Campgrounds in Haigler Canyon

Campsite at Alderwood campground - photo by Tony Padegimas

Two campgrounds can be found in Haigler Canyon, running along the east edge of the Hellsgate Wilderness due north of Young. Both can be reached by forest road 200, also called the Chamberlain Trail, a winding, graded dirt track running from Young to the south to its northern terminus with forest road 291, which then shortly leads to AZ 260.

Alderwood Campground

Alderwood Campground lies deep in the canyon where Haigler Creek has plowed through the rock. There, campers can find fishing and swimming holes, towering, creek-fed trees, and relative solitude. Getting away here means getting away: no cellular or satellite signal is likely to reach this deep in the canyon.

The campground has four designated and dispersed campsites, a single outhouse, and many signs indicating where not to camp. The campsites each have a firepit with a grill, but no other amenities, meaning no trash service, potable water, host or fee.

Several trails lead away from the campground allowing exploration of the creek and canyon.

This campground is reached by following forest road 200 north from its turn off from AZ 288 just north of Young. Continue seven miles until the turn for forest road 202A. That road continues another bumpy half mile, past several private residences, to the site.

Haigler Creek - photo by Tony Padegimas

Haigler Canyon Campground

One of the most developed campgrounds in the area, Haigler Canyon sits right on forest road 200, just after it crosses over Haigler Creek. The road, in fact, splits the campground in two: the western side being more orientated towards tents while the eastern side better accommodates RV’s.

Sites on both sides have tables, fire pits, vault toilets, and trash service. There is not, however, a source of potable water despite its proximity to the creek. A camp host is stationed of the west side, and collects fees of $6 a night.

A number of trails lead east for a hundred or so steep yards to Haigler Creek, lined by cottonwood and Arizona sycamore and many other great trees. In warm weather, several swimming holes offer a dunk in the cold water. In all weather, the stream offers anglers a chance for trout.

Two free day use areas can also be found nearby, on either side of the creek crossing.

Haigler Canyon campground is two miles north of Alderwood campground.

Beasts both wild and domesticated 

Draining through the woods at about 5300’ elevation, Haigler Canyon is good habitat for deer, elk and occasionally bear – so take precautions. More likely, though, visitors will encounter cattle that roam freely through the canyon from several private ranches nearby. As a result, it is a poor idea to drink untreated water from Haigler or any other creek in the area.

Some of the wildlife at Haigler Canyon campground - photo by Tony Padegimas

In spring and fall, this is also the corridor sheep herders use to drive flocks from the summer ranges on top of the Mogollon Rim to winter ranges outside of Chandler – or vice versa.

View Haigler Canyon campgrounds in a larger map