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Coconino/Ashurst Lake
Overview
Ashurst Lake Campground is a scenic retreat nestled within the vast Coconino National Forest, offering a high-altitude escape for RVers and nature enthusiasts. Situated directly on the shores of a natural lake, it provides a quiet, nature-focused experience far from the noise of the city. The park is widely known for its expansive views of the San Francisco Peaks and its refreshing mountain air, making it a highly sought-after destination during the warm summer months when the desert floor reaches extreme temperatures.
Location & Surroundings
Located approximately 20 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, the park sits at an impressive elevation of 7,000 feet on the Anderson Mesa. The surrounding landscape is characterized by wide-open meadows and ponderosa pine forests, offering a unique volcanic terrain that differs from the typical red rocks of the region. The drive to the lake involves traveling through scenic forest roads, where visitors often spot local wildlife like elk, antelope, and various birds of prey soaring over the pristine alpine waters.
Amenities & Park Features
As a Forest Service facility, the amenities at Ashurst Lake lean toward a rustic, traditional camping experience. The park provides spacious gravel pads for RVs along with essential features including:
- Individual picnic tables and fire rings
- Access to potable water stations
- Convenient vault toilets
- A well-maintained boat launch ramp
While there are no electric or sewer hookups, the sites are designed to accommodate a variety of rig sizes in a picturesque forest setting.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for many visitors is the exceptional fishing, as the lake is regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout throughout the season. Beyond the water, the Ashurst Lake Trail offers an easy loop for hikers and mountain bikers to explore the shoreline. For those willing to venture out, the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff and the ancient cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument are nearby. The area is also a prime spot for windsurfing when the afternoon breezes pick up across the mesa.
Who This Park Is Best For
This location is ideal for travelers who prefer self-contained RV camping and are looking for a serene, natural setting without the bustle of a commercial park. It is a haven for anglers, birdwatchers, and photographers who value the dramatic lighting of the Arizona highlands. If you enjoy unplugged recreation and dark sky stargazing in a cool mountain climate, Ashurst Lake is a perfect fit for your next northern Arizona road trip adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Patty M.
We just love Ashurst lake! You have forest leading up to the lake and right before the lake is a huge meadow and if you make a right and go up that hill there's amazing camping you have the woods you have the meadow you have the lake. The one time I couldn't get my spot up there It really just wasn't the same. Campsites are far enough apart that you can have privacy. I love my spot up on the hill by Ashurts lake!! The lake is pretty nice It is surrounded mostly by rock and muck so we mostly stay in the woods! Grateful🙏
Naci Karadeniz
24 miles to Flagstaff, a good camping area close to the lake and great for families. However, there were several downsides: our lot was small with too many big rocks on the ground, and there was almost no flat surface to set up a tent. There was also no quiet time—people watched movies and talked loudly until almost 2 a.m. Although family-friendly, two separate babies were crying during the night, so be prepared for frequent wake-ups. On the positive side, Ranger David was great—kind and helpful. There is water access and the restrooms were clean. Overall, it was okay. I might try another lot like #8, but ours (#20) was awful—I would never book it again.
CiCi Padilla
Camp spot 4 was a nice large one and great location to the lake pretty private camp host was super nice and helpful
PeteSki PeteSki
A rather Slow drive due to 90% of the road being NON-Maintained washboard and it's narrow (single width), so try to find a flat spot immediately Off the road when people come to pass you. Very good people fishing and it was rather quiet except laughing in the distance, which is a good thing.
Susan Reitmeyer (Lady Pink)
It is a campground outdoor potties or bring your own potties. It's out in the woods. It's great for fishing and cam being you're just to get away for the day.