Best Campgrounds near Mormon Lake, AZ
Mormon Lake's surrounding region features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within Coconino National Forest. The Pinegrove Campground provides amenities like flush toilets, pay showers, and access to the Arizona Trail, while Double Springs Campground offers a quieter, more secluded experience. Several dispersed camping options exist along Forest Roads near Mormon Lake, with FR 240 dispersed camping providing free sites that accommodate tents and some RVs. Campers seeking full hookups can find them at Mormon Lake Lodge RV Park & Campground, though spaces there tend to be more limited and packed together.
Summer brings pleasantly cool temperatures to the Mormon Lake area, with daytime highs typically between 65-70°F even in July, dropping to around 50°F at night. Fire restrictions are common during drier months, with complete bans sometimes implemented. The area experiences regular afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season (July-September), which can temporarily affect road conditions on the forest service roads. Most dispersed camping areas have limited or no cell service, particularly with carriers other than Verizon. As one visitor noted, "Do note: Campsite does not have cell service (and I have Verizon). You can walk out to the camp entrance just at the main road and pick up some service there if needed."
Proximity to Mormon Lake itself represents a key draw for many visitors, though the lake itself is known for frequently having little to no water, depending on seasonal rainfall. "Mormon Lake - notorious for never actually having any water - this time it also didn't," mentioned one camper. Despite this, the nearby Upper Lake Mary provides opportunities for fishing and water recreation. The Arizona Trail passes through several camping areas, offering excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities directly from campsites. Wildlife viewing is common, with elk frequently spotted in the area. Campers consistently praise the tall pines that provide ample shade throughout developed campgrounds, while the dispersed sites allow for more space and privacy, though they lack amenities like toilets or trash service.