Bear Canyon Lake Cg
USFS · Camping Area · Free
Fast facts
- Cost
- Free
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Camping Area
- Hours
- Open daily May 1 - November
- Reservations
- fs.usda.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Woods Canyon Dump Station · 6.9 mi
- Coordinates
- 34.4056, -111.0076
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
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 in the early 1960s. Despite being 14 miles from Arizona Highway 260 and having few amenities, it draws many visitors. The partially developed campground which is set among the mixed conifer, oak and aspen, is free for use and as such 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 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.
From the USFS.
Is Bear Canyon Lake Cg free?
Yes. Bear Canyon Lake Cg is free to use. It is managed by the USFS.
How do I get to Bear Canyon Lake Cg?
Camping area is located on Forest Road 89A on the ridge above Bear Canyon Lake. 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.
What are the rules at Bear Canyon Lake Cg?
Bear Canyon Lake and Camp Area are Pack-it-in Pack-it-out. Be prepared to bring all your trash home with you. When the forest is in fire restrictions, NO fires are allowed at Bear Canyon. Bear Canyon Lake Campground is a Pack-it-in Pack-it-out area. NO TRASH SERVICE available. Help keep this area free of charge and clean up all trash you bring in or create. Leave the area better than you found it. If the forest is not in fire restrictions and you chose to have build a campfire, Be sure to have a shovel and at least 10 gallons of water to put it out. Use existing campfire rings, keep fires small fully within the ring. Campfires must be be attended at all times. Fully extinguish fire before going to bed or if you leave the area.
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
