Sulphide Del Ray Campground

Hello, fellow Arizonans! Are you yearning for a true escape into the tranquil beauty of a pine forest, far from the desert heat and city noise? Then Sulphide Del Ray Campground, nestled in the Pinal Mountains near Globe, is a spot that truly deserves your attention. This isn't a bustling resort; it's a rustic, serene haven within the Tonto National Forest, offering a genuine "up above" experience where "the view... is really worth it." Imagine being "surrounded by pines," where the nights get "completely silent" save for the gentle sounds of nature, and the sky is "perfectly dark except for stars between the trees." It's the kind of place that embodies the peaceful, wild side of Arizona that many of us cherish.

While some might find its rustic nature and "minimal flat spots" a challenge, for us locals seeking an authentic connection with nature, these are often the very features that define a great getaway. Sulphide Del Ray Campground offers cooler temperatures due to its higher elevation, making it an ideal retreat when the lower deserts are sweltering. It's a place to truly disconnect, breathe in the fresh pine-scented air, and appreciate the simple beauty of our state's diverse landscapes. Be prepared to be self-sufficient, respect the quiet hours and the natural environment, and you'll find Sulphide Del Ray to be a deeply rewarding and peaceful camping experience right here in our backyard.

Sulphide Del Ray Campground is located in the Pinal Mountains, near Globe, AZ 85501, USA, within the Tonto National Forest. This puts it at a higher elevation than Globe, offering cooler temperatures, especially during Arizona's warmer months.

Accessing Sulphide Del Ray involves navigating some unpaved roads. Reviews describe the "road in" as "decently maintained," and "would be possible in most cars," though you "would need to take a few parts slow." One camper noted their "Honda CRV handled the road ok," suggesting that while a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle isn't strictly necessary, it would certainly make the journey more comfortable. The road is often described as a "wash-board dirt road," which is common for many of our beautiful, remote forest campgrounds. The campground is approximately 9.25 to 10 miles southwest of Globe. To get there from Globe, you'll typically follow Jess Hayes Road southeast to the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/Forest Road (FR) 112 and Sixshooter Canyon Road/FR 22. Continue on FR 112 for about 2.25 miles to the junction of FR 55 and FR 112. Take the right fork and continue for 2.5 miles on FR 55, which soon becomes unpaved. At the junction of FR 55 and FR 651, turn left and proceed for another 5 to 5.5 miles to the site. It is critical for visitors to "pack everything you need" as there's no going back to town once you arrive without dealing with the extensive dirt road again.

• Rustic campsites: Approximately 10 designated campsites available.

• First-come, first-served basis: No reservations are taken, so arrive early during peak times to secure a spot.

• Vault toilets: Described as "very clean and stocked," providing basic restroom facilities.

• No potable water: Campers must bring all their own drinking and wash water.

• No trash bins or trash service: Strict "pack it in, pack it out" policy for all waste; leave no trace is essential.

• Each site includes a picnic table and a fire pit/grill: Allows for outdoor cooking and campfires when fire restrictions permit (be mindful of "clear fire damage all around the area").

• Quiet hours: Enforced starting at 10 p.m.; ATVs and other noisy activities are discouraged after this time.

• No hookups: No electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs.

• 14-day stay limit: Standard for many national forest campgrounds.

• Pet-friendly: Dogs are allowed, but owners must pick up after them and keep them under control.

• Pine Forest Setting: Surrounded by majestic ponderosa pines, offering ample shade and a distinctly cooler, more refreshing atmosphere than the lower desert elevations. This is a significant draw for Arizonans during warmer seasons.

• Peaceful and Quiet Nights: Described as getting "completely silent at night assuming other campers behave," providing a truly tranquil environment perfect for relaxation and reflection.

• Exceptional Stargazing: Being "perfectly dark except for stars between the trees," it's an ideal spot for stargazing, offering incredible views of the night sky free from light pollution.

• Scenic Views: The "view up above campgrounds is really worth it," suggesting panoramic vistas of the surrounding Pinal Mountains and forest.

• Rustic and Authentic Camping: Appeals to those who prefer a primitive, "back-to-basics" experience without modern amenities, focusing on immersion in nature.

• Wildlife Abundance: Located within the Tonto National Forest, the area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for observation (remember to secure food to avoid attracting animals).

• Relatively Accessible Dirt Road: While unpaved and potentially wash-boarded, the road is manageable for most cars, not requiring a dedicated 4x4, though caution is advised.

• Clean Restrooms: Reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness and stocking of the vault toilets, a significant plus for rustic campgrounds.

• Historical Mining Area: The site was once an old mining company location, where miners lived to escape the heat, adding a touch of historical intrigue to the area.

• Hiking Opportunities: While a specific trail like Kellner Canyon Trailhead might be hard to locate directly from the campground (as noted in one review), the general area within the Tonto National Forest offers numerous trails, including Sixshooter Trail 197 and Icehouse Trail 198, for exploration.

• Year-Round Open Season: Allows for camping throughout the year, though conditions and accessibility will vary by season, with spring and fall often being ideal.

Address: Globe, AZ 85501, USA (Located within the Tonto National Forest, Pinal Mountains)

Sulphide Del Ray Campground is managed by the Tonto National Forest, specifically the Globe Ranger District. Since it's a first-come, first-served campground, there isn't a direct reservation line for this specific site.

For general inquiries, current conditions, fire restrictions, or information about the Tonto National Forest and its campgrounds, you can contact the Globe Ranger District.

Globe Ranger District Phone: (928) 402-6200

Mobile Phone: +1 928-402-6200 (Same as above)

It is highly recommended to call the Globe Ranger District before your visit, especially to inquire about current road conditions (particularly for the unpaved sections), any fire bans, and potential alerts or closures. Always check for current fire restrictions before building a campfire.

For us Arizonans, Sulphide Del Ray Campground represents a classic and deeply appealing outdoor escape, embodying many of the qualities we seek in a true wilderness experience. We appreciate its higher elevation, which offers a much-needed respite from the often-scorching temperatures of the lower desert, providing a "nice" environment "with pines" and cooler air. The allure of a place that gets "completely silent at night" and is "perfectly dark except for stars between the trees" speaks directly to our desire for peaceful solitude and incredible stargazing opportunities, which are abundant in our state's less populated areas.

While the road in requires a bit of care and the sites might have "minimal flat spots," these are the charming quirks we've come to expect from our more rustic forest campgrounds. We understand the "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy and the importance of being "considerate of other people" and the environment, especially concerning fire safety in our beautiful but fire-prone landscapes. The fact that it's a first-come, first-served site offers a spontaneous adventure, perfect for those last-minute decisions to escape to the mountains. Sulphide Del Ray Campground offers a raw, authentic, and incredibly beautiful pine forest camping experience that truly connects us with the natural splendor of Arizona, making it an ideal destination for any local seeking genuine outdoor tranquility.