Is Ashurst Lake Campgrounds first-come first-served or reservation?

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Ashurst Lake Campgrounds?

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds is open Seasons of Use Early May to mid-October.. 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 Ashurst Lake Campgrounds?

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

Is there cell service at Ashurst Lake Campgrounds?

Cell phone service at Ashurst Lake Campgrounds is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Ashurst Lake Campgrounds have?

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ashurst Lake Campgrounds?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ashurst Lake Campgrounds. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ashurst Lake Campgrounds?

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds

4.34

128 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Sedona

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use Early...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Coconino National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Seasons of Use Early...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Coconino National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-774-9671

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds

35.0225, -111.4075

Weather at Ashurst Lake Campgrounds

Best Time to Camp at Ashurst Lake Campgrounds

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, active wildlife, and excellent fishing—days typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F. Snowmelt and cooler temps make trails and lake access easy, wildflowers and pinyon/juniper scents are at their peak, and trout fishing is often most productive. Crowds are moderate (less than summer weekends), so you get good access to campsites, boating, and hiking without the height-of-summer traffic. Peak months: May, June, September, October Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Temperate summer climate at 7,000 ft makes it popular; campsites fill quickly.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Seasons of Use Early May to mid-October.

About Ashurst Lake Campgrounds

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds sits at high elevation in Coconino National Forest, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites with views of the San Francisco Peaks. The small campground is managed by the Forest Service and provides vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for trout fishing, hiking forest trails, and cool alpine air under ponderosa pines.

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds cater to tent camping and small RVs or trailers, providing a simple, rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of mild weather, active wildlife, and excellent fishing—days typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F. Snowmelt and cooler temps make trails and lake access easy, wildflowers and pinyon/juniper scents are at their peak, and trout fishing is often most productive. Crowds are moderate (less than summer weekends), so you get good access to campsites, boating, and hiking without the height-of-summer traffic. Peak months: May, June, September, October Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTwisted junipers and pinyon pines provide the dominant cover, though some sites lack sufficient shade for hot afternoons. The lake reflects the surrounding volcanic terrain and the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona's highest mountains, which rise as remnants of extinct volcanoes. At 7,000 feet, the air carries the resinous smell of pinyon and the cooler temperatures that come with elevation. Wildlife moves through regularly enough that viewers consider it a highlight.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityIncludes basic accessibility features such as gravel paths and moderately accessible campsites.

Site SizeSites are spacious and can accommodate larger tents or multiple groups.

PrivacyModerate privacy with sites nestled among juniper and pinyon pines, providing some seclusion.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesSpot #21 is ideal for RV camping with waterfront access. Sites closer to the lake offer proximity to fishing.

Best CampsitesSite 21 gets recommendations for RVs and views. Reviewers suggest arriving early on busy weekends to claim spots with better tree cover, since shade varies significantly across the campground.

Amenities available

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds provide a variety of basic amenities suitable for campers, including fire pits, picnic tables, potable water, and vault toilets. The campground sits by a picturesque lake and is noted for its fishing opportunities and stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks. Visitors can engage in several water-based activities, and the location supports a serene natural environment with easy access to a gravel road for most vehicles.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds offer a range of activities focusing on outdoor recreation and serene relaxation by the lake.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

128 reviews

Recommended

Ashurst Lake Campgrounds is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Ashurst Lake Campgrounds are highly rated for their scenic beauty, clean facilities, and well-maintained amenities. However, some complaints about road conditions and crowded conditions during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 128 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets, availability of potable water, and the friendliness of the camp hosts. The fishing and views of the San Francisco Peaks are also highly...

Based on 128 reviews

Common Concerns

The gravel road leading to the campground is cited as rough and bumpy by several reviewers. Additionally, some sites lack sufficient shade, and crowded conditions can occur during holidays.

Based on 128 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Spot #21 is frequently noted as being spacious and ideal for RVs. Reviewers recommend sites closer to the lake for better views.

Based on 128 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra shade structures as some sites lack tree cover. Arrive early on busy weekends to secure a good spot. Check fire restrictions in advance.

Based on 128 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular due to the temperate climate at 7,000 ft elevation. Spring offers excellent birdwatching during migration, while fall features cooler weather and vibrant foliage. Winter...

Based on 128 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The water tasted great. It was not filled with chlorine and did not have a funny aftertaste." "The camp host was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable." "The vault toilets were clean and well-stocked...

Based on 128 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and well-accommodated, but campers must keep them leashed at all times. One reviewer appreciated the intimate, pet-friendly environment.

Based on 128 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want spring trout fishing, cooler temperatures, and a small Forest Service campground with helpful hosts.

Skip if

You need full shade at every site or dislike slow driving on rocky, dusty access roads.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Forked Pine Campground

Coconino National Forest Recreation

Forked Pine Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Coconino National Forest, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping options among ponderosa pines and aspens. Camp hosts maintain clean vault toilets and well-kept grounds, creating a peaceful base for fishing and wildlife viewing. Fall brings elk rut activity and vibrant foliage, with crisp nights and clear skies ideal for stargazing.