Chevelon Crossing Campground
05 reviews: null
Chevelon Crossing 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
There is no fee to camp.
About this campground
Nestled in a breathtaking canyon where history meets wilderness, Chevelon Crossing Campground invites you to experience camping as it was meant to be. This rustic retreat, lovingly crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where you'll carry out what you carry in, leaving only footprints in this pristine landscape.
Chevelon Crossing Campground offers primitive camping options without fees. The area is small and rustic, suitable for tent camping and individual campers seeking solitude. RV camping may be less favorable due to overgrown and washed-out sites.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this living monument to America's conservation legacy. Built during the Great Depression by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps, every stone wall and carefully placed structure tells the story of determination and craftsmanship from the 1930s. These historic touches blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating a camping experience that connects you to both nature and the enduring spirit of those who came before.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Arizona's high country seasons at Chevelon Crossing. Winter transforms the canyon into a crystalline wonderland where snow blankets the historic stone structures and frost kisses the creek. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens under increasingly warm sunshine, culminating in perfect summer days filled with golden light and star-studded nights that invite endless exploration.
ElevationPerched at 6,300 feet in Arizona's high country, Chevelon Crossing offers a refreshing escape from desert heat. This elevated paradise delivers crisp mountain air, comfortable summer temperatures, and winter wonderlands complete with snow-dusted pines. The altitude creates perfect conditions for those seeking relief from lower elevation heat while providing spectacular opportunities for winter camping adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryAlong the gentle curves of Chevelon Creek, towering pines stand sentinel over your wilderness escape, their sparse canopy creating the perfect balance of shade and open sky. By day, the peaceful murmur of the creek provides a natural soundtrack to your adventures. By night, the minimal tree cover reveals a cosmic theater overhead, where the Milky Way stretches across the darkness in a display that will leave you breathless. This serene canyon sanctuary offers solitude seekers a chance to reconnect with nature's quiet rhythms.
Geological RegionHidden within the vast Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, this remarkable canyon showcases millions of years of geological artistry. Chevelon Creek has carved its way through ancient rock layers, creating a dramatic backdrop where forest meets canyon in a stunning display of nature's sculpture. The unique geography creates microclimates and ecosystems that make every visit a new discovery, from the creek's riparian corridors to the pine-dotted canyon walls.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeLimited details available. User reviews suggest the area is small and sites are overgrown or washed out.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels noted in user reviews; the campground is described as 'quiet' and 'peaceful' by users such as Ben Bennett and T.D.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers are advised to select sites with shade, although tall pines may be sparse.
Best CampsitesNone specified in the provided material.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No specific group camping information provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall camp area with 14 sites. Some sites may be washed out or overgrown.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms; camping is free and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is free and entirely walk-up with no reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are required, as camping is free and walk-up.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chevelon Crossing offers limited but scenic recreational opportunities. Activities include picnicking, and the location is praised for its night skies and wildlife encounters. Notably, Travis Steelman reports observing a mountain lion during his visit. However, reviewers indicate seasonal challenges such as a dry creek and sparse shade from tall pines.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of mountain lions, bobcats, and possibly bears, as described in multiple user reviews. T.D. advises hikers to 'be safe,' indicating potential safety concerns due to the presence of wild animals.Winter Activities
Winter-related activities are not discussed in any sources, though weather data suggests challenges during colder weeks.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports activities are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not explicitly stated in the material.
- Quiet hours are : null
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include mountain lions and bobcats. River can be dry at certain times of the year and may not serve as a water source.
Active alertsNone reported in the source material.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 dates: null
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is not available on-site. The campground operates on a pack-it-in/pack-it-out policy, requiring campers to remove their own trash.
Proximity to water featuresSituated along Chevelon Creek. Riverbed may be dry depending on the season.
Common complaints"The men's bathroom was nasty," "Camp sites are washed out or overgrown," "No running water in the creek," "Big wild cats in the area."
Host: null
Campground Map
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Driving directionsDirections from Winslow: Travel 25 miles south on Forest Road 34 to Forest Road 504, campground is located just off FR 504 at Chevelon Creek. From the south take Forest Road 300 to Forest Road 169, follow 169 north to the junction of Forest Road 504, turn right and follow the road to the campground.
Forest Road 34 and Forest Road 504 are likely unpaved and require navigation through rural terrain. Seasonal driving conditions may affect accessibility.Nearby places
Winslow (25 miles south)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Chevelon Crossing Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight love for the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere of Chevelon Crossing, but raise concerns about maintenance, cleanliness, and wildlife encounters. 'Quiet campground off the beaten path,' writes Ben Bennett. Travis Steelman mentions 'washed out or overgrown' sites and sparse shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive comments emphasize the campground's tranquility and scenic setting, with users appreciating the night sky and opportunities for solitude. Larry DeMik writes, 'Nice camping next to the river.'
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints focus on cleanliness issues (e.g., trash and dirty restrooms), overgrown or washed-out campsites, sparse shade, and seasonal dryness of the creek. Timothy Matthews notes, 'The men's...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include carrying ample water due to the lack of potable options and exercising caution during hiking because of wildlife. Pack-it-in/pack-it-out practices are highly emphasized.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Season-specific concerns include dry creek beds during summer and challenges with wildlife sightings. Sparse shade is particularly noted as an issue during warmer months.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace. Always, please?' - Timothy Matthews
2. 'River was dry this time of year and we were visited by a Mt. Lion on our second night.' - Travis Steelman
3....
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are described as 'washed out or overgrown' by Travis Steelman, but individual site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features or experiences are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no comments about pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025