Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
Campgrounds in Arizona
Photo: Brady Smith; Coconino National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0
Near Mormon Lake, AZ in Arizona
What to Pack for Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.
Don't underpack for Forked Pine Campground. The conditions here — Forest, Temperate, bears — call for thoughtful gear choices.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
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First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
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Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
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Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
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Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
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Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.
Wildlife Gear
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Bear canister — A hard-sided canister protects your food from raccoons, rodents, and other camp raiders too, not just bears.
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Bear spray — Bear spray works on all bear species; keep it in a hip holster for instant access, not buried in your pack.
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Bear bell — On windy trails or near streams where your voice might not carry, a bear bell provides constant, passive noise.
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
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Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
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Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
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First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.
Climate Gear
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Insulated layers — Layering lets you regulate temperature as conditions change, preventing the sweat buildup that causes chills later.
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Hand warmers — Beyond comfort, hand warmers can help treat mild hypothermia by warming blood flowing through the extremities.
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Thermos — A thermos also works in reverse: cold water stays cold in summer heat, encouraging steady hydration.
Terrain Gear
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Headlamp (extra) — A second light source is a fundamental safety redundancy in backcountry travel where help may be hours away.
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Emergency bivy — In remote terrain where rescue may take hours or overnight, a bivy sack can prevent hypothermia in survivable conditions.
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PLB/satellite messenger — Two-way satellite messengers also let you send check-in messages, reducing worry for contacts at home.
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SPF50 lip balm — Reapply every 2 hours and after eating or drinking, as lip balm wears off faster than body sunscreen.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
- Winter: Microspikes/traction devices
Activities & Best Time to Visit Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Activity options at Forked Pine Campground range from casual () to more demanding ().
The scenery here earns a 55/100 photography rating — Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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camping — From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, it's a classic way to immerse yourself in nature.
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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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stargazing — Clear, moonless nights provide the best conditions for celestial viewing.
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walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
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wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Forest — Expect cooler temperatures and higher humidity under tree cover. Wildlife habitat is abundant, especially in mixed hardwood or conifer stands.
Wildlife Safety at Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.
Responsible visitors at Forked Pine Campground should be aware of 2 wildlife-related considerations.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Remote (115mi from city)
- Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Bears
Black Bear have been documented in this area. They're most active from .
Adults typically weigh 150 to 600 pounds, with males substantially larger than females.
If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.
- Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
- Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
- Make noise while hiking
- Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
- Back away slowly if you encounter a bear
Venomous Snakes
3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.
Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.
Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.
Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.
Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.
Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.
Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.
- Watch where you step and place hands
- Stay on trails
- Wear boots and long pants in snake country
- Do not reach under rocks or logs
- If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
- Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol
Nature & Wildlife at Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
From towering to delicate Arizona mariposa lily and Woods' rose, the vegetation here creates habitat for 13 mammal species and 30 birds.
Wildflowers (2)
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Arizona mariposa lily — Slender stem rising from narrow basal leaves. -
Woods' rose — Red rose hips forming after flowering.
Shrubs (2)
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Fourwing Saltbush — Foliage often appears silvery due to salt excretion. -
fernbush — Foliage has a strong resinous scent when crushed.
Other Plants (5)
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Spinystar
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Kingcup Cactus
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Whipple Cholla
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western blue flag
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Green Ephedra
Mammals (13)
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Pronghorn — Built for speed with long legs and large lungs. -
Wapiti — Adults may weigh 500–1,000 pounds. -
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Often stands upright near burrow mounds. -
American Bison — Adults can weigh over 2,000 pounds. -
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — Slender body adapted to hot climates.
Birds (30)
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House Sparrow — Urban plumage often dusted and worn -
Great-tailed Grackle — Iridescent sheen -
Hooded Merganser — Compact diving duck profile -
Brewer's Sparrow — Thin bill -
Black-throated Sparrow — White belly
Reptiles (11)
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Plateau Fence Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long including tail. -
Eastern Collared Lizard — Usually 8–12 inches long. -
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail. -
Prairie Rattlesnake — Usually 3–4 feet long. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long.
Amphibians (4)
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Northern Leopard Frog -
Arizona Tree Frog -
Boreal Chorus Frog -
Mexican Spadefoot
Insects (4)
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Megetra vittata
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Painted Lady -
Convergent Lady Beetle -
White-lined Sphinx
Fungi (1)
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Fly Agaric
Other Wildlife (2)
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Diablo Mountainsnail
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Common Desert Centipede
Nature Bingo at Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino Climate & Sun
The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Forked Pine Campground.
Reference climate data for planning your visit to Forked Pine Campground — temperatures, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Climate type: Temperate
Annual avg temp: 48.4°F
Annual precipitation: 22.2 in
With an average annual temperature of 48.4°F and 22.2 inches of precipitation, Forked Pine Campground has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 68°F, while winter lows drop to 32°F.
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep. Consider avoiding: Dec.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32°F | 2.6 in |
| Feb | 34°F | 2.5 in |
| Mar | 39°F | 2.2 in |
| Apr | 45°F | 1.0 in |
| May | 53°F | 0.7 in |
| Jun | 63°F | 0.3 in |
| Jul | 68°F | 2.3 in |
| Aug | 66°F | 3.3 in |
| Sep | 60°F | 1.9 in |
| Oct | 50°F | 1.5 in |
| Nov | 39°F | 1.6 in |
| Dec | 32°F | 2.3 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.
Summer: 5:10 AM – 7:40 PM
Winter: 7:26 AM – 5:15 PM
Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino Trip Planning & Access
Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.
Here are the logistics for getting to Forked Pine Campground and what to expect on arrival.
Visitor Friendliness
Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (highly_suitable).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent
- Elderly: highly_suitable
- Strollers: excellent (100/100)
- Beginners: Good starting point
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)
Places Near Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.
Close-by alternatives and additions to your Forked Pine Campground visit include these 14 destinations.
Nearby Trails
- Narrows Trail, Coconino 6.58 mi
- Mormon Mountain Trail, Coconino 6.91 mi
- Dairy Springs Loop (frd), Coconino 7 mi
- Lakeview Trail, Coconino 8.44 mi
- Navajo Springs Trail, Coconino 8.68 mi
Nearby Campgrounds
- Ashurst Lake Campground, Coconino 0.62 mi
- Pinegrove Campground, Coconino 3.7 mi
- Dairy Springs Campground, Coconino 6.43 mi
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.
The darkness at Forked Pine Campground is rated Bortle class 3, offering Rural sky conditions year-round.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus.
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Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole. -
Cassiopeia — Visible year-round in northern states, Cassiopeia is especially prominent in autumn evenings. -
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.
Meteor Showers
The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.
Planets
Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:
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Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star -
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky -
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light -
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue
Equipment Guide
- Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
- Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
- Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune
Viewing Tips
- Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
- Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
- Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
- Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
- Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
- Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)
Best Viewing Months
- Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
- Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep
Seasonal Highlights at Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.
The experience at Forked Pine Campground shifts with the seasons. Here's a month-by-month overview.
Spring Wildflowers
Peak bloom: March - April
Check local park websites for bloom reports
Fall Foliage
Peak color: September 15 – October 10
Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak
At 7129ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier
Bird Migration
Spring peak: April - May
Fall peak: September - October
Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges
Indigenous Land at Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino
The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.
Before trails were marked here, Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Ndee/Nnēē: (Western Apache) knew this land intimately.
Territories
Languages
The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Dilzhę́’é (North), Hopilavayi.
Data from Native Land Digital
Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Forked Pine Campground sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.
Bedrock Geology
- Rock Type
- Permian sedimentary rocks
- Formation
- Kaibab Formation; Toroweap Formation; Coconino Sandstone
- Lithology
- Major:{sandstone,limestone}, Minor:{chert}
- Age
- Permian
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 23
- Unique Species
- 21
- Oldest
- 274.4 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 21
- Richness
- Moderate
- Minerals Found
- Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Silica, Perlite
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 105°F (2021-07-10)
- Record Low
- -9°F (1963-01-13)
Wildfire History
This area has a high wildfire risk. Check current fire conditions before visiting and follow all fire restrictions. Campfires may be banned during dry seasons.
- Recorded Fires
- 14
- Largest Fire
- Jacket (17,218.5 acres)
- Most Recent
- 9999
- Fire Risk
- High
Caves & Karst Features
- Feature Types
- Carbonate rocks at or near the land surface in a dry climate
- Karst Score
- 40
Watershed
- Watershed
- Middle Padre Canyon
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0%
Meteorite Landings
- Meteorites Found
- 3
- Largest
- Canyon Diablo (30000 kg)
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 1 (NUFORC)
- Eeriness Score
- 2/100
Forked Pine Campground #2 (N, 0mi), Coconino Safety & Conditions
Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.
Before any visit to Forked Pine Campground, a quick check of these official sources can prevent surprises.
Coordinates: 35.02316, -111.39841