Bear Canyon Lake Designated Dispersed Camping
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Write a Review FR-89 Payson, AZ 85541 928-535-7300 Official WebsiteGPS: 34.4042, -111.008
Overview of Bear Canyon Lake Designated Dispersed Camping
Camp only at designated numbered sites or within 50 feet of the "Camp Here" signs.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by Gunflint Explorer on 6/23/2023
Pad Type dirt
Open Seasonally April 15 to Oct
Elevation 7,742 ft / 2,359 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Bear Canyon Lake Designated Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 928-535-7300
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Reviews of Bear Canyon Lake Designated Dispersed Camping 6 people have reviewed this location.
“Large Site, Easy Access, Hot And Dusty In Summer”
Reviewed 8/1/2023
| Days stayed: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Site Number: | 7 |
Overall Rating
We stayed at the second to last site before arriving at the Bear Canyon road turnoff that takes you the last 1/8mile to the lake parking area. It was a large site that could easily accommodate 10-12 campers. Quiet weekend with little activity around us, occasional traveler on dirt road. Site was dirty but not trashed(left it clean afte... more
We stayed at the second to last site before arriving at the Bear Canyon road turnoff that takes you the last 1/8mile to the lake parking area. It was a large site that could easily accommodate 10-12 campers. Quiet weekend with little activity around us, occasional traveler on dirt road. Site was dirty but not trashed(left it clean after debris pickup). Several tent/RV setup locations to chose from. Rope swing for kids in nearby tree. Close walk to the lake. Drivers by campsite have visual access to entire site so it’s not secluded or private. Cellular reception is spotty and unreliable. Quietness and peacefulness is abundant.
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T-Mobile
camper-731931 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Free, clean, quiet, atv use and zero bugs.”
Reviewed 6/23/2023
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 141 |
Overall Rating
Stayed 2 nights arriving on a Wednesday. Very few people when we where there. About 1 camper/ 3 blocks on average. Lots of atv use right from your site. Bear canyon lake trail was short but nice. Clean area with few bugs. Beats paying $34 to stay at the campgrounds a few miles away. Hundreds of free sites all over this area inc off rim... more
Stayed 2 nights arriving on a Wednesday. Very few people when we where there. About 1 camper/ 3 blocks on average. Lots of atv use right from your site. Bear canyon lake trail was short but nice. Clean area with few bugs. Beats paying $34 to stay at the campgrounds a few miles away. Hundreds of free sites all over this area inc off rim road.
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T-Mobile 4G
Gunflint Explorer would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful But relentless bees/flies”
Reviewed 6/3/2021
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
We went a day after Memorial weekend, and there were lots of spots. Washboard 12 miles, but had 4WD. Nice hike to lake. Vault toilets as expected. Very diasappointed in trash left by other campers. Outside of the boundary of our site, massive amounts of trash, and an actual porta potty seat and all , left with a bag of human crap. Grou... more
We went a day after Memorial weekend, and there were lots of spots. Washboard 12 miles, but had 4WD. Nice hike to lake. Vault toilets as expected. Very diasappointed in trash left by other campers. Outside of the boundary of our site, massive amounts of trash, and an actual porta potty seat and all , left with a bag of human crap. Ground is level , which was nice. Be aware that some num skulls drive their OHV’s ALL NIGHT. Combine this with very loud generator, and you just start to hate your fellow campers. Though I said I would not return, if you can tolerate the aggressive bee/fly hovering in your face, & sounding like an air force bomber, and the late night noise, it really is very pretty. Stars were amazing, lake very tranquil.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Awesome but busy”
Reviewed 7/13/2019
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
Great campground. I stayed in the dispersed area along the main road. The road in is gravel / dirt, not too bad, some areas of the road are rough but no real challenge. Lots of traffic along this road and ATVs after dark. The main campground appears pretty spacious, I think every site was taken. You have to drive through the main campg... more
Great campground. I stayed in the dispersed area along the main road. The road in is gravel / dirt, not too bad, some areas of the road are rough but no real challenge. Lots of traffic along this road and ATVs after dark. The main campground appears pretty spacious, I think every site was taken. You have to drive through the main campground to get to the trailhead that goes to the lake. Hike to the lake is quite steep but the lake is gorgeous.
Did see a small brown bear in the morning before I left. Would definitely stay here again, might be better towards end of or just before the summer season as the whole Rim Lakes area was pretty packed middle of July. Beautiful area.
AZK would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful campground. ”
Reviewed 9/7/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 4 |
Overall Rating
Went on labor day weekend for the first time. It was very busy. Access is pretty good and even bigger rigs can get pretty deep in. Very beautiful place. A normal weekend would be a bit more relaxing.
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Verizon
Mike S. would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Quiet Spot”
Reviewed 3/2/2018
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
Overall Rating
You have the option to camp at either established camp sites or dispersed campsites. If you want to avoid people in the summer months, I highly recommend the dispersed sites. Great for tents or rv's. Just make sure to bring water.
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Verizon
JDoucette would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
Recreation
- fishing
- recreation trail
- water access
Site Amenities
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- restrooms: vault
Pets
- pets
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