By:
Submission
Luna Lake Campground is a pleasant vacation site with open forest, lush meadows, a lake with great fishing, first rate mountain scenery and additional recreation facilities located within easy travel distance. This friendly campground is located in an open stand of ponderosa pines within walking distance of Luna Lake and 5 miles east of the town of Alpine, Arizona, close to the New Mexico border.
Fishing, horseback riding, boating, mountain biking and hiking are some of the activities enjoyed by campers. A non-motorized trail system is open to horse, bicycle and pedestrian travel. Visitors should be aware that although horses are allowed on some of the trails, livestock is not permitted in the campground.
Fishing is available in the lake, and a boat ramp provides easy access to the water. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. The lake is used for irrigation during the summer; fishing is best in spring and early summer. A marina, fishing pier, bait shop, boat rentals and picnic area are located in the day use area.
Families can also learn about the many cultural and natural features of the forest by attending educational programs in July and August.
The rustic campground is located a short distance from Luna Lake. Three group campsites are available for reservation, including two double sites and one large group site that can accommodate up to 120. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
The area sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet in the scenic Apache National Forest in eastern Arizona. The campground is near 75-acre Luna Lake, surrounded by a ponderosa pine forest. A large wetland for nesting waterfowl lines the lakeshore, providing good wildlife viewing opportunities.
The town of Alpine is convenient for shopping and services. The area is also rich with cultural history, outdoor recreation and sightseeing opportunities, including the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway and Escudilla Wilderness.
Visitors can explore endless vistas and take part in many outdoor activities in the surrounding Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which encompasses 2 million acres of magnificent mountain country in east-central Arizona and New Mexico.
From Alpine, drive 5 miles east on U.S. Highway 180 and turn north (left) onto Forest Road 570 just east of Luna Lake. Follow the gravel road one mile to the campground.
Area is really nice. There are a camp sites but they are a walk to the lake. There are established bathrooms and hiking trails. The lake has a protected wetlands area to the west but there is fishing most of the lake. There's a bait shop where you can rent boats to either paddle around or fish out of. The shop's hours vary. Lots of wildlife around the area. I saw elk, different types of birds and crawdads the brief time I was there.
Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Birding, Camping. It's easy to spend a day here, relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. If you're passing through on a long drive, take a break and stretch your legs.
For me, I most enjoy walking around watching and photographing the variety of plants and wildlife that call Luna lake its home.
