Lockett Meadow Campground


Flagstaff, Arizona
(View other Flagstaff area campgrounds)

Campground contact

Ownership: US Forest Service
Official website: fs.fed.us
Posted by: MountainMan on December 5, 2005
 

Description

The San Francisco Peaks are actually the remains of an extinct volcano. Millions of years ago this great mountain was shattered by an explosion similar to the one that devastated Washington's Mt. Saint Helens in 1980. Inside the now quiet caldera a lush alpine environment has blurred evidence of that cataclysmic event.This small primitive campground offers views of the San Francisco Peaks and camping opportunities in the cool aspen trees that surround Lockett Meadow. This is a terrific campground for those who cherish a real mountain camping experience and love to hike Wilderness trails.The Inner Basin trail that goes into the heart of the ancient volcano begins in beautiful Lockett Meadow. From this island of emerald ringed with aspen and high peaks it follows a primitive road into the mountain's now quiet Inner Basin. Extensive stands of aspens cover the steep slopes of the old caldera coloring them solid gold in early fall. In spring and summer, wildflowers add a sprinkling of blue, red and yellow. Avalanche tracks streak down the talus slopes and remnants of old lava flows bear witness to the mountain's cataclysmic heritage.You may see porcupine and elk or the hermit thrush who sings his best here. Even Black bears have been known to stroll right through groups of picnickers without so much as a glance at their lunches.

Directions

Drive northeast of Flagstaff on US Highway 89 for 12.5 miles to Forest Road 420 directly across from the Sunset Crater National Monument turnoff. Turn left (west) for about 1 mile to Forest Road 552. Turn right at the Lockett Meadow sign and continue to the campground. This dirt road is closed in early spring and late fall due to snow.
 

Activities

Camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, fall colors, photography

Guidebooks

Services

17 single unit sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet. No drinking water availableCampfires are not allowed when the Forest is under Campfire RestrictionsHorses are not allowed in campground or Inner Basin.Mountain Bikes are not permitted in the Kachina Peaks WildernessMotorbikes/ATVs may only be used for entering or leaving campsites and only if they are ""street-legal""14 day Forest stay limit.Pets must always be restrained or on a leash on the Coconino National Forest.

Reservation info

First come, first served.

Fees

Single Family Site Per Night: $8.00. No ""extra vehicle"" fee.

Reviews of Lockett Meadow



Reviewed by Christy Kniseley on July 13, 2011

(5 out of 6 members found this review useful.) Reply to Review
Although I am happy to see this campground listed in the top 100, I am surprised it is so low on the list. As a native, this is my most favorite spot to camp in Arizona. It is just outside of Flagstaff, yet so serene and seemingly isolated it is perfect for relaxing. It is nice because the sites are not too close, and there aren't a ton of them. Sprouting out of the campground are numerous hiking, biking and horse trails.
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