Lockett Meadow Campground
4.4736 reviewsLockett Meadow Campground
$8.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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
Overnight camping fee is $18. Day-use parking fee is $8, payable via a cash envelope system at the site. Additional reservation fees apply for recreation.gov services.
About this campground
Nestled among whispering quaking aspens, Lockett Meadow Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic mountain wilderness experience. This pristine, primitive camping destination sits in the shadow of the majestic San Francisco Peaks, where towering pines give way to alpine meadows and the air carries the crisp promise of adventure. For those who dream of waking to birdsong and spending days exploring untamed wilderness trails, this high-country haven delivers the raw beauty of Arizona's alpine landscape.
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.
Historical SignificanceThe towering San Francisco Peaks that dominate the horizon tell a story written in stone and time. These ancient sentinels are the weathered remains of a massive volcano that erupted millions of years ago, forever altering the landscape. Today, these peaks shelter Arizona's only alpine tundra ecosystem – a rare slice of Arctic-like terrain in the desert Southwest. Indigenous peoples have revered these mountains as sacred for millennia, and their volcanic legacy continues to shape both the land and the lives of those who visit.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Lockett Meadow into a cool mountain refuge, where temperatures drop 20-30 degrees below the desert floor, offering blessed relief from Arizona's heat. But it's autumn that truly steals the show – when thousands of aspen trees burst into flames of gold, creating one of the Southwest's most breathtaking natural spectacles. As winter arrives, heavy snows close the access road, transforming this alpine sanctuary into a silent, snow-blanketed wonderland accessible only to the most determined adventurers.
ElevationPerched halfway up the San Francisco Peaks in a sun-dappled alpine meadow, Lockett Meadow offers a true high-country camping experience. At this elevation, the desert's heat becomes a distant memory, replaced by cool mountain breezes and the thin, pure air that makes every breath feel like a gift.
Natural Features and SceneryGolden meadows of tall native grasses dance in the mountain breeze, punctuated by vibrant splashes of summer wildflowers that paint the landscape in purple, yellow, and white. Groves of quaking aspen create natural cathedrals, their white bark glowing in the filtered sunlight while their leaves shimmer and whisper ancient secrets. Above it all, Humphrey's Peak – Arizona's highest point – stands sentinel, its slopes scarred by dramatic winter avalanche tracks that expose layers of ancient lava flows, creating a geological textbook written across the mountainside.
Geological RegionLockett Meadow lies within the dramatic caldera of an extinct volcano, where violent eruptions and patient erosion have crafted a landscape of extraordinary diversity. This geological wonderland encompasses everything from dense aspen forests to barren talus slopes, crowned by Arizona's only alpine tundra. The San Francisco Peaks' volcanic heritage has created a unique ecosystem where Arctic-adapted plants thrive just hours from the Sonoran Desert, making this one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the American Southwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned. The steep, narrow, and rough dirt road leading to the campground may pose challenges for some visitors.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized with space for tents and two parking spots.
Sites 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 CampsitesArrive early on weekends to secure a campsite. Weekday visits may offer a quieter experience.
Best CampsitesSites 7 & 8 have great views, while 15 & 16 are more secluded.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground road forms a one-way loop; sites are spaced roughly 50 yards apart.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season typically runs from spring through mid-October. The area is closed during winter due to road closures from snow.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for Lockett Meadow; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis, including parking. Demand is particularly high on weekends and peak season.
Cancellation PolicyReservation service fees are non-refundable. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
The Inner Basin Trail is a popular hiking option, offering a challenging incline to the Weatherford Trail junction. Hikes are scenic with views of aspen forests and wildflowers. The trail may involve elevation gains of up to 860 feet and can take 4+ hours to complete.Wildlife viewing
Campers may see porcupines, elk, and hermit thrushes. Black bears have also been spotted strolling through picnic areas.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the road to the campground is typically closed during winter due to snow.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated metal fire pits with grills. Exercise caution due to dry brush.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include black bears, coyotes, and the steep, narrow access road. "The drive up the mountain gets narrow and one-way, so it can be scary."
Active alertsSeasonal road closures due to snow and reports of vandalism to facilities. "Road to the campground is still closed," as of October 2023.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
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
Emergency services closest to Flagstaff city.
Good to know
Peak season datesFall, specifically October 5-15, is highlighted as an ideal time to visit.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned; campers are likely expected to pack out their own trash.
Proximity to water featuresDry camping only; no water sources available.
Common complaintsRoad conditions are challenging, vault toilets may be unsanitary, and overcrowding during peak times.
HostAndy, the campground host, is described as "friendly, helpful and will go completely out of his way."
Campground Map
Driving directionsDrive northeast of Flagstaff on US Highway 89 for 12.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 552, directly across from the Sunset Crater National Monument turnoff. Follow FR 552 for approximately one mile. Turn right at the Lockett Meadow sign and continue to the campground. This dirt road is closed in early spring and late fall due to snow.
The access road, Forest Road 552, is a dirt road marked as steep, narrow, single-lane, and rough. Not recommended for RVs or trailers. The road is closed in early spring and late fall due to snow.Nearby places
Flagstaff (15 miles, approximately a 20-minute drive depending on road conditions).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Flagstaff, 15 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
36 reviews
Lockett Meadow Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 36 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 36 reviewsShow more
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 36 reviewsPro 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 36 reviewsSeasonal 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 36 reviewsCamper 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 36 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 7 and 8 are noted for great views, while 15 and 16 offer more seclusion.
Based on 36 reviewsAccessibility Features
No direct reviews from users with disabilities were found, but the access road's difficulty may be a barrier.
Based on 36 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and many visitors bring dogs. Leashes are required, as noted by some reviewers.
Based on 36 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025