Map showing campground location near Forest Lakes, Arizona

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Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Free and first-come, first-served, Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground sits within Sitgreaves National Forest along FR 169B, where the final half-mile of road has washed out sections and steep drop-offs that require high-clearance vehicles. No potable water is available on-site. Sites are large, include fire rings and metal picnic tables, and vault toilets are provided. The campground stays busy even on non-holiday weekends, so arriving early matters. Anglers should note that live bait is not permitted at the lake, and the hike down to the water covers more than a mile with roughly 550 feet of elevation loss, making the return a demanding climb. Pack all water and carry out all trash.

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Map & DirectionsChevelon Canyon Lake Campground is located in Arizona near Forest Lakes

Public Campground

Coordinates

34.50953495 N
110.8406165 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
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

Drive Time

2 hrs 27 min from Flagstaff, AZ
2 hrs 50 min from Phoenix, AZ
2 hrs 51 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
4 hrs 7 min from Tucson, AZ

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Beth G.

Legend

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.

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Month of VisitSeptember

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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.

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