Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

The camp is not well maintained. The lake is a 45 minute hike down through the canyon. But once you’re at the lake it’s beautiful. The lake is nestles in between the tree covered hills with lots of life all around. But you have to really like hiking and you have to really want to see the lake to make the treck. Because it is a treck! Make sure you Pack lots of drinking water and some snacks to keep you going.

We chose Chevelon Lake to try and see a different side of the Arizona forests that we’re used to. The ground were nice but a bit rough on our minivan to get there. Our family took a nice hike to see the lake view. And had a good time in the woods. But we cut our trip short because our kids were covered in dirt, hot, and exhausted. I don’t think we’d return.

The lake is beautiful as all the Rim Lakes are. The terrain for the sites is very rugged. The lake requires a downhill hike of less than a mile but the way back up is strenuous for most, especially if you are carrying a boat. If you have an ATV, I highly recommend bringing it. There are 6-8 campsites above the lake but if you boat to the other end of the lake you can also pitch a tent there (which I have yet to do). Because the lake isn't easily accessible, it's usually pretty quiet here and you'll only see some ATVers or fishermen and women. If you want to make use of the lake by meeting the challenge of getting watercraft down and back up, then camp at this spot. Otherwise, it's a long way out just to camp 3/4 a mile away from a lake.

This is a small very primitive, four space campground off the beaten track. The three nights I stayed here in September, I was the only overnight camper. The place mostly seems to be a parking spot for day trips down to the lake--although even that consisted of one or two parties a day. The pit toilet was a bit stinky and the one side was piled high with trash (really people?); like I said, way off the beaten track even for maintenance crews. The silence here was stunning-- only interrupted by the bugling of elk.

This campground has 6 sites which each have a fire pit (with grill piece), picnic table, and room for 1-2 vehicles. There are two pit toilets on site, no water, trash service, or electrical. There are no fees to camp here. The campground is located at the top of a road that leads down about 0.8 miles to Lake Chevelon. The road from the campground to the lake is closed to motor vehicles, although we did see some small off road vehicles able to bypass the gate. The climb is pretty tough on the way back up, even though it is less than a mile. The campground has several tall trees which provide some shade, but not dense coverage. The road to the campground is gravel and dirt. When we visited, all the sites filled up but I believe it is usually less crowded. Due to forest closures at the time, it limited the other areas available for camping.

This is a good rate but small campground with only five spots when they're all open. It's at the trailhead for the steep climb down to the lake. There may be some people on ATVs but luckily the crime is so steep most people take another route down to the lake. Even better, no motorized boats allowed on the lake. The campgrounds do you have bathrooms and a Ranger usually close by. That's about it for amenities.