Photo: Kaibab National Forest / CC BY-SA 2.0

Campgrounds 7,089 ft Bortle 3 Solitude: 95/100 (remote)

Dogtown Lake offers a scenic setting convenient to Grand Canyon National Park and the cities of Williams and Flagstaff, Arizona. The campground is situated in a pine forest along the shore of a small and scenic lake. Visitors come here to hike, fish, mountain bike and explore the area's cultural and natural history. It's also a great place to relax and enjoy the sound of the wind in the pines and the spectacular view of nearby Bill Williams Mountain. Recreation Campers are drawn to the area's hiking and fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked with trout, crappie and channel catfish. Visitors can enjoy a guided nature trail near the lake and a hiking trail that leads to a scenic overlook of the area from the top of nearby Davenport Hill. The calm waters are inviting for canoes, kayaks and electric motorboats. Single motors of one horsepower or less are permitted. Facilities The campground offers 50 individual campsites, four double sites and one group site that can host up to 80 people overnight. All sites are accessible. The sites are level with pull-through and back-in options for RVs. Restrooms, garbage bins and water faucets are available, however, there is no dump station at the facility. Natural Features Kaibab National Forest is nestled on the Colorado Plateau, an area of land that was uplifted by geologic processes. Dogtown Lake sits at an elevation of 7,050 feet. The lake got its name from the extensive prairie dog "towns" that once covered open areas near the lake. In spite of the name, this medium-sized body of water is surrounded by trees. 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. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888. Nearby Attractions Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim is just over 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.

Near Williams, AZ in Arizona

What to Pack for Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

Based on the terrain, climate, and wildlife at Dogtown Lake Campground and Group, here's what to bring.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Terrain Gear

Headlamp (extra) — Remote terrain often takes longer than expected to navigate; a backup headlamp prevents being stranded in darkness if your primary fails.
Emergency bivy — An emergency bivy sack weighs 4-8 ounces and provides wind and rain protection if an injury, storm, or navigation error forces an unplanned night out.
PLB/satellite messenger — A Personal Locator Beacon sends your GPS coordinates to search-and-rescue via satellite, working anywhere on Earth with no cell signal needed.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

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

Activities & Best Time to Visit Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino

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

Dogtown Lake Campground and Group supports 17 outdoor activities, with birdwatching being the most popular draw.

Photographers rate this area 55/100, with Good dark sky (Bortle 3) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

birdwatching — Spot and identify birds in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal habitats.
boating — Explore lakes, rivers, or coastal waters by motorboat or sailboat.
camping — Spend the night outdoors in a tent or campsite under open skies.
canoeing — Paddle lakes and gentle rivers in an open canoe.
fishing — Cast a line in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters in pursuit of local fish species.
horseback_riding — Explore trails and open landscapes from the saddle.
kayaking — Paddle through calm lakes, winding rivers, or coastal inlets in a small, maneuverable craft.
mountain_biking — Ride off-road trails that wind through forests, deserts, and mountain terrain.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
rv_camping — Travel with the comforts of home while staying in campgrounds or RV parks.
sightseeing — Take in scenic overlooks, landmarks, and natural features at a relaxed pace.
snowshoeing — Traverse snowy trails using wide snowshoes that distribute weight over soft terrain.
stargazing — Far from city lights, the night sky reveals constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
swimming — Cool off in designated lakes, rivers, or ocean beaches during warm weather.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

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

Terrain: Forest — Forests are dominated by dense tree cover, layered canopies, and shaded understories. Ground conditions vary from leaf litter to mossy soils, with limited visibility off trail.

Wildlife Safety at Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

With a danger score of 45/10, Dogtown Lake Campground and Group has a few wildlife hazards worth preparing for.

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

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (122mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: moderate (Mid latitude (35N), Elevated (7,089ft), Forest canopy (shade))

Photo score: 55/100

Good dark sky (Bortle 3)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

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

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

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

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

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

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

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 Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino

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

Dogtown Lake Campground and Group sits within a Forest ecosystem home to 8 documented mammal species and 30 bird species.

Trees (3)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine is a large, long-needled conifer adapted to dry, high-elevation forests.
Gambel Oak — Gambel oak is a small to medium deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves that resemble classic oak shapes.
white fir — White fir is a tall evergreen with soft, bluish-green needles that curve upward from the twig.

Wildflowers (2)

Arizona mariposa lily — White to pale pink petals with deep purple markings.
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Other Plants (5)

Echinocereus bakeri
great mullein
quaking aspen
alligator juniper
western blue flag

Mammals (8)

Abert's Squirrel — A gray tree squirrel with distinctive long ear tufts in winter.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — A stout, burrowing rodent with tan to brown fur and short tail.
Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Male black with red and yellow shoulder patch
House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib
European Starling — Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Pale gray-beige body
Dark-eyed Junco — Slate-gray form with white belly

Reptiles (5)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — A slender snake with longitudinal yellow or cream stripes over a dark brown, gray, or greenish body.
Gopher Snake — A large tan or yellowish snake with dark brown blotches along the back.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.

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 Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (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

Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The climate at Dogtown Lake Campground and Group averages °F annually, with Unknown conditions.

Climate type: Unknown

Winter 0°

2.4"

Spring 0°

0.9"

Summer 0°

3.4"

Fall 0°

1.3"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	0°F	2.4 in
Feb	0°F	2.2 in
Mar	0°F	1.7 in
Apr	0°F	0.9 in
May	0°F	0.8 in
Jun	0°F	0.3 in
Jul	0°F	3.4 in
Aug	0°F	3.0 in
Sep	0°F	1.7 in
Oct	0°F	1.3 in
Nov	0°F	1.3 in
Dec	0°F	2.6 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 – 7:43 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 7:43 PM Golden hour from 7:06 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:40 AM, Sunset 6:35 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:10 AM, Sunset 6:37 PM Golden hour from 6:03 PM

Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Dogtown Lake Campground and Group — here's the practical information you'll need.

The nearest major city to Dogtown Lake Campground and Group is Phoenix, about 122 miles away.

Nearest city: Phoenix (122 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $30.46 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 98.4 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Good information available (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (95/100)

Campground Details

Reservable

Places Near Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

There are 10 outdoor destinations within easy reach of Dogtown Lake Campground and Group.

Nearby Trails

Davenport Hill Trail, Coconino 0.06 mi
Ponderosa Nature Trail, Coconino 0.26 mi
Dogtown Lake Trail, Coconino 0.85 mi
Benham Trail, Coconino 2.81 mi
Summit Mountain Trail, Coconino 5.58 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

Dogtown Lake Group Site, Coconino 0.09 mi
Kaibab Lake Campground (SE, 1mi), Coconino 4.41 mi

Stargazing & Night Sky at Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

The skies above Dogtown Lake Campground and Group register a Bortle class 3, making this a Rural sky location for stargazing.

Bortle 3 Rural sky

Constellations

From Dogtown Lake Campground and Group, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

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 Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Dogtown Lake Campground and Group.

The seasons shape the experience at Dogtown Lake Campground and Group — here's what each one brings.

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 7089ft 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 Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino

This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.

Dogtown Lake Campground and Group sits on the traditional lands of Hopitutskwa, Hohokam.

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Hopilavayi, Yavapai.

Data from Native Land Digital

Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Dogtown Lake Campground and Group 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

Dogtown Lake Campground and Group (N, 0mi), Coconino Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check current conditions at Dogtown Lake Campground and Group before heading out using these official sources.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: WILLIAMS, AZ US (4.42 mi)