White Horse Lake Campground
4.40293 reviews, , , WILLIAMS, AZ, 86046, USA
White Horse Lake Campground
$30.00 - $198.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$50.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$198.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Individual sites range from $30-$50 per night during peak season. Group sites are priced at $198 per night. Discounts, taxes, and additional charges may apply.
About this campground
Nestled within the majestic Kaibab National Forest, White Horse Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its pristine waters and breathtaking mountain vistas. This beloved destination offers 77 thoughtfully designed campsites, from intimate tent-only spots to spacious double sites and a welcoming group area perfect for family reunions. Whether you're casting a line into the tranquil lake or gathering around the campfire under star-studded skies, this scenic retreat promises an unforgettable escape into nature's embrace.
White Horse Lake campground offers tent-only sites, RV accommodations for motorhomes up to 45 ft, and group sites for up to 60 people. The campground caters to families and larger groups while maintaining options for more secluded camping experiences.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of high-country camping with delightfully cool summer nights dipping to a refreshing 50°F, while daytime temperatures hover between a comfortable 80-90°F. The dramatic monsoon season in July and August transforms the landscape with spectacular afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the plateau, bringing the scent of rain-soaked pine. Winter visitors are treated to a wonderland of snow from December through March, turning the campground into a serene alpine retreat.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,600 feet above sea level, White Horse Lake Campground offers a natural respite from desert heat. This elevated sanctuary provides refreshingly cool summer temperatures that make afternoon hikes a pleasure, while winter brings a magical blanket of snow that transforms the landscape into a pristine wilderness playground.
Natural Features and SceneryRising 6,600 feet into the crystal-clear Arizona sky, this enchanting campground immerses visitors in a tapestry of towering ponderosa pines and sun-dappled meadows characteristic of the Colorado Plateau. The shimmering lake serves as a magnet for wildlife, where lucky campers might spot majestic elk grazing at dawn, deer delicately stepping to the water's edge, or magnificent ospreys diving for their morning catch.
Geological RegionSet within the remarkable Kaibab National Forest, the campground showcases the Colorado Plateau's dramatic geological story written in stone and forest. This elevated wonderland reveals millions of years of Earth's history through its uplifted terrain, where ancient forces created a landscape of rolling forests punctuated by scenic meadows. The diverse ecosystem supports an abundance of wildlife, with deer and elk regularly gracing the shoreline, creating unforgettable moments for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites, parking, picnic shelters, and drinking water are provided. However, one review mentions locked bathroom facilities near an accessible site.
Sites SizeSites accommodate tents, trailers, and motorhomes up to 45 ft long. Group sites can host up to 60 visitors.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some tent-only sites are closely spaced, while other loops (e.g., Loop D) offer lakefront spots with more seclusion.
Total Campsites77 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, select weekday reservations or lakefront spots on Loops D and E. Tent-only sites may require carrying gear from parking.
Best CampsitesLoops D and E feature lakefront campsites with picturesque views. Specific mentions include D65 and D67.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Variable
- no specific time listed.
Check-out
- Variable
- no specific time listed.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard sites allow one camping unit only.
Groups
Group sites accommodate up to 60 visitors. Reviews note spacious setups but emphasize the lack of privacy and potential noise from nearby sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into multiple loops (A through E) with varying privacy levels. Group and tent-only sites are also available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16th to September 14th for reservations; September 15th to September 30th operates as first-come, first-serve.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable for a limited number of sites during the first-come, first-serve season from September 15th to September 30th. Walk-up reservations must be made in person.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's fees for late cancellations within one day of check-in. Other changes may incur additional fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
White Horse Lake campground provides a rich variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, biking, and picnicking. The scenic location offers nearby attractions like Sycamore Canyon Rim Trail and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The lake is a focal point for activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Hiking
The campground features trails around the lake and nearby Sycamore Canyon Rim Trail, described as easy with stunning canyon overlooks. Trails around the lake are approximately four miles long and mostly follow the shoreline.Fishing
Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill is popular. However, some users report low fishing success due to grassy lake conditions and lack of trout stocking.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available and described as well-marked for most of their length. Rocky areas may be difficult to navigate.Boating
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available. Only small electric motors are allowed.Wildlife viewing
Frequent sightings include deer, elk, bald eagles, and bullfrogs. Wildlife viewing is highly praised by campers.Winter Activities
Snow is common in winter months (December-March), but specific winter activities are not detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized activities include kayaking and paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed except during fire bans. Firewood is sold by hosts.
- Quiet hours are enforced after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsBears, mosquitoes, and rocky terrain. The unpaved roads leading to the campground can be hazardous for larger vehicles.
Active alertsPotential road closures due to snow or rough conditions. Fire bans may be in effect during dry seasons.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 20.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
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
The nearest hospital is in Williams, AZ, approximately 30 minutes away. Police services are available in Williams. No on-site ranger station was mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025, to September 14, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available, but some reviews mention locked dumpsters requiring campers to walk to main disposal areas.
Proximity to water featuresWhite Horse Lake is accessible for fishing and boating (electric motors only). Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available.
Common complaintsMany users complain about the rough 10-15 miles of dirt roads leading to the campground. Issues with overcrowding and noisy groups are also reported.
HostHosts have been described as helpful and friendly. They sell firewood and offer assistance with issues like locked restrooms or trash.
Campground Map
, , , WILLIAMS, AZ, 86046, USA
Driving directionsIn Williams, Arizona, turn south onto 4th Street/County Road 73 and drive about 9 miles to Forest Road 110. Turn left and proceed for approximately 7 miles to FR 109. Turn left again and follow for about 3 miles to the campground. Forest Roads 110 and 109 are high-use roads and can become rough during peak season. During the winter, roads may be closed due to snow cover.
The roads are high-use dirt roads and can become rough during peak season, requiring careful navigation. Winter closures due to snow are common.Nearby places
Williams (19 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car), Flagstaff (41 miles, approximately 1 hour by car), Grand Canyon National Park South Rim (approximately 1 hour by car).
Nearby supplies
Williams has amenities including shops, restaurants, fuel stations, and some camping supplies. Grand Canyon National Park also has visitor services.
Camper Reviews
4.4
293 reviews
White Horse Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, campers praise the site's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and friendly hosts. Common complaints include the rough dirt roads leading to the campground, lack of swimming access, and occasional overcrowding. Seasonal trends highlight mosquito prevalence in summer and chilly nights in spring/fall.
Review Summaries
Based on 293 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean sites, well-maintained vault toilets, friendly camp hosts, availability of paddleboard/kayak rentals, snack shack convenience, and proximity to scenic trails like Sycamore Canyon.
Based on 293 reviewsCommon Concerns
Rough dirt roads causing vehicle damage, lack of trout stocking, reports of locked trash bins and bathrooms, noise from large groups, and limited privacy at some campsites.
Based on 293 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring insect repellent during summer; pack warm clothes for chilly nights; consider a high-clearance vehicle for dirt roads; tents-only campers should bring carts for hauling gear.
Based on 293 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer mosquitoes and warm days with cool nights. Winter months bring snow, making access potentially challenging. Spring and fall offer picturesque views but chilly evenings.
Based on 293 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The lake is beautiful and provides some great opportunities for exploration.' 2. 'The dirt road to get there is the only downside, but the campground itself is worth it.' 3. 'Vault toilets were...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Loop D sites (e.g., D65, D67) praised for lakefront views. Loop A sites like A20 noted for proximity to clean bathrooms. Some tent-only sites require hauling gear from parking areas, which was...
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Accessibility Features
Mixed reviews regarding accessibility. Some accessible sites have locked bathrooms nearby, limiting convenience for disabled campers.
Based on 293 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed, and users frequently mention dogs enjoying the lake trails.
Based on 293 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025