Rose Creek and Sawmill Flats Campgrounds

Near Rose Creek - Photo by Tony Padegimas

Two small campgrounds sit by state highway 288 as it winds from Lake Roosevelt to Globe. Parked between two distinct wilderness areas, these campsites offer easy access to a variety of wilderness recreation.

Sawmill Flats

The interpretive sign at Sawmill Flats is notes on the map. The four campsites are not – but they are there, free for just showing up.

The sign explains how lumber from Sawmill Flats was once hauled by mule to help build Roosevelt Dam in the early 1900’s. Very little remains of the sawmill remains, but five campsites line the flat, each marked by a table and a firepit. A single outhouse represents the only other amenity. No water. No garbage. No host. No fee.

Unlike more formal campgrounds, ATV and other OHV’s may come and go as they please, and several OHV trails spider out from the site to bump and wind around the neighboring hills.

[Above] Campsite at Sawmill Flats - Photo by Tony Padegimas

[Below] Reynolds Creek near AZ 288

Rose Creek Campground

This small campground provides a convenient base to explore the numerous trails and creeks which run across and through the forested slopes. Its namesake creek runs right by the campground.

Rose Creek has only five designated sites, which have grills and picnic tables. There is an outhouse, but no potable water supply or trash service. There is no host, and no fee.

To the east towers the Sierra Ancha Wilderness, containing Workman Falls, uranium mines, Indian ruins, numerous trails, including one up to the lookout tower on Aztec Peak where Edward Abbey once kept watch. To the west, the Salome Wilderness contains a spectacular canyon featuring the infamous Hell’s Hole.

At 5400’ elevation, both campgrounds are surrounded by pinon pines and oaks. This is bear country, and appropriate caution should be used.

View Sierra Ancha area campgrounds in a larger map
Sawmill Flats can be found on AZ 288, about 40 miles north of Globe. Look for the interpretive sign on the right after the switchbacks which climb into the Sierra Ancha range. Rose Creek campground lies a mile further up the same road. AZ 288 is often narrow, winding, and inconsistently paved.
 

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