Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground
4.3121 reviewsChevelon Canyon Lake Campground
Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping is free; there are no fees charged for camping within the campground.
About this campground
Escape to the hidden gem of Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground, where adventure meets tranquility without the price tag. This free camping haven invites you to pitch your tent among pristine dispersed sites, each thoughtfully equipped with fire rings for those magical evenings under starlit skies. Whether you're casting a line into the crystalline waters, exploring winding trails that reveal breathtaking vistas, or simply savoring the peaceful solitude far from crowded tourist spots, this off-the-beaten-path sanctuary promises an authentic wilderness experience that reconnects you with nature's simple pleasures.
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.
Historical SignificanceNull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of this high-country paradise, where winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow and transforms the campground into a frozen wonderland. As spring awakens the forest, crisp mornings give way to comfortable days, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures from late spring through early fall. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days without the scorching heat of lower elevations, while autumn paints the canyon in golden hues. Pack layers for those chilly winter and early spring visits when temperatures can plunge well below freezing, rewarding hardy campers with serene, crowd-free experiences.
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 SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry where towering ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark telling stories of centuries past, while hardy junipers and aromatic pinyon pines dot the landscape with their distinctive silhouettes. The true showstopper awaits at the canyon's edge, where dramatic vistas of Chevelon Canyon unfold in layers of ancient rock and shadow. This diverse ecological wonderland creates endless opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and quiet contemplation as the interplay of forest and canyon creates ever-changing scenes of natural beauty throughout the day.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options for disabled campers are not detailed; however, steep and rough terrain may make it difficult for those with mobility challenges.
Sites Size"The sites are large in the campsite area." - User review by Elizabeth Gordon.
Sites Privacy"Very secluded," as described in a review by Dan & Bri's Adventures.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor easier access and better amenities, site #1 is recommended. Avoid sites near noisy groups with ATVs.
Best CampsitesSite #1 is highly rated for its two fire rings, picnic table, and shaded areas.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No specific information on group camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is dispersed with semi-established sites, including fire rings and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round but the access road is not cleared in winter.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first come, first serve; no reservations possible.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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
The hike to the lake is approximately 1.1 miles with a 600-foot elevation change, characterized by steep and rocky sections. "The hike down is slippery, be careful!" - User review by michael tichonuk.Fishing
Fishing is popular at the lake, with limits on trout (two per person). "You can only fish with artificial bait, no live bait." - User review by Mark Handley.Boating
Boat motors up to 8 HP are allowed. "Most recommended bringing a dinghy or kayak to be able to go out on the water for better fishing." - User review by Duffy Elmer.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to various species, including minnows, crayfish, and water snakes. "The canyon is quite beautiful however, with lots of bird life and excellent night skies." - User review by Duffy Elmer.Winter Activities
Some winter activities are possible, as noted by Dinesh: "We went there in wintertime when snow was there." However, the access road is not cleared during winter.Water Sports
Activities like kayaking and small boating are common. "It took 2 fit men 90 minutes to bring that kayak back up from the water the day we left." - User review by Elizabeth Gordon.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed at designated sites with fire rings. Visitors are advised to extinguish fires completely before leaving.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and 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.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located approximately one mile from Chevelon Canyon Lake, which is accessible via a steep and rocky trail.
Common complaintsCrowded campsites during weekends, noisy ATVs, and rough roads are recurring concerns. Lack of potable water and trash collection are also issues.
HostNo camp hosts are available.
Campground Map
Chevelon Canyon Lake Campground
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.Nearby places
Winslow, Arizona (approximately 25 miles south)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
21 reviews
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 21 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 21 reviewsCommon 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 21 reviewsShow more
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 21 reviewsSeasonal 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 21 reviewsShow more
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 21 reviewsShow more
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 21 reviewsShow more
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 21 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025