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Established Camping

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground is located near a lake surrounded by forested terrain in Arizona. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include Chevelon Canyon Lake for fishing and boating, as well as hiking trails in the surrounding area.

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Location

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.50953495 N
110.8406165 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Sep. 18, 2023

Off the beaten path- but be prepared to hike to the water

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground is my favorite type of site. 1) vault toilets 2) National Forest location 3) semi established camping sites 4) still classified as dispersed camping.

There isn’t any potable water at this site or trash. Bring your own water. Pack it in, pack it out.

The sites are large in the camp site area. We were there on a non-holiday weekend and it stayed busy. The sites are first come, first serve and free. We camped in site #1 which had 2 fire rings, a metal picnic table, and large trees to provide shaded areas throughout the day. In mid-September, highs were mid 70 degrees Fahrenheit and lows were in the mid 50s. Our whole group commented on how nice the weather was on this trip.

We went during a new moon and the stars were fabulous.

There was definitely some rough road the last .5 mile before you reach the camp on FR 169B. Some of it had washed out and there are a few step areas. We had no issues with our group of stock 4x4 pickup trucks and Subarus. Our neighbor at the next campsite over even had a Fiat.

As for the lake, we were not prepared for how long of a hike down it was to the water. According to my watch, it was over a mile and 550 feet of elevation. It is not an easy hike back up. It’s almost all non stop elevation gain and extremely rocky. We brought our mini bike and didn’t dare take it down to the water. We ended up on carrying 1 kayak down to the water because no one wanted to have to hike it back up. It took 2 fit men, 90 mins to bring that kayak back up from the water the day we left. We even had a kayak cart. We were very jealous of the people with quads. Our group only caught 1 small trout but we met other people that were having better luck. Note: live bait is not permitted.

I would go back, but I wouldn’t even try to kayak or paddle board again. I’d just take our time walking to water and brining a picnic to the lake. Maybe just cast a few lines from the shore.

Site1
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground by Beth G., September 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground by Beth G., September 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground by Beth G., September 18, 2023
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical weather like at Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Chevelon Canyon Lake typically experiences seasonal mountain weather patterns common to Arizona's high country. Summers offer pleasant temperatures with warm days and cooler nights, making it a refreshing escape from lower elevation heat. Spring and fall provide mild conditions ideal for camping, though weather can change quickly. Winter brings colder temperatures and possible snow. Always check current forecasts before your trip and pack accordingly for temperature variations between day and night.

What camping options are available at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground?

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground offers dispersed camping in semi-established sites within the National Forest. The campground features vault toilets but no potable water or trash services, so campers need to bring their own water and follow pack-in, pack-out principles. Sites are primitive with minimal development, making this an ideal location for those seeking a more rustic, back-to-nature camping experience without the structure of a developed campground.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Chevelon Canyon Lake?

Visitors to Chevelon Canyon Lake can enjoy fishing in the canyon waters, hiking the surrounding forest trails, wildlife viewing, and photography of the scenic canyon landscape. The lake provides opportunities for non-motorized boating like kayaking or canoeing. Stargazing is exceptional due to minimal light pollution in this remote setting. The natural environment also offers bird watching opportunities and peaceful relaxation in a quieter, less developed outdoor setting.

How do I get to Chevelon Canyon Lake in Arizona?

Chevelon Canyon Lake is located in Arizona's National Forest system. The lake is accessible via Forest Service roads, which may require vehicles with decent clearance. From major highways, you'll need to navigate to the appropriate forest road access points. Since road conditions can vary seasonally, it's advisable to check current forest road status before your trip. Having a good map or GPS is recommended as cell service may be limited in the area.