Camping in Coconino Forest

Anyone up for a last minute camping trip up the Coconino Forest to stay away from the heat during Memorial Day Weekend?

My plan is to disperse camping near the Lake Mary area. There are plenty of dispersed campsites around the loop of FR 9117H just off 82E (see the attached highlighted yellow route). FR82E is just east of Lake Mary Road (HWY 3). The intersection of the loop is approximately 35.02779652752219, -111.44479993557921.

This dispersed camping area has no facilities but it is near two developed campgrounds that you might be able to get some services.

• a) Pine Grove Campground is just a couple miles away on the west side of Lake Mary Road. It has coin-operated showers, flush toilets, drinking water
• b) Ashurst Lake Campground is about 3, 4 miles east of the loop. It has drinking water, vault toilets, and a boat ramp. All reservable campsites were booked, but there are 11 first come first served sites available to grab if you want to stay close to the Ashurst Lake.

The reservable campsites of those two campgrounds are fully booked. That is why I proposed dispersed camping.

Date:
May 23rd to 26th (you can join in any time or depart any time on your own)

Activities:

• a) Hiking: it is right by AZ Trail Passage 30;
• b) Paddling: there are Lake Mary, Ashurst Lake, Mormon Lake and many other smaller lakes nearby;
• c) Fishing: Ashurst Lake is known for trout. Lake Mary has pike, walleye and trout.

It is about 4 hours from Tucson to the campsite. Lake Mary Road is a good paved road. FR 82E is a well graded gravel road. Most RVs and trailers, 2WD vehicles have no problem getting to the campsites.

The area is on 7000 ft elevation. Would be a lot cooler than Tucson. Come join us for a fun weekend.

I will follow up with those who confirm coming to discuss the detailed plans.