Photo: Kaibab National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0

Campgrounds 6,817 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)

Kaibab Lake sits among the diverse landscape of Kaibab National Forest of northern Arizona. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking, as well as for RV and motorhome campers. With Grand Canyon National Park just 60 miles north and several other cultural and historic sites nearby, the location is a hotspot for recreation, learning and sightseeing. Recreation Kaibab Lake is a popular area to join friends or family for a picnic in the cool pines. A number of forest attractions are easily accessed from the campground, such as overlooks, dams and hiking trails. A nature trail wanders through the facility. Swimming is not allowed in the lake, but anglers can take to its shores or deeper waters via an accessible fishing pier and small boat ramp. On clear nights, campers can turn their eyes to the night sky to enjoy spectacular views of summer stars. Facilities The campground offers individual, double and group campsites with picnic tables and campfire rings. Tents, trailers and motor homes up to 40 feet can be accommodated. Campers have the convenience of a group picnic area, restrooms, trash bins and water faucets. Drinking water is provided, however motor homes and RV water tanks cannot be filled due to limited water supply. Firewood bundles and ice can be purchased on site. Natural Features Kaibab National Forest is nestled on the Colorado Plateau, on an area of land that was uplifted by geologic processes. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,800 feet, and pine forests and grass line its shores, while wildflowers add extra color to the landscape in late spring and early summer. Summer temperatures range from 50 degrees at night to 80-90 degrees during the day. Summer thunderstorms, known as the monsoon, can build up quickly, especially during July and August. Snow is common from December through March. Nearby Attractions Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim is about one hour north of the campground. The cities of Williams and Flagstaff have amenities such as shops, restaurants and cultural and historic sites. From canyons to prairies, peaks to plateaus, Kaibab National Forest offers layers of opportunity for peace, solitude and discovery. Over 300 miles of trails, some clinging to the rims of the Grand Canyon, allow visitors to step off the beaten path into uncrowded landscapes. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.

Near Williams, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino

A well-packed bag handles most of what this area can throw at you.

Between the Forest terrain and bear activity, your pack for Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas needs a few specific items.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Water sources marked on maps may be seasonal or dry; carrying enough to complete your route prevents a dangerous shortfall.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Getting lost is the leading cause of backcountry search-and-rescue calls; reliable navigation prevents the situation entirely.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Prolonged sun exposure causes headaches, fatigue, and heat exhaustion that can cut a trip short or create a medical emergency.
First aid kit — Remote locations mean longer response times for help; a first aid kit bridges the gap between injury and professional care.
Extra food — High-energy snacks weigh little but provide crucial fuel if you need to bushwhack out or wait for conditions to improve.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Hands-free light is essential for navigating uneven terrain, setting up camp, or signaling for help at night.
Fire starter — Waterproof matches or a ferro rod weigh almost nothing and can be the difference between a cold night and a survivable one.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — Wind and rain strip heat faster than most people realize; a compact emergency shelter blocks both.
Knife or multi-tool — A multi-tool handles problems you can't predict: jammed zippers, tangled line, first-aid tape cutting, or gear fixes on the trail.
Extra clothing layer — A lightweight fleece or puffy stuffs small but provides critical insulation if temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Many backcountry areas require approved bear canisters; an improperly stored food bag can result in fines and lost supplies.
Bear spray — A 30-foot spray cone gives you a critical buffer zone during a charge, without requiring precise aim under extreme stress.
Bear bell — Bears typically avoid humans when given advance warning; the steady jingle of a bear bell lets them move away before you arrive.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — A companion can help with first aid, signaling, and decision-making if a wildlife encounter turns serious.
Noise maker — Group noise is especially important in dense brush or near berry patches where bears may be feeding and less alert.
Gaiters — Thick gaiters deflect fangs before they reach skin, buying critical time in areas with rattlesnakes or copperheads.
First-aid snakebite kit — Knowing how to immobilize a limb, mark swelling progression, and avoid harmful folk remedies can improve outcomes.

Terrain Gear

SPF50 lip balm — High elevation, snow glare, and desert sun amplify UV exposure on exposed facial skin, especially lips.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino

The Forest terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep is the prime window for visiting Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas, when conditions favor birdwatching and the weather cooperates.

With a photography score of 65/100, Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas offers Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers worth capturing.

Activities

birdwatching — Binoculars and field guides help track seasonal migrations and rare sightings.
boating — Boating provides a different perspective on shorelines and wildlife.
camping — Camping offers campfires, starry nights, and mornings filled with birdsong.
fishing — Fishing blends patience and skill with peaceful waterfront settings.
ice_fishing — Ice fishing requires proper gear and careful attention to ice safety.
ice_skating — Ice skating combines recreation with crisp seasonal air.
photography — Golden hour and dramatic weather can transform ordinary scenes into striking images.
picnicking — Picnicking turns a scenic overlook or shady grove into a memorable gathering spot.
rv_camping — RV camping blends outdoor living with modern amenities.
scuba_diving — Scuba diving reveals reefs, shipwrecks, and aquatic life up close.
sightseeing — Sightseeing highlights iconic vistas, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
snorkeling — Snorkeling offers an accessible way to view reefs and clear waters.
snowshoeing — Snowshoeing opens quiet winter landscapes to exploration.
stargazing — Bring a blanket and let your eyes adjust to witness the Milky Way overhead.
swimming — Swimming adds refreshing fun to a day outdoors.
walking — Walking lets you slow down and notice details — wildflowers, birdsong, shifting light through trees.
wildlife_viewing — Early mornings and dusk offer the best chances to quietly spot native wildlife.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Forest — This terrain features mature trees, fallen logs, and filtered light beneath a closed canopy. Trails may wind through uneven roots and soft organic soil.

Wildlife Safety at Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino

A few species in this area warrant awareness — here's what to keep in mind.

Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas carries a danger score of 45/10, driven primarily by bears.

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (127mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: moderate (Mid latitude (35N), Elevated (6,817ft), Forest canopy (shade))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

Black Bear inhabit the forests around Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas, foraging for berries, insects, and nuts.

Black Bear

Color varies widely from jet black to cinnamon brown, and occasionally blond, sometimes with a pale chest patch.

Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and keep a clean campsite.

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

Watch your step — Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder are present in the Forest habitat around Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas.

Western Diamondback

Typically gray to brown with sharply defined dark diamonds bordered in pale scales.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

Color ranges from greenish-gray to brown, often blending with desert soils.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

Light tan or sandy coloration with darker blotches along the back.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

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 Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino

The Forest terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

Biodiversity at Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas is shaped by the Forest terrain and Temperate climate, producing distinct plant and animal communities.

Trees (3)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — The tree is highly fire-adapted and thrives with periodic low-intensity burns.
Gambel Oak — Leaves turn shades of yellow to reddish-brown in fall.
white fir — It occupies montane forests across the western United States.

Wildflowers (2)

Arizona mariposa lily — Cup-shaped flower with three rounded petals.
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Creamy white five-petaled flowers with yellow centers.

Other Plants (5)

Echinocereus bakeri
great mullein
quaking aspen
alligator juniper
western blue flag

Mammals (8)

Abert's Squirrel — White underside and bushy tail edged in white.
Mule Deer — Coat ranges from tawny brown in summer to gray-brown in winter.
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — Black-tipped tail distinguishes it from some other prairie dogs.
Wapiti — Bulls carry massive branching antlers that can span over four feet.
Rock Squirrel — Stouter and larger than many other ground squirrels.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Streaked brown female
House Sparrow — Plain brown female with buff eyebrow
European Starling — Spotted winter plumage with pale speckles
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Black half-collar on nape
Dark-eyed Junco — Oregon form with dark hood and brown back

Reptiles (5)

Plateau Fence Lizard — Males show blue belly patches.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Color matches surrounding soil in browns and grays.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — Often displays small black spots between the stripes.
Gopher Snake — Head is slightly broader than the neck and often patterned with dark facial markings.
Ornate Tree Lizard — Males may show bluish patches on the belly.

Amphibians (2)

American Bullfrog
Arizona Tree Frog

Insects (10)

Convergent Lady Beetle
Gray Buckeye
Carolina Grasshopper
White-lined Sphinx
Spotted Pine Sawyer

Fungi (1)

lobster mushroom

Other Wildlife (2)

Common Pill Woodlouse
Virile Crayfish

Nature Bingo at Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Abert's Squirrel (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
American Bullfrog (amphibian)
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino Climate & Sun

Use this climate breakdown to plan around the weather.

Temperature and precipitation data for Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas help narrow down the ideal visit window.

Climate type: Temperate

Annual avg temp: 49.3°F

Annual precipitation: 20.3 in

With an average annual temperature of 49.3°F and 20.3 inches of precipitation, Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas has cool, moderate rainfall conditions. Summer highs average around 69°F, while winter lows drop to 33°F.

Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Sep, Oct.

Winter 33°

2.2"

Spring 46°

0.8"

Summer 69°

2.6"

Fall 51°

1.5"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	33°F	2.2 in
Feb	35°F	2.4 in
Mar	40°F	2.0 in
Apr	46°F	0.8 in
May	54°F	0.7 in
Jun	64°F	0.3 in
Jul	69°F	2.6 in
Aug	67°F	3.1 in
Sep	61°F	1.6 in
Oct	51°F	1.5 in
Nov	41°F	1.2 in
Dec	33°F	1.9 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: 5:13 AM – 7:44 PM

Winter: 7:29 AM – 5:17 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:29 AM, Sunset 5:17 PM Golden hour from 4:38 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:13 AM, Sunset 7:44 PM Golden hour from 7:06 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:41 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:10 AM, Sunset 6:37 PM Golden hour from 6:04 PM

Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino Trip Planning & Access

With the lay of the land covered, here are the trip planning details.

At 127 miles from Phoenix, Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas is a short road trip for most visitors.

Nearest city: Phoenix (127 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $31.68 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 102.4 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

Visitor friendliness: families (excellent), dogs (likely_allowed), elderly (highly_suitable).

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Perfect for beginners (Moderate difficulty (+5), Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino

Nearby trails, campgrounds, and attractions expand what you can do on this trip.

Don't limit your trip to just Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas — the surrounding area has 11 more places to discover.

Nearby Trails

Bill Williams Connector Trail, Coconino 4.29 mi
Clover Spring Trail, Coconino 4.4 mi
City of Williams Link, Coconino 4.4 mi
Bill Williams Trail, Coconino 4.43 mi
Ponderosa Nature Trail, Coconino 4.95 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Kaibab Lake Campground (NW, 0mi), Coconino 0.12 mi
Kaibab Lake Group Cg Campground, Coconino 0.5 mi
Kaibab Lake Campground (SE, 1mi), Coconino 0.79 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino

Don't pack up when the sun goes down — the night sky here has plenty to offer.

Night falls differently here — the Bortle 2 rating means Typical truly dark site visibility for stars, planets, and meteor showers.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

Look for Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus — all visible from this location depending on the season.

Ursa Minor — This compact constellation contains Polaris at the end of its handle, a reliable guide to true north.
Cassiopeia — This constellation represents a mythological queen and lies opposite the Big Dipper across Polaris.
Cepheus — Named for a mythological king, this constellation sits beside Cassiopeia and is circumpolar in northern latitudes.

Meteor Showers

For meteor viewing, the Geminids (December 13-14) offers the best show at this location.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
Cold December air often means clear skies—look overhead after midnight for bright, slow-moving meteors.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
Bundle up—January nights are frigid, but dark skies can produce bright fireballs.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
Peak activity typically builds after midnight when Perseus climbs higher.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Southern U.S. observers often get better rates due to the radiant's position.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
This steady shower rewards patient observers in dark, moonless conditions.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

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 Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino

Different seasons reveal different sides of Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas.

Nature at Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas follows a seasonal calendar — here's when to come for what you want to see.

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 6817ft 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 Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino

This landscape holds cultural significance that extends far beyond recreation.

The cultural landscape of Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas reflects the long presence of Hopitutskwa, Havasu Baaja (Havasupai), Hualapai on this land.

Territories

Languages

3 Indigenous languages are associated with the peoples of this area: Havasupai, Hopilavayi, Yavapai.

Data from Native Land Digital

Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas 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: Holocene to middle Pliocene basaltic rocks
Lithology: Major:{basalt}, Minor:{andesite,dacite,rhyolite}
Age: Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 7
Unique Species: 5
Oldest: 283.3 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 59
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Pumice, Volcanic Materials, Sand and Gravel, Construction, Perlite

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Temperature Records

Record High: 120°F (1990-07-01)
Record Low: -30°F (2011-01-01)

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 192
Largest Fire: Rafael (78,064.2 acres)
Most Recent: 2024
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Volcanic rocks with potential for pseudokarst features
Karst Score: 30

Watershed

Watershed: Pitman Valley-Scholz Lake
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Meteorite Landings

Meteorites Found: 1
Largest: San Francisco Mountains (1.7 kg)

Reported Phenomena

UFO Sightings: 2 (NUFORC)
Bigfoot Reports: 1 (BFRO)
Eeriness Score: 22/100

Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas (N, 0mi), Coconino Safety & Conditions

For up-to-the-minute safety information, use these official resources.

Don't rely on forecasts alone — check these live sources for the latest conditions near Kaibab Lake Sites and Group Areas.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: WILLIAMS 0.4 SW, AZ US (3.39 mi)