Managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Concho Lake sits along Highway 61 near mile marker 369 in eastern Arizona, operating as a free dispersed campground within a state fish and wildlife area. The lake itself is a reservoir, and water levels vary considerably by season. In dry periods, visitors have found it completely empty, with free-range cattle wandering the lakebed. When water is present, it draws waterfowl and shorebirds, and at least one reviewer noted the lake freezing over in winter, which made for its own kind of entertainment.
The roughly 20 sites are laid out along a dirt loop, with trees and shrubs providing some separation between spots. Several sites have concrete pads, fire rings built from large rocks, and individual trash cans, while a handful of more primitive pull-ins have only a gravel driveway. Port-o-potties are on site, though their condition has varied across visits. Highway noise is present and visible from camp, though Abby M. noted that "you can hear vehicles but in a van, barely heard it." Wind is a consistent factor here, so staking tents securely is worth the effort.
Cell coverage is reliable. Multiple reviewers confirmed strong Verizon signal, and at least one noted workable AT&T service. Firewood can be scavenged around the area, though larger pieces are scarce enough that bringing your own is the more dependable approach. Prairie dogs are a fixture, active around their burrow networks throughout the day. The stay limit is seven nights, with no permit required.
Cleanliness has been inconsistent across visits. Some campers found the site well-maintained; others arrived to overflowing trash cans and littered sites. Heather E. described it as "a clean, quiet, gem" during her January visit, while a later reviewer found the opposite in October. A gas station and general store sit directly across the road, which is a practical convenience for resupply. The Concho Lake Recreation Area is just to the northwest for campers who want a more developed alternative, and those planning broader itineraries can explore camping near Concho Lake for additional options in the region.
The campground works well as an overnight stop on a route through eastern Arizona, particularly for those heading to Petrified Forest National Park.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsConcho lake is located in Arizona near Vernon
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
34.44073534 N
109.63113628 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 9/10/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/10/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 9/10/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Concho lake needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 59 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 12 min from Prescott Valley, AZ
- 3 hrs 25 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 3 hrs 43 min from Tucson, AZ
