How much does camping cost at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first come, first serve; no reservations possible.

What is the best time to visit Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground?

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground is open Null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground?

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground have?

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground?

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground: Campfires are allowed at designated sites with fire rings. Visitors are advised to extinguish fires completely before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.15

65 reviews

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

Peace & QuietStargazingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free; there are no fees charged for camping within the campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

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I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

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Campground Map

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

Nearby places

Winslow, Arizona (approximately 25 miles south)

Nearby supplies

Null

Driving directionsTravel for 25 miles south on Forest Road 34 to Forest Road 504, continue south on 504 to Forest Road 169. Follow 169 to 169B, then east (left) to the campground. From the south proceed north on Forest Road 300 to 169. Continue north on 169 to 169B, turn east (right) and follow 169B to campground.

The main road to access the lake is good for most vehicles, but the smaller road to the campground requires at least an SUV due to rough terrain, including washed-out sections and steep inclines. The road is not cleared in winter.

Weather at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

Fall offers the best window: daytime highs from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, nights dipping into the 20s–40s°F. Wildlife is more active, trails are comfortable, and crowds thin out after Labor Day. Be aware that Arizona big-game hunting seasons overlap with fall. Wear blaze orange and check regulations. Winter transforms the area into a frozen, crowd-free zone, but temperatures plunge well below freezing and snow can close roads. Summer days are warm without the brutal heat of lower elevations, though nights still get cold. Spring mornings are crisp. One camper noted it gets "super cold at night," so bring serious insulation no matter the season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called the best window: comfortable trails, active wildlife, mild days and cool nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Access road not cleared in winter. Generally open year-round. During periods of heavy snow, the campground may be inaccessible due to snow on the roads.

About Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground sits at 6,800 feet in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, roughly a two-hour drive from Winslow. The single designated site is tent-only and primitive, though dispersed camping is common nearby. Vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables are available, but there's no potable water or trash service. It's free and extremely remote. Expect no cell service and unmaintained roads that require careful navigation.

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground offers rustic camping options with designated sites, fire rings, and vault toilets. It is first-come, first-served and free of charge.

Weather and SeasonsFall offers the best window: daytime highs from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, nights dipping into the 20s–40s°F. Wildlife is more active, trails are comfortable, and crowds thin out after Labor Day. Be aware that Arizona big-game hunting seasons overlap with fall. Wear blaze orange and check regulations. Winter transforms the area into a frozen, crowd-free zone, but temperatures plunge well below freezing and snow can close roads. Summer days are warm without the brutal heat of lower elevations, though nights still get cold. Spring mornings are crisp. One camper noted it gets "super cold at night," so bring serious insulation no matter the season.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,800 feet above sea level, this mountain retreat offers a refreshing escape from desert heat and a natural air conditioning system courtesy of Mother Nature. The high-altitude setting creates a cooler microclimate that's perfect for summer camping, though first-time visitors should take it easy for a day or two while their bodies adjust to the thinner air. This elevated paradise rewards those who venture upward with crisp, clean mountain air and temperatures that can be 20-30 degrees cooler than the valleys below.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground perches above Chevelon Canyon, where steep canyon walls drop into shadowy depths carved over millennia. Ponderosa pine, juniper, and pinyon pine forest the rocky terrain, and the 6,800-foot elevation keeps the air crisp year-round. Trails wind through this mixed woodland to viewpoints where the forest meets the canyon rim. The night sky is spectacular. Reviewers consistently mention the quality of stargazing. The landscape is rugged, with rocky paths and uneven ground that rewards careful footing with hidden vistas.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast wilderness of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this 6,800-foot perch showcases nature's architectural prowess through dramatic canyon walls that plunge into shadowy depths below. The landscape tells a million-year story written in stone, where ancient geological forces carved steep canyon walls that now frame your camping experience. Rocky paths wind through a botanical showcase of ponderosa pine, juniper, and pinyon pine forests, creating a diverse ecosystem that changes with every turn of the trail. This rugged terrain offers both challenge and reward, inviting explorers to discover hidden viewpoints and secret spots where the forest meets the sky.

Scenic ViewsSpectacular canyon and lake views are available, with clear night skies offering excellent stargazing opportunities.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal accommodations like lodges or cabins reported.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

14 day stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No specific information on group camping.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe single designated site is small-scale, but the area supports dispersed camping with semi-established spots featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Sites are generally large and well-spaced, though rocky terrain and uneven ground are the norm. Solitude is the rule except on busy weekends.

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first come, first serve; no reservations possible.

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityAccessibility options for disabled campers are not detailed; however, steep and rough terrain may make it difficult for those with mobility challenges.

Site SizeThe sites are large in the campsite area." - User review by Elizabeth Gordon.

PrivacyVery secluded," as described in a review by Dan & Bri's Adventures.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesFor easier access and better amenities, site #1 is recommended. Avoid sites near noisy groups with ATVs.

Best CampsitesSite #1 has two fire rings, a picnic table, and shaded areas. Beyond the single designated site, dispersed camping is common. Reviewers describe "large" semi-established sites with fire rings scattered through the area. Weekend crowds can fill the better spots, and ATVs sometimes bring noise.

Amenities available

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground provides basic camping amenities in a rustic and undeveloped setting. There are restrooms and picnic tables available. However, potable water is not provided, and campers must bring their own drinking water. Campsites include fire rings, but there is no trash collection, making this a 'pack-it-in, pack-it-out' location.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground offers various recreational activities including fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The area is also known for birdwatching and stargazing.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rough terrain, steep trails to the lake, and no cell phone service. Wildlife such as snakes may be present near the lake. Additionally, dehydration and heat exhaustion are risks during strenuous hikes.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed at designated sites with fire rings. Visitors are advised to extinguish fires completely before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Trash & Recycling"NO trash collection available. This is a Pack-it-in / Pack-it-out area. Take your trash with you when you leave." - Official source.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located approximately one mile from Chevelon Canyon Lake, which is accessible via a steep and rocky trail.

Camp HostNo camp hosts are available.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

65 reviews

Satisfactory

Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the rugged beauty and remote nature of the campground. Common themes include the challenging hike to the lake, the pristine natural environment, and the lack of amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 65 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the secluded nature, beautiful views, and stargazing opportunities. "The stars were fabulous." - Elizabeth Gordon. "Solitude was grand!" - Michael Tichonuk.

Based on 65 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough road conditions leading to the campground, the steep hike to the lake, and occasional lack of site cleanliness due to inconsiderate campers. "The road is rough...

Based on 65 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user recommended site #1 for its two fire rings, a metal picnic table, and shaded areas. "We camped in site #1 which had 2 fire rings, a metal picnic table, and large trees to provide shaded...

Based on 65 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring adequate water, sturdy hiking shoes, and be prepared for cold nights. "It gets super cold at night so prepare well." - Dinesh. "Bring a 4-wheeler/ATV." - Duffy Elmer.

Based on 65 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is more crowded during holidays and weekends. It is particularly serene during winter, but access can be difficult due to snow. "Very secluded, even on the busiest weekends." - Dan &...

Based on 65 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Camping areas are very nice but not in abundance. So quiet and desolate even on the busiest of weekends." - Dan & Bri's Adventures. "Hike down is slippery, be careful!" - Michael Tichonuk....

Based on 65 reviews

Accessibility Features

The steep and rocky trail to the lake poses challenges, especially for older adults or families with young children. "Not recommended for small children unless you are prepared to carry them." - Mark...

Based on 65 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers and stargazers who don't mind hauling in everything, including water. The 1.1-mile hike to the lake is steep and rocky but puts you on a trout fishery with an artificial-bait-only rule. Site #1 has two fire rings and shaded trees. Fall is the sweet spot before hunting sea

Skip if

No potable water, no trash service, no cell signal, and an unmaintained access road with at least one seriously rough stretch. Campers who need hookups, a host on-site, or a reliable way to call for help should note that a serious injury here means an airlift.

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