Established in 1879 along with the twin town of Eager, Springerville is a unique destination in Arizona. Its 7,000-foot elevation places it higher up than many locations in Colorado. It is also home to Sunrise Park Resort, one of the few winter ski resorts in a mostly desert terrain.
The town started as a trading post developed by a man named Henry Springer, and the current population of 2,000 works hard to retain that same welcoming, helpful atmosphere. It's ideally situated in Round Valley in an area called the "Gateway to the White Mountains." This makes Springerville a top RV camping destination for outdoor adventurers of all skill levels and interests.
Whether you're just passing through Apache County or camping at nearby Lyman Lake State Park, there's plenty to see and do around Springerville. The location sits at the northernmost boundary of the Coronado Trail, otherwise known as Highway 191, a scenic drive that follows the path of Vasquez de Coronado on his 1540 expedition to find the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola. The best way to get to Springerville is through the town of Show Low. It's located 225 miles east of Phoenix via AZ-87 N and AZ 260 E. Make sure to stop by the Springerville Heritage Museum on Main Street while you're in town and take a guided tour of the R Lazy J Wildlife Ranch just outside Springerville.
Round Valley Round Up - This combination rodeo and arts festival takes place every June at the Eager Rodeo Grounds in Eager, AZ, just off S Highway 80. Admission is $5 per day for this two-day event in June.
July 4th Fine Arts and Crafts Festival - Now in its 47th year, this event hosted by the High Country Art Association in Pinetop takes place over three days around Independence Day.
Hon-Dah Pow Wow - hosted at the Hon-Dah Resort Casino in June, this is one of many Native American Pow Wows scheduled in Arizona throughout the year. Join the Apache Tribe for food, dancing, and a celebration of indigenous culture.
Springerville is within a few hours' drive of three national parks. The closest is the Petrified Forest National Park, just over 60 miles northwest via US-180 W/US-191 N and US-180 W. This oasis of color in a monochrome desert landscape is famous for its forest of petrified trees, amazing views, and abundance of wildlife.
The White Sands National Park in New Mexico is a nearly straight drive 300 miles east on US-60. Known for its awe-inspiring sea of pure white gypsum dunes, it was a testing site for the U.S. military in decades past. This gives it an isolated atmosphere that's great for quiet getaways in a remote location. Listen for coyotes, watch the sunrise, or look for the fossilized footprints of long-extinct species like saber-toothed tigers and dire wolves.
Traveling the 235 miles from Springerville to Saguaro National Park puts you in the best location to see the iconic saguaro cactus that grows in clumps and bunches throughout the area. You can also enjoy hiking and organized park events or take a trip into nearby Tucson for sightseeing and shopping. Kids will really enjoy the park's Junior Ranger program.
Whether you're camping in your RV or taking in the scenery, there are plenty of state parks to enjoy near Springerville. Adjacent to the Little Colorado River, Lyman Lake State Park offers a 1,500-acre manmade lake that's teeming with largemouth bass, sunfish, and walleyes. There are also 38 RV camping sites with full hookups.
High in the desert, you'll find Roper Lake State Park. Visitors enjoy hiking the Mariah Mesa Trail, boating, photographing nature, or just relaxing away from the city. Developed picnic areas with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park. Nights can be chilly even in summer due to the 3,374-foot elevation, so bring appropriate clothing.
Springtime is a great time to visit Picachu State Park. You'll avoid harsh winters and summer heat, and the vast, sloping fields of wildflowers alone are worth the trip. It's also a great place for bird-watching or hiking one of the many marked trails. Be aware that some of the trails are treacherous and difficult for less experienced hikers.
Visitors to Springerville won't want to miss seeing the Madonna of the Trail statue downtown. This monument is one of 12 in various states celebrating pioneer women as part of the National Old Trails Road project that stretches from Cumberland, MD to Upland, CA. Another must-see landmark is the Casa Malpais Archaeology Park and Museum, a collection of prehistoric and indigenous artifacts adjacent to the Springerville Heritage Center. Just a short drive away in Winslow, have your picture taken with the statue in Standin' on the Corner Park. This statue, inspired by The Eagles' song, is located on the corner of Kinsley Avenue and East 2nd Street.
Among the dozens of RV parks and campgrounds in the Springerville area, K-Bar RV Resort is a top selection for seniors. Located off 16th Avenue in Show Low, this is a 55+ park with room for 90 RVs, with full hookups at each site. Sites are pull-through/back-in with 30- and 50-amp hookups. They offer organized activities, and all facilities are fully accessible. The rate is $38 a day.
For family- and pet-friendly camping, it's hard to beat Show Low Lake Campground. Each of the 72 campsites is bounded by trees or bushes for privacy, and you can get sites with or without hookups. Cell reception is strong, and lake views abound throughout. This site is open May 1 - Oct. 31, and rates start at $22 per day for a standard pull-through RV campsite. There are no showers at this location, but there is an on-site convenience store for basic supplies and fishing tackle.
The Rainbow Forest RV Park is close to Lakeside but feels like it's secluded. Rates begin at $20 per day for very basic amenities, and you can rent daily/weekly/monthly. There are 38 RV sites with full hookups and 30/50 amps. Campsites are far apart, picnic tables are scattered throughout, and there's a clubhouse on the grounds.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Springerville, AZ, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Springerville?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Springerville from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Springerville?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
