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Activities

Established Camping

Lockett Meadow Campground

Campers are Saying

Lockett Meadow Campground, near Flagstaff, Arizona, is a stunning spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This place is famous for its breathtaking views and proximity to the Inner Basin Trail, making it a favorite among hikers and photographers, especially during the fall when the aspens turn vibrant colors.

The campground offers a peaceful atmosphere with well-spaced sites, allowing for a bit of privacy while still being part of a community of fellow campers. Visitors have noted the clean vault toilets and the serene environment, perfect for tent camping. One camper mentioned, “The aspens were beautiful and the campsites gave enough spacing for other campers,” highlighting the natural beauty and thoughtful layout of the area.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking opportunities right at your doorstep, including trails that lead to the top of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona. Just be prepared for some wind at night, as it can get a bit breezy. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, you’ll find that Lockett Meadow is a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding Coconino National Forest.

General Overview

National Forest

Coconino National Forest Recreation

This primitive campground offers a scenic view of the San Francisco Peaks and dry camping in the cool aspen trees that surround Lockett Meadow. This is a terrific campground for those who cherish a real mountain camping experience and love to hike wilderness trails. You may catch a glimpse of the natural residents, porcupine or elk or thrill to the song of a hermit thrush that sings his best here. Even black bear have been known to stroll right through groups of picnickers without as much as a glance at their lunches.The San Francisco Peaks are actually the remains of an extinct volcano, which mllions of years ago shattered and reshaped these great peaks, forming four of the highest individual peaks in Arizona and is home to the only region of tundra in Arizona. Inside the now quiet caldera a lush alpine environment has blurred evidence of that cataclysmic event.The Inner Basin Trail that leads into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. Starting at this island of emerald, which is ringed with quaking aspen stands and majestic high peaks, it leads into the mountain___s now quiet Inner Basin. The spring and summer wild flowers add a sprinkling of blue, red and yellow to the peaceful scene. While fall turns the extensive stands of aspen, which cover the steep slopes of the caldera, to solid gold, Winter avalanche tracks streak down the talus slopes exposing remnants of old lava flows which bear witness to the mountain___s turbulent heritage.__Hover mouse over photo to display slideshow controls. View album on Flicker__

Reservation Info

No reservations. This campground is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Location

Lockett Meadow Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

Location: 15 north of Flagstaff in the heart of the San Francisco Peaks.Directions: Drive northeast of Flagstaff on US Highway 89 for 12.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 552, directly across from the Sunset Crater National Monument turnoff. Follow FR 552 for approximately one mile. Turn right at the Lockett Meadow sign and continue to the campground. This dirt road is closed in early spring and late fall due to snow.This road is not recommended for RVs/trailers due to the very steep, narrow (single lane), and rough road.GPS (Map): 35__21'33.3"N 111__37'09.7"W__Click map thumbnail for larger view.

Coordinates

35.3586 N
111.6208 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 22, 2022

Autumn Star

Famous for inner basin trail, they get full fast! Lov go for autumn trees and leave for photo. Mountain lion was seen.

Site25
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2021

The Little Meadow

Great for family camping! The app didn't say there was a camping fee so we were not prepared to pay. There is a overnight fee of $18. It goes without really saying that we were totally fine with it since it goes towards the preservation and conservation of the forest.

The aspens were beautiful and the campsites gave enough spacing for other campers. The meadow is decent, not too big. There is a trail to hike, which is free. Our kids built a little fort and was safe for our baby to crawl around. Prepare for wind! It (the wind) was loud at night.

Overall great, beautiful campsite!

SiteLockett Meadow Campground
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lockett Meadow Campground by Sapphira G., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Lockett Meadow Campground by Sapphira G., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Lockett Meadow Campground by Sapphira G., August 9, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Great would love to bring family

It is one of the most beautiful camp sites I think I have ever stayed you are a good distance between other campers and the hike right next to the campground is amazing.

Site7
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Lockett Meadow Campground by aaron F., July 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Lockett Meadow Campground by aaron F., July 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Lockett Meadow Campground by aaron F., July 9, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 25, 2020

Camping fail

Decided to camp here while visiting flagstaff. Found a good spot earlier in the day, set up my camp & settled in to read a book when I saw a tarantula take a stroll past my tent. I’m probably just a wuss but I decided to pack up my stuff and sleep in my car instead. I then realized I must have cracked my oil pan pulling into the spot so had to drive to town and get it fixed. So moral of the story is: be careful in low clearance vehicles. And beware of creepy crawlers. Not the best spot to camp but pretty good!

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2019

Great free site but...

Great place to camp near the pay for sites but it’s near the road and a lot of the sites are on a slope.

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2018

Amazing views, but crazy busy

I’ve been to Lockett Meadow several times over the past 4 years and it never disappoints. I have gone both during the first few weeks of October when the leaves are changing color and in the height of summer after the monsoons turn everything green. Both times of the year are beautiful, but Lockett Meadow is always really busy. The camp sites are limited and it is first cone first serve so camping there is really about being lucky or being the earliest of early birds. If you’re sucky enough to find a spot, enjoy because it is truly beautiful up there!

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2018

Small hidden gem with spectacular views

The road is slow going, but the camp grounds have spectacular views and hiking. Large camp sites and free camping in the fall until the snow comes and closes the road! If you can make it in the fall, go during the week to avoid the crowds, and enjoy the Aspens

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2018

Entrance to the inner basin

Few spaces, 17, amazing views and plenty of room between the sites😎 Fantastic place for hiking and chilling in the pines. Beautiful hike to the inner basin through aspen, or hike to the top of Humphreys the high point of AZ. You can also scramble up sugar loaf, and get signal if you need.

  • Review photo of Lockett Meadow Campground by Nadine A., July 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Lockett Meadow Campground by Nadine A., July 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Lockett Meadow Campground by Nadine A., July 28, 2018
Reviewed May. 17, 2018

My favorite AZ campground!

This is my favorite AZ campground so far! Beyond beautiful! Small and remote , just perfect but make sure you bring everything you need except for the toilets.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2016

Cool location, hard to get to

The location of this campground is pretty interesting. The low point is that it's hard to get to, especially for most of the year. The first time attempting to get to it in April 2016 was met with a closed road sign. While it isn't a difficult walk, it's a long one to get there. in July 2016 another attempt was made. The road is rough going up, but was done with front wheel drive car easily. Definitely not made for lower cars. The campground itself is very small, so they're taken up easily. If you are unable to camp in the paid lots there are more free lots down at the bottom of the hill.