turn Right at the FR 403 (signs also guide the way) and travel 3 miles to FR 276. Descend into the Canyon 7 miles to the campground.

From Alpine drive 2 miles north on US Highway 191 to Forest Road 249. Turn west and follow the road 5 miles to Forest Road 276. Turn south and follow FR 276 for six miles to the campground.

General Notes

  • Elevation: 7700′
  • Season: May – October
  • Stay Limit: 14 days
  • Campsites: 10
  • Trailer Limit:16′
  • Potable Water: Yes
  • Restrooms: Vault
  • Showers available at Big Lake
  • Grills, rock fire rings and tables at each site
  • Information: Alpine Ranger District 928-339-5000
  • Pets must be restrained on a leash