Bear Canyon Lake And Camping Area

Star4.49
201 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,560 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest site

Official Website
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Bear Canyon Lake And Camping Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
There is no fee to camp at Bear Canyon Lake.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 201 reviews

178 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietlakesites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Bear Canyon Lake are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on its natural beauty and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. However, negative reviews frequently mention overcrowding, noise from ATVs and loud music, and poor maintenance of toilets."

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Campground Map

Bear Canyon Lake And Camping Area

34.4054, -111.0045

Driving directionsJust off Bear Canyon Lake, approximately 14 miles northwest of State Highway 260 on Forest Road 89. Forest Road 89 is accessed via Forest Road 300 which is located directly across from the Rim Visitor Information Station or 25 miles west of Heber, Arizona.
The campground is accessible via dirt roads, with Forest Road 89 being the main route after turning off Forest Road 300. The dirt road is described as "fairly well maintained" by user reviews, but rough terrain and dusty conditions are noted.
Nearby places
Forest Lakes (approximately 20 miles east)
Heber (25 miles west).
Nearby supplies
Gas, phone, and groceries are available 20 miles east at Forest Lakes.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Canyon Lake And Camping Area

Each season paints Bear Canyon Lake with its own dramatic palette. Summer days bloom warm and inviting, with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 90°F, while nights cool to a refreshing 60°F - perfect for campfire stories and sleeping under the stars. When winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the forest floor and temperatures dipping below freezing. These seasonal shifts create an ever-changing playground for outdoor enthusiasts, though winter adventurers should come prepared for nature's icy embrace.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm days and cool nights ideal, but peak-summer overcrowding, noise and litter lower experience.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspens and high-country colors plus fewer crowds than peak summer make fall very appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers fresh scenery and fishing opportunities; variable access and conditions possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; snow occurs and offers solitude but requires preparation and limited services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, although seasonal weather conditions may affect accessibility and usability.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Bear Canyon Lake And Camping Area

Hidden deep within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Bear Canyon Lake beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This remote sanctuary, accessible only by foot trail, rewards hikers with a pristine canyon-bound lake cradled by towering mixed conifers, stately oaks, and shimmering aspens. Here, rustic dispersed camping means trading modern conveniences for starlit nights and the symphony of nature - no potable water or trash services remind you that this is true backcountry camping at its finest.
Bear Canyon Lake offers semi-primitive camping with dispersed sites. It is ideal for tent camping and dispersed camping options but does not provide structured group camping or cabin accommodations.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Canyon Lake provides a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating (electric motors only), and wildlife viewing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and trails offer scenic views of the canyon and shoreline. However, swimming is discouraged due to cold water temperatures, and reviews mention that the area can become overcrowded during peak seasons.
HikingThere is a trail leading to Bear Canyon Lake, described as steep and challenging, with switchbacks and uneven terrain. Reviewers note the trails are not stroller-friendly or suitable for young children. One review warns: 'The hike down to the water is insanely hard if you deter from the path.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Bear Canyon Lake, which is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Arizona fishing regulations apply, and boat motors are restricted to electric only.
BoatingBoating is allowed on Bear Canyon Lake, but motors are restricted to electric. The steep, switchback trail leading to the lake makes carrying heavy kayaks or paddleboards difficult. A user recommends inflatable boats for ease of transport.
Wildlife viewingThe area features ample opportunities for observing wildlife, including deer and elk. One review noted: 'There is many deer/elk poop everywhere on campground.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep trails to the lake, rough terrain, broken glass scattered around the campground, and cold water in the lake. Wildlife such as crows scavenging for scraps is noted.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bear Canyon Lake And Camping Area

Reviews

4.5
201 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Bear Canyon Lake And Camping Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bear Canyon Lake are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on its natural beauty and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. However, negative reviews frequently mention overcrowding, noise from ATVs and loud music, and poor maintenance of toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 201 reviews

What Campers Love

The area is praised for its scenic beauty, large dispersed campsites, and excellent fishing opportunities. One user remarked: 'Beautiful camping area. The views there are breathtaking.' Others...
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Based on 201 reviews

Common Concerns

Users often complain about noise caused by loud music, ATVs, and parties lasting late into the night. Issues with littering and poorly maintained bathrooms were also highlighted. One review stated:...
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Based on 201 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring firewood and an axe, as there is limited wood available on the ground. Arrive early during busy weekends to secure a spot. Consider inflatable boats for easier access to the lake.
Based on 201 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak summer months can be overcrowded, with noise and littering being common complaints. Winter visits may be more peaceful but require preparation for colder temperatures and possible snow.
Based on 201 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful camping area. We go there every Thanksgiving. Tall pines nice fire pits.' 2. 'Not a swimming lake! This is far enough back it's not as crowded as some of the other lakes.' 3. 'Pretty...
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Based on 201 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Camping spots closer to the lake are approximately a quarter mile away from the shore and may lack tree coverage. Reviews suggest these sites may be better suited for large groups but are often noisy.
Based on 201 reviews

Accessibility Features

The hike to Bear Canyon Lake is described as steep and challenging, with switchbacks that make it unsuitable for strollers or those with limited mobility.
Based on 201 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and seem to enjoy the area. One review noted: 'The pups had a blast, too.'
Based on 201 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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