Arizona · Camping

Nelson Lake

free
fee
Apr–Oct
best months

Is Nelson Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. It doesn't name Nelson Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 7,662 ft
  • Black Mesa Ranger DistrictApache-Sitgreaves National Forests

Nelson Lake is a Forest Service campground in the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona, about 0.2 miles from Brookbank campground. The site itself has no fee, and the Forest Service manages the land. The most comfortable months for a visit are late spring and early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Heber weather station, which sits roughly 1,000 feet below the campground, run from highs around 71°F in May to about 75°F in September. Winter highs there average in the mid-40s. Several other places lie within a short drive. Black Canyon Rim Campground is about 1.5 miles away, and the Hangman hike is about 1.7 miles off. Black Canyon Lake Fishing and Boating Site is about 2.8 miles away, and Willow Springs Lake Fishing and Boating Site is about 7.6 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Nelson Lake

    Best months: April–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      46° / 20°

    2. Feb

      50° / 23°

    3. Mar

      57° / 28°

    4. Apr

      64° / 32°

    5. May

      71° / 39°

    6. Jun

      82° / 48°

    7. Jul

      83° / 56°

    8. Aug

      81° / 55°

    9. Sep

      75° / 47°

    10. Oct

      67° / 36°

    11. Nov

      55° / 27°

    12. Dec

      46° / 20°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Heber (Black Mesa) Rs, AZ, 12 mi away at 6,590 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.