Kehl Springs Campground — Hotel in Four Corners States

My wife, and kids (ages 4 & 1 ) accidentally found Kehl Springs Campground in 1984, after being rained out of Kinnikinick Lake, where we used to go camping for years. Then from 84 to 1991, we went camping there in July, for 2 weeks. It was a free campground, first come first sever, and we learned to get there early in the week. During that time we have camped in all the campsites, except #1, which was the Camp Host site. All the campsites were nice, but #5 was the best. The worst campsites were/are still, #2 and #6, due to there small size. Back then the Spring flowed nicely, and there once was water from the spring, connected to the Cabin style outhouse. The split log fencing was in great condition and one year the fence was damaged near Campsite #5, by 2 large Bulls fighting. One bull pushed the other over the fence, these bulls were hugh, standing over 7 feet tall. The bull pushed over the fence nearly stomped our tent. The camp host called it in and Cowboys came out and moved the bulls out of the area. We stopped going there, due to my job. My son, now in his 40's, suggested we go back to Kehl Spring, so off we went. I forgot to take my National Campground pass, believing it was still free. There's now an $8.00 fee per day, and $4.00 with your Pass, which I did not have with me. So 33 years later, the Split log fence is in poor condition, the old outhouse is gone, and a new cement structure outhouse is there. They now have steel bear boxes. We never saw a bear in the area, back in the day, but I saw 4 bears in 2 days, a sow with 3 cubs along the rim and a large male north of the campsites. The Ranger told me Coco was the name of the sow bear. A lot of pines have fallen inside the campsite and in the forrest around the campsite. They cut the logs up, but did not remove them, which took up space within sites #6 & 7. They have built new log style fencing west of the campsites, they could have continued the new fence around the campsites. The campsites and outhouse are cleaned weekly, as they were years ago. So, all in all, I give Kehl Spring Campground a B grade. It would have gotten an A, if the fencing was fixed or replaced, and the downed pines cleaned up. Oh, back in the day, we would find dozens of Four leaf clovers, I only found one this time, due to all the downed pines, not being cleared away from the clover fields. 4 leaf clover and sow bear...

The cool pines at Kehl Springs ~7500' elevation is one of our favorites, but it seems to be getting a little busier along the rim than it used to be. Be sure to check the Forest Service website before you go to confirm current open status during fire season, whether or not fees are required, etc. Mind the rules regarding fires, pets on leashes, black bear awareness, etc. too. Forest Service comes by several times a day. If you really want a little more privacy, you can always camp dispersed within 300' of the fire roads in most places & there are some spectacular views along the Rim where you can camp, too. Fire restrictions are often greater in dispersed areas, so again, educate yourself before you go. Expect thunderstorms daily later in the summer, they can catch you unprepared with high winds, heavy rain and/or hail if you don't keep an eye out. Overall, great camping, my...

A lovely area only a mile down from a lovely vista. There's no running water, but there are a couple of vault toilets and each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table, with most having nice large logs to sit on, too.

Couldn't have a fire when I was there due to safety concerns, and there was some evidence of the recent wildfires in the area, but it was a really lovely space and a nice cool escape from the heat of the Phoenix valley.

The road up is passable by car, but it is dirt and rather narrow and bumpy, so take care.

The fee when I was there was $8/night. Cash...