Lockett Meadow Campground Introduce
Nestled high in the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Arizona, Lockett Meadow Campground offers a breathtaking escape into nature. This secluded campground is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its stunning autumn colors and unparalleled access to the Inner Basin. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a family looking for a peaceful retreat, Lockett Meadow provides a unique and memorable camping experience. Its elevation offers a cool respite from Arizona's heat, making it an ideal destination during the warmer months. The serene environment and spectacular natural beauty make it a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with the great outdoors.
The campground's reputation is built on its tranquil atmosphere and the incredible panoramic views it provides. It's a place where you can truly unplug and immerse yourself in the natural world. The aspen groves surrounding the meadow are a sight to behold, especially in the fall when they turn a brilliant gold, drawing photographers and nature lovers from all over the state. Beyond the scenic beauty, the campground serves as a gateway to some of the most rewarding hiking trails in the region, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Please note that due to its high elevation and forest setting, the campground is subject to seasonal closures. It is always a good idea to check with the local Forest Service office for the most current information on road and campground status before planning your trip. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Lockett Meadow Campground is situated at Lockett Meadow Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA. The campground's location in the heart of the Coconino National Forest makes it feel remote and wild, yet it is surprisingly accessible from the Flagstaff area. However, it is crucial for visitors to be aware of the current road conditions. Based on recent visitor feedback, the road leading to the campground can sometimes be closed for vehicle access. This may require an additional hike of several miles to reach the campsite, a detail that adds to the sense of adventure and seclusion for those willing to make the trek.
For those preparing for the journey, it's worth noting that the road to Lockett Meadow is unpaved and can be challenging, particularly for low-clearance vehicles. The scenic drive itself is part of the experience, winding through dense forest and offering glimpses of the stunning landscape. Despite the potential for a longer approach due to road closures, the peaceful solitude that results is often cited by hikers as a major benefit. It allows for a quieter, more intimate encounter with the natural surroundings, free from the usual crowds.
For more information on current road conditions and any alerts, you can contact the campground staff or the local Forest Service office directly. The phone number is (928) 526-0866. This proactive step can save a lot of time and effort and ensures you are prepared for the journey ahead.
Services Offered
- Camping fee: A fee is required for camping at Lockett Meadow Campground. This helps with the maintenance and upkeep of the facilities, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors. The fee structure can vary, so it's best to check the official rates before you arrive.
- Activities: The primary activity is hiking, with direct access to the famous Inner Basin trail. This trail is a highlight for many visitors, offering a unique opportunity to hike through a volcanic caldera.
- Good for kids: The campground and surrounding area are suitable for children. There are kid-friendly hikes and plenty of open space for them to explore and play safely under supervision.
- Dogs allowed: Lockett Meadow Campground is a pet-friendly location. Dogs are welcome, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Please remember to keep them on a leash and clean up after them to preserve the natural environment for everyone.
Features / Highlights
- Stunning Scenery: Located within a beautiful meadow surrounded by aspen and pine trees, the campground is known for its incredible scenic beauty. The views of the San Francisco Peaks are truly magnificent.
- Access to Inner Basin: The campground serves as a primary access point for the Inner Basin Trail, a highly-rated hike that takes you into the heart of a dormant volcano. This unique geological feature is a major draw for experienced hikers.
- Seasonal Aspen Colors: In the fall, the aspen trees transform the meadow into a golden paradise. This spectacular display of autumn colors is a major reason why many people choose to visit Lockett Meadow during October.
- Tranquil and Secluded Atmosphere: Due to its somewhat challenging access and secluded location, the campground often offers a sense of peace and solitude that can be hard to find at other, more crowded camping spots.
- Primitive Camping Experience: While basic amenities are available, the campground offers a more rustic and primitive camping experience, encouraging campers to fully disconnect and embrace nature.
Contact Information
Address: Lockett, Meadow Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USAPhone: (928) 526-0866 or +1 928-526-0866
What is worth choosing
Lockett Meadow Campground stands out as a premier choice for campers in Arizona for several compelling reasons. Its unique location within the San Francisco Peaks offers a distinct high-country experience that is a welcome change from the desert landscape that characterizes much of the state. The breathtaking views, especially during the fall, are simply unmatched and create a perfect backdrop for photography and relaxation.
Furthermore, the campground's proximity to the Inner Basin trail makes it an ideal base camp for serious hikers. The opportunity to explore such a unique and significant geological feature is a major draw. For families, the kid-friendly environment and open spaces provide a safe and fun place for children to learn about nature and enjoy the outdoors. The fact that the campground is also pet-friendly means no one has to be left behind.
The feedback from past visitors, even those who had to hike an extra distance, highlights the rewarding solitude that the place offers. It's a testament to the campground's serene and untouched nature. While the potential for a road closure can be an inconvenience, it also filters out a lot of the casual traffic, leaving the area quieter and more pristine for those who are dedicated to the experience. Ultimately, choosing Lockett Meadow means opting for an authentic, peaceful, and visually stunning camping adventure that is truly one of a kind in the Arizona region. It's an escape that revitalizes the spirit and reconnects you with the natural world in a profound way.
Lockett Meadow Campground Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Activities
- Hiking
Payments
- Camping fee
Children
- Good for kids
- Kid-friendly hikes
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Lockett Meadow Campground Photos










Lockett Meadow Campground Location
Lockett Meadow Campground
Lockett, Meadow Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
Lockett Meadow Campground Reviews
trailaspensvehiclefall colorsoctoberparkingpassengerdirt roadlaneall wheel drive
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Roads closed, no vehicle access, I guess you could hike miles to get there. Looks like they are building or rebuilding a new road?
May 22 · Dan HeatonThe road leading up to the campground is still closed. If you want to hike the Inner Basin, be prepared to hike an extra 3 miles up to the campground. With the road closure, the hike was actually much more enjoyable as there was no one around. I did hear some people off in the distance, but for the most part I spent the afternoon hiking in completely solitude. Disclaimer. These photos are not recent. They were taken almost six weeks ago. At the end of the first week of October.
November 29 · Tinh DuongLockett Meadows during October is beautiful! All of the aspens are golden & it’s such a beautiful hike. It’s harder when the road up the mountain is closed (3.5 miles straight up a mountain took us roughly 2hrs before getting to the trailhead). But overall, so serene. We went during the eclipse & it’s a memory I’ll treasure forever.
January 13 · Cheyene HeidHiked this 10/14/23 - road to the campground is still closed. Expect a 3.2 mile walk (860 elevation gain) to the campground meadow (small thicket of aspens and views up the San Francisco peaks were beautiful) there is a forest service out house style bathroom but NO WATER SOURCES. Then you go a bit farther through the campground to find the actual trail head. Another 2-3 mile walk with almost double the elevation gain before you get into the aspen forest. We did not go quite to the top, but the aspens were beautiful, just a couple switch backs up. 10.5 miles round trip and took us 6 hours with picture and lunch breaks.
October 16 · Sarah ToddThis is by far my most favorite place to visit when I come to Flagstaff. The ride in is a little bumpy but is manageable if you just drive slow. When we arrived it was breathtakingly beautiful! We did make the mistake of driving further up the mountain past the meadow. We got about a mile in and had got stuck in the sand on the cliff. We were terrified. Luckily we were able to back out and drive out the way we came. I just wish there was a more detailed sign saying that the road was more for 4 wheeling and not just a normal car because you will get stuck up there. Probably our bad on going further but I thought there would have been more trees around the mountain. We did have a nice picnic and the area was clean with no trash. I can’t wait to visit again. I miss it already.
September 10 · WarcraftPaladin
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