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Lake Mary (Day Use + Nearby Camping)

Upper Lake Mary shoreline with San Francisco Peaks in the distance
Upper Lake Mary panorama Boat ramp and day-use area Paddling on calm water Shoreline fishing Pine shade by the lake Evening light on the water Road along Lake Mary
Day UsePaddlingFishingFamily FriendlyFlagstaff Area
Overview

A quick Flagstaff lake day-use hub for paddling, fishing, and shoreline time, with actual camping handled at nearby campgrounds.

Lake Mary is where you go when you want water and pine air without committing to a long dirt approach. There are day-use pull-offs, a boat ramp, and plenty of shoreline for a couple of chairs and a cooler. It is not a lakeshore-camping scene - overnighting is pushed to established campgrounds just up the road.

Water levels swing with the season, wind can stack whitecaps in the afternoon, and sun bakes the shoreline. Plan a morning paddle, a picnic under the pines, and sunset back at camp a few minutes away.

Best for
Day-use water time, quick family outings, calm-morning paddles, and campers staying nearby at Pinegrove or Lakeview.
Watch out for
Afternoon wind, variable water levels, and no lakeside camping.

Best version of the trip: paddle early, bring shade, then return to Pinegrove, Lakeview, Ashurst, or Mormon Lake to camp.

At a Glance
Region
SE of Flagstaff - Upper Lake Mary
Elevation
~6,900 ft
Access
Paved Lake Mary Rd (FH 3)
Best Season
Late spring-fall
Activities
Picnic, kayak/SUP, fishing, birding
Services
Day-use areas; no lakeside camping
Nearest Camping
Pinegrove CG, Lakeview CG, Ashurst Lake CG, Mormon Lake
Cell
Generally decent along the road; varies by cove
Coordinates (area)
35.0830° N, 111.5320° W
Getting There

From Flagstaff, head south on Lake Mary Road (FH 3). Signed day-use areas and pull-outs line both Upper and Lower Lake Mary.

  1. Pick a cove with wind protection if you plan to paddle or picnic.
  2. Use designated lots - shoulder parking is tight on weekends.
  3. Camp setup? Head to Pinegrove/Lakeview/Ashurst after your session.

Mornings are calmer. If wind is up, hug the shoreline and keep a low profile on the water.

Camping Info (Nearby)
  • Where to camp: Pinegrove Campground and Lakeview Campground sit near Upper Lake Mary; Ashurst Lake CG and Mormon Lake are a short drive.
  • Lakeshore rules: No dispersed camping on the shoreline. Use established sites and pads in designated campgrounds.
  • Reservations: Weekends fill - book ahead in peak season or arrive early for first-come sites where offered.
  • Fires: Only when restrictions allow; use existing rings and cold-out fully.
My Notes

Lake Mary is my Flagstaff reset button. I aim for a shaded pull-out, launch the kayak at first light, and bail before the chop. If I am camping, I keep the full setup at Pinegrove or Ashurst and treat the lake like an afternoon field trip.

  • Timing: Sunrise paddle > afternoon wind. Bring a warm layer - elevation air is crisp.
  • Parking: Weekends get busy; a little patience finds a quieter cove.
  • Photos: Best on calm mornings - mirror water with the Peaks behind.
Choose It / Skip It
Good fit
You already have camp nearby and want an easy water day, a morning paddle, shoreline lunch, or a simple Flagstaff reset without driving farther into the forest.
Bad fit
You are looking for actual lakeside camping, guaranteed calm water, or a quiet weekend shoreline. Lake Mary is best treated as the activity, not the overnight plan.
Gear I Used

Gear that actually helped on this trip.

Map
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