Ashurst Lake/Forked Pine CampgroundsGood fishing and excellent views of the San Francisco Peaks characterize these two lakeside campgrounds. [Ashurst Lake](/recarea/coconino/recreation/wateractivities/recarea/?recid=54946&amp;actid=79) is stocked with trout, bass, and channel catfish, and boasts enough wind\_\_for\_\_windsurfing.Both campgrounds hug the lakeshore with campsites huddled in a picturesque stand of gnarly old juniper trees and pinyon pines. One of Ashurst Lake\'s most notable characteristics is it ability to hold a high water level in drought years. That can be very important here in northern Arizona where less resilient lakes sometimes dry up.In addition to fishing and board sailing, the lake offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching during the spring waterfowl migration. For a special treat look for white-faced ibises grazing in the shallows along with the cinnamon teal, pintails and other ducks. Bald eagles and osprey can also be seen in the area, along with a number of species of hawks and songbirds.A graveled road to the lake and graveled road that surrounds most of the lake provides convenient access for most passenger vehicles and bicycles. Rustic gravel and \_\_\_two-track\_\_\_ roads in the area offer some great opportunities to mountain bike or walk out into the surrounding juniper/ponderosa mixed forest for some wildlife viewing and open spaces. The San Francisco Peaks stand majestically on the horizon providing a grand display of Arizona\_\_\_s volcanic past.\_\_Hover mouse over photo to display slideshow controls. [View album on Flicker][1][][2]\_\_ 

[1]: https://www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest/sets/72157686917120831
[2]: https://www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest/albums/72157686917120831

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds

I recently went for a weekend camping trip to Ashurst Lake. It is only 20 miles from my home so that made it even better! It is an absolutely beautiful area. Campsites are clean and some offer semi-privacy. Staff is friendly and helpful. The water is a mesmerizing blue. While there I saw my first Bald Eagle! There were 2 of them fighting over a fish! Amazing sight to see! My dogs had a blast too! We plan on returning soon!

Camping and hiking at Ashurst lake

Although it was a holiday weekend and there were a whole lot of people there it was a beautiful spot and we had an amazing weekend highly recommend the dispersed camping in northern,arizona

Dispersed camping at ashurst lake 

This is one of my favorite places to go when I only have a few days to get away.  I love to kayak and fish on the lake.  Waking to elk bugling is icing on the cake for me, can't wait to go back again. 

One of my favorites 

The road in can usually be traveled without 4x4 but it doesn't hurt. The campground is small but there's another just by if it's full. This is a fishing lake not a swimming one so leave your suits at home and enjoy a nature walk or campfire in peace and quiet. Campsites are decent size and just enough privacy but all a short walk to restroom. Beware of the steep boat ramp. The skies when you're out there look like a painting!

Small, quiet and picturesque skies

Went climbing out at the Pit in Flagstaff for the day, then we came and camped out not too far away! The site had plenty of trees for hammocks, as well as tent sites. It was easy to access for not just 4x4 vehicles and was a nice and quick drive from the main road.

Had a blast out in Flagstaff

This campground needs some updates and some TLC. That’s the best I could say. Each site has a concrete table and fire ring. The shade is limited. The dirt road is pretty wash board and a lot of traffic there and back. 

The lake is super close but the sites are only suitable for tents. There are maybe 3 spots that a trailer could get into. There is trash, portable water tank and bathrooms. Boat ramp and day use area. 

Not great 

Went tent camping here the last weekend of the actual season. It’s a bit pricey at $20 a night, but it was worth it to be right on the water with the dog rather than make the drive from the disperse campsites. It was completely full at the campgrounds and disperse around it was pretty full, but we didn’t have any issues finding our own spot to hang out on multiple parts of the lake. I’m pretty sure our campsite was still available so late due to its inability to house an RV. Most spots would fit an RV, but ours was much more comfortable with just a tent. Multiple RVs ran their generators but we could only hear them at the water fill up and bathroom. There were trees to hang hammocks. We only had one neighbor, who was a bit close in terms of our tables, but tents and everything else had plenty of distance. 

Oct 9-12, 2020

We thought this site was surprisingly busy for how secluded it is. 

The trees don’t offer much shade either. I wish we had brought a pop up canopy. 

Having the vault toilets and trash was nice and we brought in our own water and supplies. There were lots of spiders in the trees. 

The road back to the campsite was rocky so be prepared for a shakey ride on loose rocks. 