Pine Grove Campground

Pine Grove Campground shaded site near Lake Mary
Shaded loop Camp table and ring Ponderosa stand Road to Lake Mary Evening light Water/notice board Camp setup
ReservableFamily FriendlyLake Mary AreaVault ToiletsWater (Seasonal)
Overview

The Lake Mary access pick: developed shade, paved approach, and an easier path to water-focused days.

Pine Grove is the one I would pick when Upper Lake Mary is part of the plan. The campground itself is not exotic, but the location makes paddling, fishing, and morning lake laps simpler than the Mormon Lake-side options.

Compared with Dairy Springs, it feels more tied to the Lake Mary corridor. Compared with Double Springs, it is less tucked away and more useful when the day is going to revolve around water.


Best for
Lake Mary days, families with boats or boards, and campers who want paved access plus shade.
Watch out for
Busier corridor feel, reservation pressure, variable cell, and seasonal water.

Best version of the trip: camp in the trees, get to Lake Mary early, and come back before the afternoon traffic and wind build.

At a Glance
Region
SE of Flagstaff — Lake Mary corridor
Elevation
~6,900 ft
Access
Paved (FH 3) to campground
Season
Typically late spring–fall
Sites
Tent/RV; no hookups
Facilities
Tables, rings, vault toilets, water (seasonal)
Reservations
Recreation.gov recommended
Cell
Spotty to decent along corridor
Coordinates (area)
35.0500° N, 111.4550° W
Getting There

From Flagstaff, head south on Lake Mary Road (FH 3). Pine Grove is signed; approach is fully paved.

  1. Top off fuel, ice, and water in Flagstaff; the corridor is easy but not full-service.
  2. Expect FH 3 traffic to include cyclists, boat trailers, wildlife, and people searching for turnoffs.
  3. Check the kiosk for fire status and water updates before you commit to the first site that looks open.

If the lake is the reason for the trip, Pine Grove beats the Mormon Lake-side campgrounds on simple access.

Before You Go
Reminders
  • Bring water for camp and lake cleanup; do not depend on seasonal spigots.
  • Stage boards, fishing gear, or day-use bags where they can leave early.
  • Expect more corridor movement than the Mormon Lake-side campgrounds.
  • Put food away before lake walks; small camp wildlife is persistent.
  • Pack sun protection for the lake and a warmer layer for camp.
Camping Info
  • Site feel: Developed and convenient, with the lake corridor doing most of the work.
  • Lake setup: Keep boats, boards, fishing gear, and towels accessible for early starts.
  • Hookups: None; check posted generator hours before assuming you can run power.
  • Fires: Only when restrictions allow; afternoon wind can make small fires smarter than big ones.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets; bring sanitizer and a light for after-dark walks.
  • Pets: Leash in camp and watch paws on warm pavement and rough shoreline paths.
  • Nearby: Upper Lake Mary day-use, boat access, fishing pullouts, and nearby Flagstaff backup.
My Notes

Pine Grove is the practical lake-day choice. I would not choose it for solitude; I would choose it because camp, shade, and Lake Mary access line up cleanly.

  • Choose over Dairy Springs: when the lake plan matters more than the Mormon Lake campground feel.
  • Choose over Double Springs: when you would rather trade quiet for easier Lake Mary access.
  • Setup: keep paddle or fishing gear easy to reach; burying it under camp bins defeats the point of this location.
Choose It / Skip It
Good fit
Lake Mary days, families with boats or boards, and campers who want paved access plus shade.
Bad fit
Busier corridor feel, reservation pressure, variable cell, and seasonal water.
Gear I Used

Gear that actually helped on this trip.

Map
FIND THE NEXT GREAT CAMPSITE

Find the next great spot that fits your trip.

Use the buttons to explore the many camp locations we have catalogued.
See all camp locations →

Contact

Tell me what you're building, fixing, or trying to figure out. I'll read it and get back to you.