Campground Overview:
Sunny Flat Campground is clustered around a grassy meadow in the Chiricahua Mountains on the Coronado National Forest. The campground is close to Cave Creek and can serve as an excellent base camp to explore the surrounding area.
The open character of the area makes for exciting views of Cave Creek Canyon’s famous rock formations which tower over the area. Other recreation attractions you may want to take advantage of while you’re camped at Sunny Flat are the scenic Vista Point Trail located a short distance downstream of the campground, and the Cave Creek Visitor Information Center a little farther downstream. The Center, which is open from early spring through late fall, offers interpretive information, books and pamphlets on the natural and cultural history of the area, and a few examples of local wildlife species.
Campsites:
Sunny Flat Campground includes 13 campsites that well spaced, with pads wide enough for 2 vehicles. A few sites have covered picnic tables, but most of the sites are in the shade. Each campsite has a tent pad, large fire ring, lantern hook, bear box and picnic table. A camp host was on-site and said it was okay to collect firewood. Vault toilets and water are available. No cell service.
This is bear country: To avoid putting a bear’s life in danger and risking the loss of some of your own property, please dispose of all garbage in the bear-proof containers provided. Also, remember to use the bear-proof food boxes to keep all food out of reach and out of sight of these curious and powerful animals
150 miles east of Tucson. Access: From Tucson, take I-10 east 139 miles to US 80 (you will cross the New Mexico border to get to this intersection). Turn right (south) and drive 28 miles, then turn right (west) on the road to Portal, 7 miles. From Douglas, take US 80 east approximately 50 miles to Rodeo, NM. Two miles past Rodeo, turn left (west) on Portal Road. From Portal drive west on Forest Road 42, approximately 3 miles to Sunny Flat Campground. All roads are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Sierra Vista |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Sunny Flat Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Chiricahua Mountains and Cave Creek Canyon
Nestled in the Chiricahua Mountains of Southeastern Arizona, 150 miles east of Tucson, and 50 miles north of Douglas, is Cave Creek Canyon. A hidden gem with spectacular cliffs, flowing streams and abundant wildlife. Many visitors have referred to Cave Creek Canyon as “Arizona’s Yosemite.”
The Chiricahua Mountains were formed by volcanic eruptions spanning 35 to 25 million years ago. The last major eruption, 27 million years ago, created the Turkey Creek Caldera and laid down 2,000 feet (610 m) of volcanic ash which fused into welded Rhyolite tuff. Subsequent erosion has created canyons and mountain ridges covered in stone spires and stone columns that rise up out of the forest.
Cave Creek Canyon is one of Conservation International’s 34 Global Biodiversity Hotspots. It provides habitat for approximately 370 species of birds, 170 species of butterflies, hundreds of plant species and over 70 species of mammals including ocelots, collared peccaries, mountain lions, coatis, black bears, ringtails, and white-tailed deer.
The earliest evidence of human activity in the vicinity are Clovis archeological sites, such as the Double Adobe Site in the Whitewater Draw tributary of Rucker Creek north of Douglas. Subsequently the Cochise, another pre-ceramic based culture spanning 3000 – 200 BCE, was defined from sites around the Chiricahua Mountains, including Cave Creek Canyon. Following the transition to ceramics, diagnostic ceramics characteristic of Mogollon culture and its local variants, the Mimbres culture, are found spanning the period from 150 BCE – 1450. The influx of other indigenous peoples, such as the Chiricahua Apaches, including the leaders Cochise and Geronimo, occupied the area until forced removal in the late 19th century.
Hiking the Chiricahua Mountains
The best way to get in touch with the canyon is on foot. The Chiricahua Mountains contain numerous trails of all lengths and varying degrees of difficulty. When choosing a trail, an important consideration is the temperature and season in which you will be hiking. In winter, hikes in the canyon bottom and up to ~7,000 feet are pleasant. Above 7,000 you might encounter snow and it may not be possible to drive to trailheads at high elevation. In summer, hikes in the high country are delightful and the temperatures are cooler than in the canyon floor. In all seasons, be sure to carry adequate water and clothing, as well as emergency supplies (high energy food, first aid kit, etc). Some of the most popular trails include Cave Creek Nature Trail, Ash Spring Trail #247A, Silver Peak Trail #280, and the Herb Martyr Trail to Pine Park.
For more information Friends of Cave Creek Canyon and Chiricahua Mountains Hiking Trails are great resources for the area.
Chiricahua National Monument is truly one of the National Park Service’s hidden gems. If you are willing to drive the 37 miles to the park from the interstate, you will be surprised to discover a mountain wonderland of trees, charismatic wildlife, and amazing balanced rocks and towering pinnacles that make this place so awe-inspiring. Come explore, whether on foot on the miles of hiking trails or by vehicle along the scenic drive. The monument was established on April 18, 1924, to protect its extensive hoodoos and balancing rocks. The Faraway Ranch, which was owned at one time by Swedish immigrants Neil and Emma Erickson, is also preserved within the monument.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
