Nelson Lake
USFS · Camping Area · Dispersed · Free
Fast facts
- Cost
- Free
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Camping Area
- Hours
- Open Year-round but becomes inaccessible during snow events
- Nearest dump station
- Canyon Point Dump Station · 4.2 mi
- Coordinates
- 34.3253, -110.7524
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
NELSON LAKE (Camping Area) is located on Forest Road 300 South toward Black Canyon. The site is just under 1 mile south of AZ State Highway 260. This is a dispersed camping area. When the forest is in fire restrictions NO FIRES are allowed at this location. This camp area is fee free and as such it is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out area. Be a good steward of your public lands and help us keep this area FREE by packing out everything your bring in with you. Please be respectful of campers around you. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. No music, loud generators, loud talking, laughing, or other noisy between these hours.
From the USFS.
Is Nelson Lake free?
Yes. Nelson Lake is free to use. It is managed by the USFS. It is a dispersed area, so there are no hookups, no water and no trash service unless a report below says otherwise.
How do I get to Nelson Lake?
just under one mile south of AZ Highway 260 on Forest Road 300 toward Black Canyon Lake.
What are the rules at Nelson Lake?
Camp within 300 feet of road No amenities are available. This area is pack-it-in / pack-it-out. Please be a good steward of your public land and remove everything you bring in with you. When Fire Restrictions are in effect, no fires are allowed.
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.
