Is Lockett Meadow Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lockett Meadow Campground 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 Lockett Meadow Campground?

Lockett Meadow Campground is open Open season typically runs from spring through mid-October. The area is closed during winter due to road closures from snow.. 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 Lockett Meadow Campground?

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

How many campsites does Lockett Meadow Campground have?

Lockett Meadow Campground has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lockett Meadow Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lockett Meadow Campground. 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 Lockett Meadow Campground?

Lockett Meadow Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lockett Meadow Campground

4.24

154 reviews

Top 8% in AZFall

Scenic Views

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Arizona

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

8,560 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open season typicall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet 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

8,560 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open season typicall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Coconino National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Lockett Meadow Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Plan a trip to Lockett Meadow Campground

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Campground Map

Lockett Meadow Campground

35.3586, -111.6208

Nearby places

Flagstaff (15 miles, approximately a 20-minute drive depending on road conditions).

Weather at Lockett Meadow Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lockett Meadow Campground

Best season: fall. Visit in fall to see the aspen groves at their peak — typically mid-September through early October — when the meadow turns brilliant gold and crisp daytime highs (45–65°F) combine with chilly nights (near or below freezing) for perfect photography and hiking conditions. Fall offers the most dramatic scenery and excellent wildlife viewing as animals forage before winter, though popular weekends during peak color can be busy. Cooler, stable weather and fewer bugs make long day-hikes and backcoun Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in AZ

Peak season Oct 5-15 for brilliant aspen color; fall is the most dramatic time here.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season typically runs from spring through mid-October. The area is closed during winter due to road closures from snow.

About Lockett Meadow Campground

Lockett Meadow Campground sits at high elevation in Coconino National Forest, nine miles northeast of Flagstaff, where a mountain meadow surrounded by aspen groves offers access to Inner Basin Trail on the San Francisco Peaks. This small Forest Service campground attracts photographers and hikers seeking alpine scenery in northern Arizona. Fall brings brilliant gold aspens and crisp mountain air, while summer offers cooler temperatures than the desert below.

Lockett Meadow offers primitive camping with first-come, first-served sites, accommodating tent campers and smaller vehicles. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the difficult access road.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Visit in fall to see the aspen groves at their peak — typically mid-September through early October — when the meadow turns brilliant gold and crisp daytime highs (45–65°F) combine with chilly nights (near or below freezing) for perfect photography and hiking conditions. Fall offers the most dramatic scenery and excellent wildlife viewing as animals forage before winter, though popular weekends during peak color can be busy. Cooler, stable weather and fewer bugs make long day-hikes and backcoun Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation8560 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a mountain meadow ringed by quaking aspen and ponderosa pine, with Humphrey's Peak rising directly overhead. In fall, the aspen groves turn brilliant gold against dark volcanic slopes. The meadow itself is open and grassy, dotted with wildflowers in summer. The setting lies within the caldera of an extinct volcano, where ancient eruptions created the dramatic topography visible from camp. Avalanche scars streak the upper slopes, exposing layers of dark lava beneath the forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; this is a primitive campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for Lockett Meadow; sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned. The steep, narrow, and rough dirt road leading to the campground may pose challenges for some visitors.

Site SizeSites are standard-sized with space for tents and two parking spots.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels: sites like 7 and 8 offer good views, while 15 and 16 are noted for being more secluded.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early on weekends to secure a campsite. Weekday visits may offer a quieter experience.

Best CampsitesSites 7 and 8 offer the best views across the meadow toward the peaks. Sites 15 and 16 sit farther back in the aspens and provide more seclusion. All sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and space for two vehicles.

Amenities available

Lockett Meadow Campground offers a primitive camping experience surrounded by scenic views of the San Francisco Peaks and aspen trees. This is a dry camping site with no running water, and facilities include three vault toilets. Campsites have metal fire pits with grills, picnic tables, and two parking spots. The campground is known for its picturesque setting, and visitors recommend bringing all necessary supplies as there is no camp store or water source on-site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lockett Meadow Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and nature exploration. The Inner Basin Trail, starting from the campground, is a highlight for many visitors.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available at this campground.

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

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

154 reviews

Satisfactory

Lockett Meadow Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Lockett Meadow Campground is highly praised for its stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to the Inner Basin Trail. Visitors frequently comment on the challenging access road and the need to arrive early to secure a spot.

Review Summaries

Based on 154 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users highlight the beauty of the aspen trees, the serene mountain meadow setting, and the well-maintained hiking trails. The campground is often described as a 'hidden gem' and 'one of the most...

Based on 154 reviews

Common Concerns

The steep, narrow dirt road to the campground is a common concern, especially for low-clearance vehicles. Reviews also mention the lack of water and occasional vandalism of facilities.

Based on 154 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 7 and 8 are noted for great views, while 15 and 16 offer more seclusion.

Based on 154 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early, especially on weekends, as campsites fill up quickly. Bring sufficient water, food, and supplies, as there are no services. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the access road.

Based on 154 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is the most popular season due to the golden aspen foliage. Summer offers cooler temperatures compared to the desert, while the road is often closed in winter due to snow.

Based on 154 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Get here early as hell on the weekend and cross your fingers you’ll find a campsite.' - Ryan 2. 'It is one of the best places to be in Arizona during the fall season.' - Dhananjay Anarwad 3....

Based on 154 reviews

Accessibility Features

No direct reviews from users with disabilities were found, but the access road's difficulty may be a barrier.

Based on 154 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many visitors bring dogs. Leashes are required, as noted by some reviewers.

Based on 154 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want high-elevation scenery and fall aspen colors within a short drive of Flagstaff.

Skip if

You need easy road access, modern restrooms, or guaranteed solitude during peak aspen season.

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BONITO CAMPGROUND, FR 545, FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86001

Bonito Campground sits in Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, offering mid-elevation forest camping with access to volcanic landscapes and lava fields. Operated by ExplorUS, the campground provides tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for hiking and wildlife viewing in the surrounding forest, with reviewers praising the spacious sites and well-maintained grounds.