Fishing enthusiasts will find Ashurst Lake campground sits directly beside a stocked trout lake within Coconino National Forest, accessible via a washboard dirt road that most vehicles can navigate. The 5-7 mile approach road from the main highway delivers campers to a compact lakeside setting where sites accommodate both RVs with hookups and tent camping setups.
The campground fills quickly during peak seasons, with sites positioned on both sides of the access road. Some spots offer direct lake access while others require a short walk to the water's edge. Charm M. notes that "campsites are clean and some offer semi-privacy," though several reviewers mention limited shade coverage. Trees provide enough structure for hammock hanging, but campers often bring pop-up canopies for additional sun protection.
Anglers cast lines from the shoreline and boat ramp, targeting the lake's trout population. The steep concrete boat ramp accommodates small watercraft, while a day-use area provides additional lake access. Wildlife sightings include bald eagles fishing over the water and elk bugling in nearby forest areas. The lake serves fishing purposes rather than swimming, with campers focusing on paddling, nature walks, and campfire evenings.
Sites feature concrete picnic tables and established fire rings, with vault toilets and a portable water tank serving the campground. Rangers collect fees on-site, accepting cash payments of $27 per night. The nearby country store at Lower Lake Mary provides last-minute supplies including firewood and cash access. Numan Y. advises campers to "wish there were more trees to make shade" when planning summer visits.
Reserve ahead during busy periods, as both the established campground and surrounding dispersed camping areas attract steady weekend crowds seeking lakeside camping opportunities.
Description
Recreation
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 Arizonas volcanic past.
Facilities
25 singles unit sites (Ashurst), tables, fire rings, and cooking grills, drinking water, toilets (vault and compost type). Boat ramp is located on the lake's west side.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (928) 774-9671.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundAshurst Lake — Coconino National Forest Recreation is located in Arizona
Coordinates
35.01953 N
111.40847 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/13/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/29/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/13/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 33 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 1 hr 33 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 2 hrs 8 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 28 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
