Description
To camp in the heart of the San Francisco Peaks, also known as the Kachina Peaks, look no further than Lockett Meadow Campground. At 8,544 feet, Lockett Meadow is perched at the base of this ancient stratovolcano's collapsed eastern face. Just a few feet from the campground is a trailhead leading up into the aspen-covered Inner Basin caldera, where additional trails take campers to the volcano’s rim and the summit of Humphreys Peak. The 17 campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet, though there is no water at this primitive campground. The dirt road approach is rugged as well, and not recommended for RVs or trailers. The campground is part of the Coconino National Forest, and Flagstaff is just 40 minutes away.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Lockett Meadow Campground’s open season depends on snowpack, but it typically begins in mid-May and ends in mid-October. The campground may be open, though unmaintained, during the off-season as well. In summer, you’ll find an array of wildflowers at Lockett Meadow and the Inner Basin. Come fall, the aspens in the caldera and on the volcano’s slopes turn a beautiful golden hue. Contact the Flagstaff ranger station at (928) 526-0866 for information on the current season’s opening dates, and pack for the possibility of rain and cold weather during all seasons.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
Although no biking is allowed in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, a network of US Forest Service roads near this campground are fa...Read more
Hiking
The Inner Basin Trail starts near Lockett Meadow and leads to the crater at the base of the towering San Francisco Peaks, an ar...Read more
Climbing
Multiple trad, sport, and boulder climbing sites sit within an hour of Lockett Meadow, including Hobo Jungle, Ghost Town, and t...Read more
Wildlife watching
Lockett Meadow is home to elk, porcupines, and black bears, among other critters.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Lockett Meadow Campground.
12 Reviews
This is a very nice remote place to camp at, however it is over run with NAU students in the camp ground. I was there last Friday night and a group of five guys were making loud noises all night. It sounded as if they were shaping sheet metal with loud banging. They then started back up with the loudness at 6:00am! During the day you have massive amounts of cars arriving from the valley to do day hiking. The camping areas are bathed in dust all day as cars come and go. Over all the area is over stressed with people using the facilities. If you want a nice quite camping experience I would skip this place!
One of the best campgrounds in AZ - imo. Stock up in Flag just before heading out of town and get into the wilderness! It's a 3 mile uphill drive along a very well maintained dirt road that does get narrow as it winds it way up to the meadow. There are only a couple of sites at Lockett so get there early (first come first serve basis). $14 per site - up to 8 people max in each. The open season is May-October 12. It is free outside of the open season dates, but this area does close down once the road is deemed too dangerous in the winter.
The meadow is tucked away affording views of the surrounding San Francisco Peaks Wilderness. Solitude and beauty are your compadres here. Fall is probably the primo time to visit.
Lockett Meadow in Fall = Aspens raining thousands of bright yellow leaves on your head, perpetual views of the Flagstaff area, snowpeak mountain tops behind you, and endless trails to venture upon with any outdoor seeker. This past weekend, a friend and I camped at spot 15 in Lockett Meadow and were gifted with one of our favorite camping experiences in AZ. The campground has huge group sites, but also small pieces of solitude.
Some notes:
- The forest road to Lockett Meadow is a well-maintained dirt road but does climb alongside a cliff so drive slowly and carefully. I drove in a small Chrysler with no 4-wheel drive - any car should make it.
- Lockett Meadow campground is right near the Inner Basin trailhead.
- Reserve far ahead!
- Park
- Coconino National Forest
- State
- Arizona
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (928) 527-3600
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 35.359° N, 111.621° W
- $14/night
- Tent / Van: 17 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
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