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Bear Canyon Lake and Camping Area
A beautiful, narrow, canyon-bound lake, accessible by foot trail only, Bear Canyon Lake is one of several in a series of fishing lakes built by Arizona Game and Fish Department. Despite being several miles down a dirt road and having few amenities, it draws many visitors. The partially developed campground which is set among the mixed conifer, oak and aspen, has only limited amenities. Bear Canyon Lake is a "Pack it in - Pack it out" area. There is NO GARBAGE SERVICE. Please be good stewards of the land and leave the area better than how you found it.
For purposes of fire restrictions, this campground is considered to be an 'undeveloped' campground. No fires will be permitted when fire restrictions are in effect for the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest.
At an elevation of 7,560, Bear Canyon Lake consists of 60 surface acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet. Because of its depth, this lake has no water quality problems. The Arizona Department of Game and Fish stocks it with catchable-sized rainbow trout about six times each year.
Arizona fishing regulations apply. Please refer to the current year fishing regulations brochure produced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for further details on licensing requirements, daily bag limits, and other restrictions. Boat motors are restricted to electric motors only.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | This is a first come first serve campground. |
|---|---|
| Area Amenities: | Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Toilets |
| Fees: | There is no fee to camp. |
| Open Season: | April 15 |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Best Season: | Fall |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | For purposes of fire restrictions, this area is considered "undeveloped". No campfires are allowed when campfire restrictions are in effect for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. |
| Closest Towns: | Nearest full service community is Heber Overgaard, AZ, 25 miles East via Hwy 260 or Payson, AZ, 33 miles West via Hwy 260. |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilets - seasonally |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Black Mesa Ranger District (928) 535-7300 |
General Information
Directions:Just off Bear Canyon Lake, approximately 14 miles northwest of State Highway 260 on Forest Road 89. Forest Road 89 is accessed via Forest Road 300 which is located directly across from the Rim Visitor Information Station or 25 miles west of Heber, Arizona.
General Notes:
- Rustic environment
- Provide your own water.
- Gas, phone, and groceries are available 20 miles east at Forest Lakes.
- Pack it in Pack it out.
- Leave area clean for next occupant.
- Semi-primitive or rustic campsites.
- Trail access to lake.
- Rustic toilets.
Activities
Dispersed Camping
Lake and Pond Fishing
Amenities
| Camping trailer: | |
|---|---|
| Tent camping: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Rustic |
| Accessible: | No |