Canyon Country
Arizona’s Canyon Country includes the southwestern section of the Colorado Plateau, a vast land of deep canyons and high plateaus. It includes the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon, the volcanic mountain country around Flagstaff and Williams, and the canyon-carved edge of the western Mogollon Rim. The Grand Canyon’s mile-deep, 300-mile-long barrier isolates the plateau to the north from the rest of Arizona. On the east, at the upper end of the canyons, US 89A crosses the Colorado River near the historic site of Lees Ferry. The next crossing of the river and the canyons is 300 miles downstream at Hoover Dam on US 93.
North Rim
The North Rim country is also known as the Arizona Strip because of its isolation from the rest of Arizona. It often seems more a part of Utah than Arizona. The BLM’s Virgin River Campground is located on I-15 where it slices through the very northwest corner of Arizona on its way from Nevada to Utah. Get just a mile or so away from the busy freeway, and you’re in the Arizona of fifty or one hundred years ago. Because of its distance from major population centers, the North Rim country is an uncrowded land. If you’re looking to get away from crowds, this is the place. Even the Grand Canyon’s North Rim is less busy than the South Rim. A star attraction for the camper is the high Kaibab Plateau, covered with an alpine forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and quaking aspen. Kaibab is an old Paiute Indian word meaning “mountain lying down,” and that’s a perfect description of this vast plateau.
For more information:
Fredonia Chamber of Commerce
www.fredoniaaz.net/Tourism/ChamberofCommerce.aspx
Angels Window Overlook on the Cape Royal Road
| Number |
Name |
Elevation |
Season |
RV/Trailer |
Sites |
Water |
RV dump |
Fishing |
Hiking trails |
Boating |
Boat launch |
Wheelchair access |
Fee |
Stay limit, days |
| 1 |
Virgin River |
1,900 |
Year-round |
■ |
75 |
■ |
|
|
■ |
|
|
|
■ |
14 |
| 2 |
Jacob Lake |
7,900 |
May-Oct |
■ |
51 |
■ |
|
|
■ |
|
|
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 3 |
DeMotte Park |
9,000 |
May-Oct |
■ |
38 |
■ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
■ |
14 |
| 4 |
North Rim |
8,200 |
May-Oct |
■ |
83 |
■ |
|
|
■ |
|
|
|
■ |
7 |
| 5 |
Lees Ferry |
3,170 |
Year-round |
■ |
54 |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
|
■ |
14 |
1 Virgin River
Location: About 16 miles northeast of Littlefield, in the Virgin River Canyon
Sites: 75 tent and RV; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Bureau of Land Management, (435) 688-3200, www.blm.gov
Finding the campground: From Littlefield, Arizona, go 16 miles north on I-15 and take the Cedar Pockets exit.
About the campground: Located in the spectacular Virgin River Gorge between the Beaver Dam and Virgin Mountains, this campground’s canyon setting seems especially wild if approached across the Mohave Desert from the south. The freeway forms a narrow corridor through the Beaver Dam and Paiute Wildernesses, so this campground is a good base for hiking and exploring. There are also two short trails near the campground. There are limited services in Littlefield and full services in St. George, Utah.
2 Jacob Lake
Location: Jacob Lake on the Kaibab Plateau
Sites: 51 tent and RV up to 32 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Kaibab National Forest, (928) 635-8200, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Finding the campground: The campground is located at the tiny hamlet of Jacob Lake, at the junction of US 89A and AZ 67.
About the campground: Jacob Lake is the gateway to Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim, and the campground makes a fine base for daylong excursions into the park and the surrounding high plateau country. Naturalist programs are offered. There is a group campground, available by reservation only. Jacob Lake Inn, across the highway, has a restaurant, lodging, a service station, and limited supplies. The USDA Forest Service Visitor Center, south of the inn, can supply maps and information on the Kaibab National Forest. The nearest full services are in Fredonia and Kanab.
Red rock formations along the Virgin River
3 DeMotte Park
Location: About 25 miles south of Jacob Lake, on the Kaibab Plateau
Sites: 38 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, dirt
Management: Kaibab National Forest, (928) 635-8200, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Finding the campground: From Jacob Lake on US 89A, go 25 miles south on AZ 67. Turn right just after passing Kaibab Lodge.
About the campground: The campground is set in the forest on the edge of DeMotte Park, the largest of several beautiful alpine meadows on the Kaibab Plateau. The campground makes a perfect base for exploring the plateau as well as Grand Canyon National Park just to the south. Naturalist programs are available. Kaibab Lodge has lodging and a restaurant, and North Rim Country Store across the highway has limited supplies and a service station. The nearest full services are in Fredonia and Kanab.
Bright Angel Point near North Rim Campground, Grand Canyon
4 North Rim
Location: North Rim of the Grand Canyon
Sites: 83 tent and RV; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Grand Canyon National Park, (928) 638-7888, www.nps.gov/grca; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Jacob Lake on US 89A, go 43 miles south on AZ 67 to North Rim Village in Grand Canyon National Park.
About the campground: Although frequently full during summer, this campground’s location is hard to beat as a base for enjoying and exploring the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. It is the only campground at the North Rim. Lodging, restaurants, limited supplies, a dump station, and a service station are nearby. The nearest full services are in Fredonia and Kanab.
5 Lees Ferry
Location: Marble Canyon
Sites: 54 tent and RV; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, (928) 608-6200, www.nps.gov/glca
Finding the campground: From Page, drive 25 miles south on US 89, and then turn right onto US 89A. Go 14 miles north to Marble Canyon; turn right onto Lees Ferry Road and continue 5 miles to the campground.
About the campground: Historic Lees Ferry was a major crossing point on the Colorado River until the ferry was replaced by Navajo Bridge in the 1920s. Hoover Dam, 300 miles downstream, is the next vehicle crossing on the Colorado River. Today Lees Ferry is famous for its trout fishery, created by the cold water issuing from the depths of Lake Powell, behind Glen Canyon Dam. Lees Ferry is also the launch point for Grand Canyon raft trips. The setting is dramatic, under the towering sandstone Vermilion and Echo Cliffs. Limited services, including gas, groceries, lodging, a restaurant, fishing guides, and a Laundromat, are available at Marble Canyon; the nearest full services are in Page.
South Rim
The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is by far the more accessible and popular of the two rims, and campground spaces are hard to come by during summer. A good alternative is to stay in one of the campgrounds near Williams or Flagstaff and plan on a day trip to the South Rim. Off-season, the South Rim is less crowded, and it’s possible to stay in Mather Campground, leave your vehicle parked, and explore the canyon’s rim by shuttle bus and foot.
For more information:
Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce PO Box 3007
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
(888) 472-2696
www.grandcanyoncvb.org
Sunset near Mather Campground, Grand Canyon
| Number |
Name |
Elevation |
Season |
RV/Trailer |
Sites |
Water |
RV dump |
Fishing |
Hiking trails |
Boating |
Boat launch |
Wheelchair access |
Fee |
Stay limit, days |
| 6 |
Mather |
7,100 |
Year-round |
■ |
300+ |
■ |
■ |
|
■ |
|
|
■ |
■ |
7 |
| 7 |
Trailer Village |
7,100 |
Year-round |
■ |
78 |
■ |
■ |
|
■ |
|
|
■ |
■ |
|
| 8 |
Ten-X |
6,600 |
May-Sept |
■ |
70 |
■ |
|
|
■ |
|
|
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 9 |
Desert View |
7,400 |
May-Oct |
■ |
50 |
■ |
|
|
|
|
|
■ |
■ |
7 |
Desert View Watchtower on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
6 Mather
Location: Grand Canyon Village
Sites: 300+ tent and RV; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Grand Canyon National Park, (928) 638-7888, www.nps.gov/grca; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: Mather campground is located across from the visitor center in Grand Canyon Village.
About the campground: The park’s main campground, it is centrally located in Grand Canyon Village. Shuttle service is available in the village year-round, and along the Hermit Road except during the winter. There are hiking trails along the canyon rim and into the gorge. In season, the campground fills early. Lodging, restaurants, and a supermarket are nearby. Ground and air tours are available. The nearest full services are in Williams and Flagstaff.
7 Trailer Village
Location: Grand Canyon Village
Sites: 78 RV with full hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Grand Canyon National Park, (928) 638-7888, www.nps.gov/grca; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: Trailer Village is located across from the visitor center in Grand Canyon Village.
About the campground: Trailer Village is centrally located in Grand Canyon Village, which has lodging, restaurants, and a supermarket. The nearest full services are in Williams and Flagstaff.
8 Ten-X
Location: Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Sites: 70 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Kaibab National Forest, (928) 635-8200, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Williams, drive north 49 miles on AZ 64; turn right at the campground sign. The campground is 2.5 miles south of Tusayan.
About the campground: This USDA Forest Service campground is a good alternative to camping in Grand Canyon National Park, which is 4 miles north. During September it’s a good place to sleep after Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts on the South Rim. You also have a good chance of seeing and hearing elk near this campground. The campground features a nature trail, and group campsites are available. Lodging, restaurants, service stations, and supplies are available in Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village. The nearest full services are in Williams and Flagstaff.
9 Desert View
Location: Grand Canyon’s South Rim
Sites: 50 tent and RV; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Grand Canyon National Park, (928) 638-7888, www.nps.gov/grca; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Grand Canyon Village, drive 25 miles east on East Rim Drive to Desert View. From Cameron on US 89, drive west 32 miles on AZ 64. The campground is 0.25 mile north of the East Entrance Station.
About the campground: Desert View is famous for its unique view of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, and the Painted Desert to the east. Several other viewpoints offer fine views of the canyon. The small village has minimal services—a snack bar, a service station, and limited supplies. The nearest full services are in Flagstaff.
Point Moran along Desert View Drive, Grand Canyon
Williams
The town of Williams, “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” was named for mountain man Bill Williams, a famous master trapper and scout on the Santa Fe Trail. Its western heritage is still evident along its historic district, where the Grand Canyon Railway even offers an opportunity to ride a steam-engine train to the Grand Canyon. Located on the high, cool Coconino Plateau, Williams and the surrounding area are popular summer recreation destinations. Several reservoirs supply water for the town, and boating and fishing opportunities for recreationists. Three hiking trails lead to the summit of Bill Williams Mountain, just south of town, and the backcountry of Sycamore Canyon Wilderness lies southeast of town, near White Horse Lake.
Dogtown Lake
For more information:
| Number |
Name |
Elevation |
Season |
RV/Trailer |
Sites |
Water |
RV dump |
Fishing |
Hiking trails |
Boating |
Boat launch |
Wheelchair access |
Fee |
Stay limit, days |
| 10 |
Cataract Lake |
6,800 |
May-Sept |
■ |
18 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 11 |
Kaibab Lake |
6,800 |
May-Sept |
■ |
73 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 12 |
Dogtown Lake |
7,000 |
May-Sept |
■ |
51 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 13 |
White Horse Lake |
6,600 |
May-Sept |
■ |
85 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
14 |
10 Cataract Lake
Location: Williams
Sites: 18 tent and RV up to 18 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Kaibab National Forest, (928) 635-8200, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Finding the campground: From Williams, drive west on Bill Williams Avenue, passing under I-40.
About the campground: This small campground is convenient to Williams, where full services are available. Boating (limited to 1 hp electric motors) and fishing are popular on the lake. Nearby Bill Williams Mountain has several hiking trails, and miles of forest roads provide opportunities for mountain biking and exploring.
11 Kaibab Lake
Location: Williams
Sites: 73 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Kaibab National Forest, (928) 635-8200, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Williams, go 1 mile east on I-40, and exit north on AZ 64. Continue 1 more mile; turn left onto FR 47, and go 1 mile to the campground.
About the campground: Boating (limited to 1 hp electric motors) and fishing are available on Kaibab Lake. The campground makes a good base for day trips to Grand Canyon National Park and for exploring the forested Coconino Plateau and the mountains south of Williams. There are evening interpretive programs in season. Full services are available in nearby Williams.
An old logging railroad bed near Dogtown Lake
12 Dogtown Lake
Location: About 7 miles southeast of Williams, on the Coconino Plateau
Sites: 51 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Kaibab National Forest, (928) 635-8200, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Williams, drive 4 miles south on Perkinsville Road, CR 73, and then turn left onto FR 140. Go 2.5 miles; turn left on FR 132 and continue less than a mile to the campground.
About the campground: Dogtown Lake is popular with boaters and anglers. The campground has a short nature trail, and a longer hiking trail takes you to the top of Davenport Hill. There are many other hiking trails on nearby Bill Williams Mountain and in Sycamore Canyon Wilderness to the south. The forest road system provides plenty of opportunities for exploring and mountain biking. Full services are available in Williams.
13 White Horse Lake
Location: About 17 miles southeast of Williams, near Sycamore Canyon
Sites: 85 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved, all-weather dirt
Management: Kaibab National Forest, (928) 635-8200, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Williams, drive 8 miles south on Perkinsville Road, CR 73, and then turn left onto FR 110. Go 7 miles; turn left on FR 109 and go 2 miles to the lake and campground.
About the campground: White Horse Lake features boating (limited to 1 hp electric motors) and is very popular with anglers. The campground is an ideal base for exploring the western Mogollon Rim country and the forested plateau. FR 110 continues south of the campground to Sycamore Point, a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the rugged Sycamore Canyon Wilderness. Miles of other forest roads are great for mountain biking. Full services are available in Williams.
Flagstaff
The largest city in northern Arizona, Flagstaff has a full range of visitor services, as well as cultural events and museums. Spend some time at the Museum of Northern Arizona to learn more about the natural and human history of the area. The Arboretum at Flagstaff has nine gardens that display plants native to the area, including thirty rare and endangered species. Lowell Observatory, where the dwarf planet Pluto was first discovered, also has an excellent visitor center.
The Coconino Plateau surrounding Flagstaff is heavily forested with ponderosa pine. The high mountain elevation provides a welcome respite from the heat of the deserts below. The highest mountain in the state, 12,633-foot San Francisco Mountain, known locally as the San Francisco Peaks, dominates the skyline to the north. The majestic summits are the home of the gods in both the Navajo and Hopi religions and are the largest of more than 600 volcanoes in the area. Nearby Sunset Crater National Monument preserves the results of the most recent volcanic eruption. Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments provide a chance for visitors to view some of the ancient dwellings used by the Sinagua Indians and understand how they lived.
The San Francisco Peaks above Lockett Meadow Campground
Southeast of the city lies a section of the Mogollon Plateau known locally as “Lake Country.” Numerous lakes on this high, forested plateau support angling, boating, and other water sports. The plateau ends abruptly at the south-facing escarpment of the Mogollon Rim. Most of the forest is laced with dirt roads, and it’s a mountain biker’s paradise. There are also miles of hiking trails, most notably the Arizona Trail, which traverses the region on its way from Utah to Mexico.
For more information:
Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau
One East Route 66
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 774-9541; (800) 842-7293
www.flagstaffarizona.org
visitorcenter@flagstaffaz.gov
| Number |
Name |
Elevation |
Season |
RV/Trailer |
Sites |
Water |
RV dump |
Fishing |
Hiking trails |
Boating |
Boat launch |
Wheelchair access |
Fee |
Stay limit, days |
| 14 |
Lockett Meadow |
8,600 |
July-Sept |
|
17 |
|
|
|
■ |
|
|
|
■ |
14 |
| 15 |
Bonito |
6,900 |
May-Oct |
■ |
44 |
■ |
|
|
■ |
|
|
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 16 |
Little Elden Spring Horse Camp |
7,200 |
May-Oct |
■ |
15 |
■ |
|
|
■ |
|
|
|
■ |
14 |
| 17 |
Fort Tuthill County Park |
6,900 |
May-Sept |
■ |
75 |
■ |
|
|
■ |
|
|
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 18 |
Canyon Vista |
6,900 |
May-Oct |
■ |
11 |
■ |
|
|
■ |
|
|
|
■ |
14 |
| 19 |
Lakeview |
6,900 |
May-Sept |
■ |
30 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 20 |
Pinegrove |
6,900 |
May-Sept |
■ |
46 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
|
|
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 21 |
Ashurst Lake |
7,000 |
May-Sept |
■ |
25 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 22 |
Forked Pine |
7,100 |
May-Sept |
■ |
25 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 23 |
Dairy Springs |
7,000 |
May-Sept |
■ |
30 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
|
|
|
■ |
14 |
| 24 |
Double Springs |
7,000 |
May-Sept |
■ |
15 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
|
|
■ |
■ |
14 |
| 25 |
Kinnikinick Lake |
7,000 |
May-Sept |
■ |
13 |
■ |
|
■ |
■ |
■ |
■ |
|
■ |
14 |
Aspen trees soften the landscape near Lockett Meadow Campground, San Francisco Peaks.
14 Lockett Meadow
Location: About 17 miles north of Flagstaff
Sites: 17 tent
Road conditions: Dirt
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive about 12 miles north on US 89, and turn left onto FR 420. This turnoff is opposite the Sunset Crater National Monument turnoff. Go 0.5 mile, and turn right on FR 522. Continue 4.2 miles to the end of the road at the campground.
About the campground: The campground is located in an aspen grove at the edge of Lockett Meadow at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks’ scenic Interior Valley, a glacial canyon carved through the heart of the mountain. The Inner Basin Trail leads up the valley and connects to a network of trails, some of which are open to mountain bikers. It is a great base for day hikes and rides on the mountain.
Sunflowers in Bonito Park, Sunset Crater National Monument
15 Bonito
Location: About 16 miles north of Flagstaff, at Sunset Crater National Monument
Sites: 44 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive about 14 miles north on US 89, and turn right onto the Sunset Crater road, FR 545. Go 2 miles and turn left into the campground.
About the campground: Located next to Sunset Crater National Monument, Bonito Campground is named for the nearby Bonito Lava Flow, which erupted from the base of Sunset Crater Volcano less than 1,000 years ago. The campground is in an open stand of ponderosa pines in a lunar-like landscape—a great place to watch the full moon rise. The nearby Park Service visitor center explains the volcanic history of the area. Naturalist programs are available. Several trails provide access to viewpoints and natural features. Nearby Wupatki National Monument features ruins from a Native American culture that thrived in the area northeast of Sunset Crater. The nearest full services are in Flagstaff.
16 Little Elden Spring Horse Camp
Location: About 7 miles north of Flagstaff, at the base of Mount Elden
Sites: 15 tent and RV up to 35 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Dirt
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive about 5 miles north on US 89. Turn left onto FR 556 and continue 2 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This campground is open to equestrians only. It’s ideally placed at a trailhead for the extensive Mount Elden–Dry Lake Hills trail system, which is popular with mountain bikers and hikers as well as equestrians. The campground is in a pleasant stand of ponderosa pine and Gambel oak below the 2,000-foot east slopes of Mount Elden. The nearest full services are in Flagstaff.
17 Fort Tuthill County Park
Location: Flagstaff
Sites: 75 tent and RV up to 35 feet; a few hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino County Parks and Recreation, (928) 679-8000, www.coconino.az.gov/parks.aspx?id=410
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 2 miles south on I-17, and exit at AZ 89A. Turn right (west) into the park and campground.
About the campground: Site of the annual Coconino County Fair and numerous other events, the park features the campground, picnic areas, and a country store. The campground makes a fine base for exploring in and around Flagstaff, as well as Oak Creek Canyon 12 miles to the south on AZ 89A. Full services are available in nearby Flagstaff.
18 Canyon Vista
Location: About 6 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on Lake Mary Road
Sites: 11 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 6 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road, CR 3; turn left into the campground.
About the campground: Hiking trails and rock climbing are this scenic pine-forested campground’s main attractions. The two boat ramps on Upper Lake Mary are just to the south, and the lake is popular with anglers and water-skiers during the summer. Full services are available in Flagstaff, and there are limited supplies at the north end of Lower Lake Mary.
19 Lakeview
Location: About 11 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on Upper Lake Mary
Sites: 30 tent and RV up to 26 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 11 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road, CR 3; turn left into the campground.
About the campground: Fishing and boating on Upper Lake Mary are two of this scenic pine-forested campground’s attractions. Full services are available in Flagstaff, and there are limited supplies at the north end of Lower Lake Mary. Both lakes are good sites for wildlife viewing, including migrating waterfowl, bald eagles, and resident ospreys. Elk are common in the area.
20 Pinegrove
Location: About 16 miles southeast of Flagstaff, near Upper Lake Mary
Sites: 46 tent and RV up to 45 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 16 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road, CR 3. Turn right onto FR 651, and continue 0.5 mile to the campground.
About the campground: Located in northern Arizona’s pine-forested lake country, the campground can serve as a base for trips to most of the lakes in the area. Left over from the last ice age, many of the natural lakes on this high plateau have been augmented with small dams and are popular with boaters and anglers. Limited services are available at Mormon Lake Village, 10 miles south; full services are available in Flagstaff.
21 Forked Pine
Location: About 21 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on Ashurst Lake
Sites: 25 tent and RV up to 35 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 16 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road, CR 3. Turn left (east) onto Ashurst Lake Road, FR 82E, and continue 5 miles to the campground.
About the campground: Ashurst Lake is popular with boaters and anglers. Because the lake tends to be breezy, it’s also a destination for sailboarders. It’s also a great place to view wildlife, including waterfowl, hawks, and songbirds. The duck watching is especially good—it’s a real quack fest. The campground is on Anderson Mesa, in an open forest of ponderosa pine, piñon pine, and juniper. Limited services are available at Mormon Lake Village, 15 miles south; full services are available in Flagstaff.
22 Forked Pine
Location: About 22 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on Ashurst Lake
Sites: 25 tent and RV up to 35 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 16 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road, CR 3. Turn left onto Ashurst Lake Road, FR 82E, and continue 6 miles to the campground.
About the campground: This is the second campground at Ashurst Lake, located on the northeast shore.
There are many hiking trails on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff.
23 Dairy Springs
Location: About 24 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on Mormon Lake
Sites: 30 tent and RV up to 35 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home; reservations (877) 444-6777, www.recreation.gov
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 20 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road, CR 3, and turn right onto Mormon Lake Road, FR 90. Continue 4 miles to the campground, which is on the right.
About the campground: The campground is located in a stand of ponderosa pines across the road from Mormon Lake, the largest natural lake in Arizona. Most of the year the lake is actually a shallow marsh, but that makes it a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Several trails start from the campground and lead to scenic overlooks. Group camping is available. Mormon Lake has limited fishing. Some supplies and a restaurant are available in Mormon Lake Village, 4 miles south. Full services are available in Flagstaff.
24 Double Springs
Location: About 25 miles southeast of Flagstaff, on Mormon Lake
Sites: 15 tent and RV up to 35 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Paved
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 20 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road, CR 3, and turn right onto Mormon Lake Road, FR 90. Continue 5 miles to the campground, which is on the right.
About the campground: This campground is just down the road from Dairy Springs Campground and is also across the road from Mormon Lake, in tall pines. Mormon Lake has limited fishing. A short hiking trail leads to a rock ledge with a good view of Mormon Lake. Some supplies and a restaurant are available in Mormon Lake Village, 3 miles south. Full services are available in Flagstaff.
25 Kinnikinick Lake
Location: About 35 miles southeast of Flagstaff, at Kinnikinick Lake
Sites: 13 tent and RV up to 22 feet; no hookups
Road conditions: Dirt
Management: Coconino National Forest, (928) 527-3620, www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/home
Finding the campground: From Flagstaff, drive 25 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road, CR 3, and turn left onto FR 125. Go 5 miles and turn right onto FR 82, the main road. Continue another 5 miles to the campground, which is on the left.
About the campground: The campground is on the shore of Kinnikinick Lake, on a high grassy plateau with scattered ponderosa pine, piñon pine, and juniper. As with the other lakeside campgrounds, this is a good spot for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles, elk, and antelope. Limited services are available at Mormon Lake Village; the nearest full services are in Flagstaff.
